Depending on your specific Delta kitchen faucet model, the water restrictor is typically located in one of two places: inside the spray wand/aerator at the end of the pull-out/pull-down hose, or hidden under the faucet cartridge in the base.
Yes, most modern Delta faucets come equipped with flow restrictors to meet water-efficiency standards (such as 1.2 GPM for bathroom faucets or 1.5–1.8 GPM for kitchen faucets). These are usually located inside the aerator at the tip of the spout or within the shower head, often identifiable by a color-coded plastic insert.
To remove the flow restrictor from a Delta faucet, determine whether it is located in the aerator (spout tip) or inside the cartridge under the handle. Removing water restrictors improves flow but is against Delta Warranty Guidelines and may violate local plumbing codes.
Remove the aerator of the sink faucet or shower head and make sure the flow restrictor is not clogged. Additionally, flushing the system properly will help to reduce the possibility and frequency of occurrences.
Yes, almost all new kitchen faucets manufactured since 1994 contain flow restrictors to comply with water conservation regulations. They are typically designed to limit flow to a maximum of 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) or less, and are usually located inside the aerator at the tip of the faucet or within the spray head.
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.
Increasing water pressure in a kitchen faucet can usually be achieved in a few minutes by checking for blocked valves, cleaning out the aerator or spray head, or removing internal water restrictors.
To remove a water restrictor from a kitchen faucet, turn off the water supply, unscrew the aerator at the tip of the faucet using pliers (protecting the finish with a cloth), and remove the rubber washer. Use needle-nose pliers or a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry out the plastic restrictor disc.
Most standard Delta kitchen faucets feature a flow rate of 1.8 GPM (gallons per minute) at 60 PSI. However, water-saving models and certain compliant models restrict this to 1.5 GPM.
A flow restrictor is a solid ring (small enough to fit inside a shower or tap pipe) with a fixed aperture. Picture a mini doughnut. Because of its stable structure that does not change in size, the flow restrictor constantly limits the water stream resulting in less water passing through the pipe before exiting.
The preferred method for aerator removal is using the key that came with your faucet. Align the key teeth with the bottom of the aerator and turn it counterclockwise to release the aerator. Don't worry if you don't have the key – a pair of scissors or needle-nose pliers can be excellent substitutes.
Possible violation of local water regulations
Removing the restrictor could cause your showerhead to exceed that limit, which technically makes it noncompliant.
To remove a Delta shower head water restrictor, unscrew the shower head from the arm, remove the rubber gasket, and use needle-nose pliers or a small screw to pull out the plastic disc (often blue or white) inside. For stubborn, firmly embedded rings, use a small drill bit or pick to break or pry the plastic out.
The most common culprits are a clogged aerator, mineral deposits in the spray head, or a kinked or twisted pull-down hose under the sink. Sometimes the under-sink shut-off valves aren't fully open, or debris has worked its way into the cartridge. The problem could also be mineral buildup inside the faucet.
As of 2020, all kitchen faucets sold in stores have to have a standard flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute (gpm) or less, and bathroom faucets must use 1.2 gpm or less. Check for the flow rate in the product details or specifications if you buy one online. Replace any faucets or aerators that use more than 2.2 gpm.
A flow restrictor's main job is to limit water usage and promote conservation. While this helps save water, it can sometimes make your shower feel weak or unsatisfying. So if you are someone who wants to increase your showerhead water pressure, then you can consider removing the restrictor.
Just take a can of WD-40 (preferably one with a long flexible hose) and spray it inside of your faucet. The WD-40 will loosen up the hard water and make the diverter work as smoothly as day one.
To quickly fix a faucet where water is barely coming out, start by unscrewing the tip of the faucet (the aerator) to check for trapped debris, and make sure the shut-off valves under the sink are fully open.
Removing a kitchen faucet flow restrictor usually involves unscrewing the aerator at the tip of the faucet spout, removing the restrictor or O-ring with needle-nose pliers, and cleaning the screens. Doing this can improve water flow, but may slightly increase water usage.
To increase your home's water pressure to 60 PSI, adjust your main Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) or your well's pressure switch. Before you begin, attach a standard water pressure gauge to an outdoor spigot (downstream of your regulator) to determine your current baseline.
Residential water pressure tends to range between 45 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything below 40 psi is considered low and anything below 30 psi is considered too low; the minimum pressure required by code is 20 psi . Pressures above 80 psi are too high.
Typically, if you have a water pressure regulator it will be installed directly after the main shut-off valve. If you cannot locate your main shut-off valve where the main line enters the home, then you should do a thorough inspection of the basement, garage, or crawlspace to find this valve.
Flow restrictors are small, often colorful plastic or metal inserts, shaped like tiny doughnuts or washers, designed to fit inside plumbing fixtures to limit water volume, frequently in bright colors like blue, yellow, or white to indicate flow rate. They are usually hidden behind washers in shower heads or faucet aerators.
Tips to Increase Water Pressure in Kitchen Sink
Inspect and Clean Aerator: The aerator, located at the tip of the faucet, can accumulate mineral deposits and debris over time. Regularly unscrew and rinse the aerator under running water to remove any blockages that may restrict water flow.