The Hansgrohe shower heads are fitted with flow restrictors which enable you to save energy, water and money in the long run. All regulations state that shower heads must produce 2.5 gallons per minute or less.
However, the restrictor may interfere with your shower experience. The reason is, flow restrictors are designed in such a way that they slow down the flow of water that comes out of your faucet.
In addition to this, having low water pressure in your house may be an even greater nuisance to you during your showers.
It is important to note, if you do get rid of the flow restrictor from your Hansgrohe shower head, there is a possibility that your water bill will increase.
How to Identify a Flow Restrictor
Ideally, the flow restrictor would be fitted into your shower head behind the metallic screw-off part. The flow restrictor is circular and is made of plastic material. It is flat and the center part of it is star-like. Flow restrictors come in various colors and the areas that are close to their edges are open inserts.
The Hansgrohe shower manual will outline the location of the flow restrictor. Otherwise, the flow restrictors in shower heads are not at the edge of the handheld shower and in some cases, it is located at the top or bottom of the flexible hose.
How to Remove the Hansgrohe Fixed Shower Head Restrictor Valve
Tools:
Adjustable wrench
Clean towel
Paper clip
Plumber’s tape
Pair of pliers (needle nose)
Screwdrivers
Step 1: Disconnect the Arm
The arm in this case is what connects the shower head to the wall. Remove it by unscrewing it. This can be done by hand or using a hex wrench in case it becomes difficult to remove only by hand.
The clean towel is what will enable you to protect the finish on your shower head or that on the arm, from being scratched, mostly while using the hex wrench. On that note, the nuts should be well secured before using the wrench. Then go ahead and turn the shower head counterclockwise so that you can unscrew it.
Step 2: Shower Screen Removal
Impurities and dirt are usually caught from flowing out of the shower head using a mesh screen that is fitted inside it. If your shower head contains this mesh, remove it. This can be done by gently tapping the shower head and then using a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Step 3: Remove the O-Ring or Gasket
All shower heads contain an O-ring/gasket that is made of rubber. You can pry the one in your shower head out using the paper clip after you have unbent it.
Step 4: Take out the Old Flow Restrictor
The star-shaped metal restrictor that is inside the plastic ring should be fairly visible by now. Place the unbent paper clip under one part of the restrictor; twist it and then remove it by prying it out. It is recommended to use a screwdriver or a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the flow restrictor if it fails to come out while using a paper clip.
Step 5: Install the new O-Ring and Shower Screen
If the old O-ring got destroyed, replace it with a new one. Make sure that it slides into the shower head’s seat. If the shower screen is removed in the process, put it back into its original position.
Run the shower screen under clean running water so that you can remove any sediments or dirt before putting it back. If the shower screen has scale build-up, soak it in the water-vinegar mix to remove it. For the mix, the ratio of water to vinegar parts should be 4:1.
A lubricant would be ideal to form a seal that would ideally protect your shower head’s O-ring. A good example is silicone grease.
Step 6: Reattach Your Shower Head
On the shower arm threads, clean any remnants of the old plumber’s tape off before you screw the shower head back into its original place. Wipe using a damp cloth to clean it thoroughly. You can further scrub the grooves of the threads using a toothbrush that you no longer use.
Apply a new plumber’s tape by wrapping it around the threads of the shower arms in a counterclockwise manner so that it does not come off when you turn the shower head back on.
To ensure that all the threads are fully covered, wrap a couple of layers around the threads.
Screw the shower head back on to reattach it. You can always cover the shower head using a clean towel so that you can tighten it about a quarter of a turn using a wrench. Be careful not to over-tighten it.
It is important to note that there may be more than one flow restrictor in your Hansgrohe shower head system. The owner’s manual should be your guide to know whether your shower head has more than one flow restrictor. The manual should also have instructions on how to remove all of them.
How to Remove a Handheld Shower Head Flow Restrictor
The owner’s guide from the manufacturer should have highlighted the location of the flow restrictor. This will save you the hassle of trying to locate the flow restrictor manually.
Method 1: Restrictors in the handle
Remove the showerhead’s handle using a wrench.
Remove the components of the showerhead and replace the handle. Remove the shower screen, the O-ring and the restrictor, then put the handle back to its original position by following the instructions from steps 2-6 mentioned above.
If the showerhead looks congested with mineral deposits or scales, soak it in water and vinegar mix overnight before putting it back on the handle.
Method 2: Restrictors in the hose
Methods one and two are similar to this one in that you will be removing the shower head from the top or the bottom of the flexible hose.
Always place a clean towel or a piece of cloth on the hose and the nuts while using a hex wrench, so that you do not damage the color finish.
Replace the entire old plumber’s tape from the shower head with brand new tape.
Method 3: Restrictors behind the shower head
The process of removing the flow restrictor that is between the shower head and the handle in a handheld shower head is similar to removing the one from a fixed shower head by following steps 1 to 6 above.
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