Please keep in mind that all new faucets since 1994 are restricted to conserve water per EPA code mandates. Older faucets had no restrictions. Beyond intentional flow restriction, new installations can sometimes have reduced flow if the lines are not flushed prior to installation of aerators or shower heads.
Since the EPA limits water flow at 2.2 gpm, most modern faucets now come with a pre-installed aerator that limits the flow to 2.2 gpm while also infusing the water stream with air to reduce splashing.
This is common in some faucets recently installed, especially if the aerator screen is exposed to debris before threading it onto the spout. Dirt sent into the faucet and through the cartridge holes may lodge in the aerator as well.
If you want to increase pressure, you can try cleaning the aerator, rinsing the filter, or flushing the water supply lines. You can also fine-tune the shut-off valves to increase and decrease pressure. When you're finished, your faucet should run like new!
Federal standards mandate that for water conservation purposes, all bathroom faucets sold in the U.S. after 1994 have to have a flow rate of no more than 2.2 GPM at a water pressure of 60 psi (pounds per square inch).
When it comes to Shower Heads, you'll typically find 2.5 GPM, 2.0 GPM, 1.8 GPM and 1.5 GPM. If you're looking for the most pressure, go for the 2.5 GPM Flow Rate, unless you are restricted because you reside in California, Colorado or New York. Again, this has been the Maximum Flow Rate since 1992.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Program released a specification for residential bathroom lavatory faucets and faucet accessories (e.g., aerators and laminar devices) requiring a maximum flow rate of 1.5 gpm or less, a 32% decrease in flow rate over the federal standard.
Why does my faucet have low water pressure? Remove the aerator or showerhead and make sure the debris screen is not clogged. Additionally, flushing the system properly will help to reduce the possibility and frequency of occurrences.
Leaky, corroded and clogged pipes can lead to low water pressure in the shower. The showerhead might be so old it needs to be replaced. The shower controls could also be responsible for flow issues.
Low water pressure in the bathroom is an indication that something is not quite right within your bathroom's plumbing systems. While several factors can cause weak water pressure, common culprits include a broken pressure regulator, faulty water heater, clogged fixtures, or a hidden leak.
Clogged aerator screen
The aerator is the first to check when a faucet has low water pressure. Most faucets have aerators at the base or inserted inside the spout. Sediments, mineral deposits, or small debris can clog the aerator over time, which results in low water pressure.
Low water pressure issues can be caused by your hot water heater, clogged aerator screens, pressure reducing valve problems, an issue with your water shutoff valve or even something as simple as a pipe leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
While it is possible to remove flow restrictors from shower heads, we strongly advise against it for several reasons. Flow restrictors for faucets are an integral part of most aerators and it is generally not possible or desirable to remove them.
All kitchen sink faucets should comply with federal standards for a maximum flow rate of 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm); a flow test does not exceed 0.4 gal.
Adjust the valve underneath the sink
If you wish to reduce the water pressure to a particular faucet, turn the valves clockwise by a quarter rotation. Make sure to turn the cold and hot water valves equally to create more consistent water pressure.
After all, it needs certain amount of water to remove the soap, that is physic. Studies have shown that 1.8 gpm is the minimum flow rate to have a good enjoyable rinsing, so the common 1.75 gpm models, is somewhat good enough for a decent shower. To save water further and still have a full enjoyable rinsing experience.
Flow restrictors for faucets are an integral part of most aerators and it is generally not possible or desirable to remove them. Our H2Okinetic showering devices are specifically designed to operate most efficiently at the flow rate controlled by the flow restrictor.
If your showerhead is labeled 2.5 GPM or less, you have a low-flow showerhead. Any showerhead labeled 2.6 GPM or above is a high-flow showerhead. If your showerhead doesn't have a label, try this trick to determine the flow rate. Place a bucket or container with a 1-gallon marker under the showerhead.
Due to National Conservation Laws, Moen manufactures all Kitchen sink faucets with or without a side spray at a 2.0 gallons per minute and all Pullout/Pulldown sink faucets at approximately 1.5 gallons per minute.