For water conservation purposes, most plumbing codes require faucets and showering devices to not exceed a certain maximum flow rate. Removing the flow restrictors could cause these devices to no longer meet these codes.
So how can you get more water through the shower head? Unfortunately, the only real solution is to remove the flow restrictor. As a rule, The Plumbing Source does not recommend removing this little bugger, but we recognize that doing so may be the only solution available to those with chronic water pressure problems.
Do I need to use a flow restrictor on my RO unit? Answer: Reverse osmosis units work by creating a back pressure on the exiting water to force the pure water through membrane. This back pressure is created by adding a flow restrictor on the waste pipe and unless this is fitted you will never achieve good quality water.
Since 1992, a maximum of 2.5 GPM is the federally mandated flow rate for new shower heads. This means no more than 2.5 gallons of water should flow out each minute.
Removing the water restrictor from your showerhead can also improve water pressure. Removal might also clear out mineral build-up around the restrictor. It's fine for you to remove one if you live in an apartment unless otherwise stated. Note that your water bill may increase after removal.
A major advantage of simple laminar-flow restrictors is that they endow the bearing with the greatest tolerance to manufacturing variations on bearing clearance and to variations in operating temperature.
For residential purposes flow restrictors can deliver cost savings by reducing unnecessary water use. For example, a shower producing 1.5 gallons per minute can probably do the job just as well as a shower producing 2.5 gallons a minute.
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.
Standard shower heads use 2.5 gpm, but to earn the WaterSense label, a product must use no more than 2 gpm and still meet strict performance requirements. The EPA estimates that the average family could save 2,900 gallons of water per year by installing a WaterSense-labeled shower head.
Know the Impact.
One person who showers 10 minutes per day with a 2.5 GPM shower head uses 9,125 gallons of water per year. Switching to a 2.0 GPM shower head saves more than 1,825 gallons of water and $25 per year in water and energy costs. Those numbers jump to 7,300 gallons and $100 in savings for a family of four.
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.
Do All New Shower Heads Have Flow Restrictors? Not all new shower heads come with flow restrictors. While many brands focus on water and energy efficiency, it's not a universal feature. So, before you make a purchase, it's a good idea to check the specifications and ensure they fit your needs.
Install Flow Restrictors
Flow restrictors belong on all bathroom and kitchen faucets. Each one can save you up to 5,000 gallons, or about $10 every year.
Yes. High-pressure shower heads increase water pressure either by decreasing the flow rate or using a compression chamber.
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.
Also known as “flow rate”, GPM is a measure of how many gallons of water flow out of your shower head each minute. Since 1992, a maximum of 2.5 GPM is the federally mandated flow rate for new shower heads. This means no more than 2.5 gallons of water should flow out each minute.
Absolutely. Many low-flow shower heads still deliver a powerful, satisfying shower even with a reduced flow rate. If you're looking for a better showering experience that also helps you save water, we recommend checking out the 1.8-GPM shower head model from hai.
Water pressure is measured in psi, or pounds per square inch, and represents the force at which water enters your home from the water main. Normal psi for a home pipe system is between 30 and 80 psi. While you don't want the psi to be too low, it violates code to be above 80.
Generally, this is around 1-1.5 bar, although it can sometimes be more. The majority of taps and showers can be chosen with this kind of pressure.
The center of the restrictor is shaped like a star, or similarly shaped, and comes in a variety of colors. It's found behind where the shower head screws off of the pipe coming out of the wall or at the end of the flexible hosing of a handheld shower head.