Looking for help?
Find answers to your questions
- How do I remove the flow restrictor from a shower head?
- Do tub fillers compatible with the FS500V valve have a temperature limiting ring?
- Which Artos shower valve set-up is best for my needs?
- How do I increase the flow on my Artos F402-2 tub filler?
- Why are open waterfall tub spouts not available in matte black?
- How do I install a shower body jet with a male connection?
- How do I replace the cartridge on my Artos F802-2 tub filler?
- How does the Artos 10" round rain showerhead work?
- How does the Artos 10" square rain showerhead work?
- How does the Artos 12" round rain showerhead work?
- How does the Artos 12" square rain showerhead work?
- How does the Artos 6" round rain showerhead work?
- How does the Artos 6" square rain showerhead work?
- How does the Artos 8" round rain showerhead work?
- How does the Artos 8" square rain showerhead work?
- How does the Artos multifunction shower head work?
- Is a rain showerhead right for me?
- Why does my shower arm escutcheon not fit on the shower arm?
- Why is the spout on my Artos F501-8-1 faucet wobbly or leaking?
- How do I install a flow restrictor for my hand shower?
- How does the Artos Milan faucet work?
- How do I increase the flow rate of my Artos FS310 faucet?
- How do I remove the aerator on the FS308
- Why does my Artos Quarto faucet handle not stay open?
- Why is my Artos F701-1 faucet leaking from under the handle?
- How do I replace the cartridge on my single hole faucet?
- Why isn’t my towel hot on my Artos towel dryer?
- How do I set up the programmable timer for my Artos towel dryer?
- Can I install my towel dryer with the heating element facing up?
- Can I reposition the heating element from my Artos towel dryer?
- How do I clean my towel dryer?
- How do I hang towels on my Artos Cadiz towel dryer?
- How do I replace the heating element for my Artos towel dryer?
- How do I top off my fluid-filled towel dryer?
- How hot should my towel dryer get?
- How long are the mounting brackets for Artos towel dryers?
- What are Artos towel dryers made of?
- What are the differences between plug-in and hardwired towel dryers?
- What comes included with my Artos towel dryer?
- What side of Artos towel dryers is the heating element installed on?
- Why do hydronic towel dryers need to be on a closed loop system?
- Why is my hydronic towel dryer leaking?
- Why is the timer for my towel dryer not working?
- F973VO vs. F973AVO – What’s the Difference?
- How to Turn The F980V Handle Trim Into a Single Function System
- What temperatures are possible with a thermostat valve?
- How to Tell If Your Thermostat Valve Is Plumbed Backward
- How to install the diverter cartridge from the Artos F943-VO valve
- Which Artos shower valve set-up is best for my needs?
- What is water hammer and how do I fix it?
- Why am I unable to turn the thermostat handle on my valve?
- How do I increase the water temperature on my Artos F904A-VO valve?
- How do I recalibrate my Artos thermostat valve?
- How do I replace the cartridges on my Artos F943-VO valve?
- How do I troubleshoot my Artos F943-VO valve?
- How Does The Artos F903A-40VO Valve Work?
- How does the Artos F943-VO valve work?
- How far should I open the service stops on my thermostat valve?
- How to install, calibrate, maintain, and service your Artos F904A-VO valve
- Why are the spindles on the Artos F943-VO valve too long?
- Why has my Artos F904A-VO valve cartridge separated while removing it?
- Why is my Artos F943-VO valve leaking from the diverter cartridge?
- Why is the diverter handle hard to turn on the Artos F943-VO valve?
- Why is the water not hot enough from the Artos F904A-VO valve?
How do I remove the flow restrictor from a shower head?
Are you experiencing reduced shower head due to a restrictive flow restrictor? Fortunately, you can easily address this issue by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Identify the Flow Restrictor
Begin by locating the flow restrictor within your shower head. The flow restrictor is a small plastic device typically found within the showerhead assembly. It is designed to limit the amount of water flowing through the showerhead to conserve water and energy.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
To remove the flow restrictor, you'll need a few basic tools. You can use a paper clip or a small pick tool. Ensure that the tool you choose is small enough to fit inside the flow restrictor opening.
Step 3: Access the Flow Restrictor
Be sure to turn off the water supply before attempting this step to prevent any water from leaking or spraying.Unscrew the shower head from the water supply pipe/shower arm. Depending on your showerhead model, this may involve simply twisting it counterclockwise or using a wrench. Once the shower head is removed you should see a mesh screen gasket on the inside of the shower head connection. The mesh screen gasket can be removed and cleaned of any debris or build up. Set aside for now.
Step 4: Remove the Flow Restrictor
Now that you have access to the interior of the showerhead, locate the flow restrictor. It is a bright colored plastic component found inside the center of the showerhead. Insert your paper clip or pick tool into the flow restrictor opening. Gently pry it out. Be cautious not to damage the surrounding components.
Step 5: Reassemble the Showerhead
With the flow restrictor successfully removed, add the mesh gasket back in and reassemble the shower head by screwing it back onto the water supply pipe. Ensure it is securely fastened.
Step 6: Test Your Shower
Turn on the water supply and test your shower head. You should notice an improvement in water flow, providing you with a more satisfying shower experience.
By following these steps, you can easily remove the flow restrictor from your handheld shower or shower head and enjoy a more robust water flow. Keep in mind that removing the flow restrictor may increase water usage, so use this modification responsibly, especially if you are concerned about water conservation.
Updated on 18 May 2026
Was this article helpful?
Thanks for your feedback.
