While the flow restrictor is important to control the flow of water, there are times when you need to remove it from the kitchen faucet. Picture the scenario when you are facing low water flow from your kitchen faucet unexpectedly.
In such frustrating scenarios, the only question that will arise in your mind is, “How to remove flow restrictor from kitchen faucet?”
Don’t worry, removing the flow restrictor is not rocket science. Luckily, you can do it yourself at home by following these instructions,
- Turn off the shut-off valves to stop the main water source.
- Remove the aerator from the kitchen faucet.
- Take out the flow restrictor from the aerator.
- Reassemble the aerator and install it back into the faucet.
This is just a brief overview of the DIY process. If you are ready to unlock the full potential of your kitchen faucet, then let us proceed!
Here are the steps on how to DIY your kitchen faucet:
- Gather your tools and materials. You will need a wrench, a screwdriver, and a new faucet.
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
- Remove the old faucet by unscrewing the nuts that hold it in place.
- Install the new faucet by screwing it into place.
- Turn on the water supply and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.
Here are some tips for a successful DIY project:
- Make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials before you start.
- Follow the instructions carefully.
- Be patient and take your time.
- If you are not comfortable doing the project yourself, hire a professional.
Contents
Things You Will Need To Remove Flow Restrictor From Kitchen Faucet
Make sure you have all the necessary tools before removing the flow restrictor from a kitchen faucet. I have made a list of all the essential tools for this. Let’s take a look…
- An adjustable wrench or pliers to turn the different parts of the faucet without damaging them.
- A screwdriver to remove any screws that hold the aerator or other components in place.
- A towel or cloth is handy to protect the faucet finish from scratches.
- Although penetrating oil (like WD-40) is optional, you may need it if the flow restrictor is difficult to remove due to mineral buildup.
How To Remove Flow Restrictor From Kitchen Faucet: The Step-By-Step Process
If you have gathered all the tools, you are prepared to start the process of removing the flow restrictor from the kitchen faucet. Follow these steps accordingly and your flow restrictor will be removed in no time.
Step 1: Turn Off The Water Supply
First and foremost, you need to turn off the shut-off valves completely. You can usually find them under the sink. Turning them off will prevent any water from flowing while you work on removing the flow restrictor.
Step 2: Remove The Aerator
The aerator is usually located at the end of the faucet spout. Use your hands or a cloth to grip the aerator. Then, turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. If it is tightly secured, you can use pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen it. Be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the aerator.
Step 3: Disassemble The Aerator
Once you have removed the aerator, you may find the flow restrictor inside. Look for a small plastic or metal piece with tiny holes. Sometimes, it may be a separate component, or it could be integrated with the aerator. To identify the flow restrictor, you should inspect the aerator carefully.
Step 4: Remove The Flow Restrictor
Usually, the flow restrictor is held in place by a screw. However, depending on the design, it may simply pop out when you push it with your finger. If there is a screw, use a screwdriver to remove it and take out the flow restrictor. If it doesn’t have a screw, try pushing it out gently using your finger. Use a small tool if your fingers don’t work.
Step 5: Clean And Reassemble
After removing the flow restrictor, inspect it for any debris or mineral deposits. If necessary, clean it thoroughly using water and a brush. Also, clean the aerator and the other components of the faucet. Once everything is clean, reassemble the aerator. Make sure all the parts are correctly aligned, and screw it back onto the faucet.
Step 6: Turn On The Water Supply
So far, so good! You have installed the aerator and removed the flow restrictor by now. It is time to turn on the water supply. Look under the sink and turn on the shut-off valves. Water will start flowing into the faucet as a result of this. To ensure your desired water flow pattern, you can make any necessary adjustments to the aerator.
I have found the following video very useful in removing the flow restrictor from the kitchen faucet. If you are still not clear about the process, you can watch it.
The Risks Of Removing Flow Restrictors From Kitchen Faucets
There is no doubt that removing the flow restrictor from a kitchen faucet can increase water flow. However, you should be aware of the potential risks and considerations involved. Here are some risks associated with removing flow restrictors:
Increased Water Consumption
Flow restrictors are installed in faucets to conserve water by limiting the flow rate. By removing the flow restrictor, you may experience higher water consumption. Ultimately, this can lead to increased water usage and potentially higher water bills.
Reduced Water Efficiency
Flow restrictors play a vital role in maintaining an optimal balance between water usage and pressure. Removing the flow restrictor can disrupt this balance. As a result, water usage will be inefficient. In such cases, you may notice excessive water splashing or inconsistent water flow patterns.
Environmental Impact
Since removing the flow restrictor increases water consumption, it can have a negative impact on the environment. Particularly, the impact will be severe in regions facing water scarcity or drought conditions. Hence, we should conserve water through sustainable usage.
Potential Damage To Plumbing Fixtures
High water pressure will result from the removal of flow restrictors. This increased pressure can put excessive strain on plumbing fixtures, such as pipes, faucets, and seals. In addition, it may lead to leaks, drips, or even damage to the plumbing system. Later, costly repairs will be required to fix them.
Voiding Warranty
While removing the flow restrictor, you are actually modifying or tampering with the original design of the faucet. Chances are high that it may void the manufacturer’s warranty. If any issues arise with the faucet in the future, you may not be eligible for warranty coverage or support.
Local Regulations And Building Codes
In some areas, it is mandatory to install and maintain low restrictors in faucets. Regarding this, there are some local regulations or building codes in those areas. Removing the flow restrictor may violate these regulations. You will face penalties or legal consequences if you remove the flow restrictor.
FAQ
In my opinion, you have to know some common facts apart from only learning how to remove flow restrictor from kitchen faucet. For instance, you can take a look at the following questions and their answers to gain more insights.
Why do faucets have flow restrictors?
Flow restrictors are installed in faucets to conserve water and promote water efficiency. They limit the amount of water flowing through the faucet. This reduces water consumption and wastage. Flow restrictors also help regulate water pressure.
Do all kitchen faucets have flow restrictors?
In the past, not all faucets had flow restrictors since there were no legal restrictions. However, all the faucets manufactured since 1994 are equipped with flow restrictors to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) codes aimed at conserving water. So, most modern kitchen faucets are equipped with them.
Is it okay to remove the flow restrictor?
Removing the flow restrictor is possible, but it comes with potential risks. Increased water consumption, reduced water efficiency, potential damage to plumbing fixtures, and violation of local regulations or building codes are some of the risks involved.
Bottom Line
Have you found out how to remove flow restrictor from kitchen faucet? I guess we both know the answer. Be very cautious before removing the flow restrictor from the kitchen faucet. I highly recommend not to remove it unless it is very important. The water flow will likely become out of control if you do that. Besides, removing the flow restrictor can damage the faucet itself. Therefore, hire a professional plumber if you are not ready for a DIY process.
Embrace the characteristics of your kitchen faucet without the flow restrictor. Only then, you can say farewell to feeble streams and unlock the full potential of your faucet. Leave a comment if you are not sure about any of the steps; I will be happy to reply.
