Wondering how to remove the flow restrictor from a delta kitchen faucet?
Faucet manufacturers put flow restrictors in their sink faucets to reduce water consumption. But if you are not keen on the low flow and want to either clean or replace the restrictor, our step-by-step guide will show you how to remove this item from your faucet effortlessly.
Opening the base, removing the aerator and flow restrictor by some tips, and reinstallation. That’s all you need to do, and you don’t need to turn to a professional for help with this task. So let’s get into it!
How To Remove The Flow Restrictor From A Delta Kitchen Faucet
Follow the five steps below, and you’ll disconnect the flow restrictor from your kitchen faucet in no time!
Step 1: Close All The Valves
The first thing you need to do is turn off all valves to shut off your water supply to your sink. There are typically hot and cold water valves, and you can easily find them below your sink.
Alternatively, if you cannot locate the valves under your sink or they would not turn off, you can turn off the main valve. When all valves are close, open your faucet, drain leftover water, and adjust air pressure.
Step 2: Open Your Faucet Base
In the faucet base, you will see a screw to hold it set up.
Loosen this screw counterclockwise with a wrench and place it in a safe place. If you do not have the essential tools, the Delta repairs kits have all the necessary equipment you require for this step.
With some faucets, there is a safety cap that covers the screw. It is not difficult to pry it off by a screwdriver with a flat head or a similar device.
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Step 3: Remove The Aerator And Flow Restrictor
How to remove the aerator from the delta faucet? Turn the aerator counterclockwise with your bare hands. Keep holding your aerator with slip-joint pincers.
Release it until you can take it off with your hands. However, it can be difficult for some tighter and more tiny aerators.
There is a little elastic washer in your aerator, which should be removed. Underneath is the stream restrictor. It is typically plastic, flat, with a star-formed opening in the middle.
You may need to close your sink with the water stopper to prevent small parts from falling through it. When unscrewing the faucet, you absolutely do not want to lose smaller details of the faucet.
After you’ve removed the aerator from the kitchen spout, you can remove the flow restrictor. Carefully twist the flow restrictor to loosen it from its connections with your screwdriver. Finally, you’ll need a wrench to get it off the faucet.
Step 4: Remove The Debris
Now check any debris or residue in your restrictor. If your restrictor is spotless, the water lines can be your trouble.
To flush your faucet and water lines, run cold and hot flow for a minimum of 15 seconds for each. This process enables you to clear out any dirt particles that may be trapped in your water lines.
Because you must correctly place two screens back, you need to remember the right position of the parts of the restrictor. To clean all the details, you need a toothbrush for more exact and cautious cleaning.
Turn your water flow on for at least thirty seconds. When the water becomes totally clear and clean, you can shut off the water flow.
Step 5: Replace The Restrictor And Reassemble
Clean the flow restrictor with vinegar, return it to the aerator, then assemble the component and install it in its appropriate place. In a clockwise direction, tighten until it is snug.
If the water is clean and your water flow remains slow, you may want to replace the restrictor. Before reattaching the aerator, replace the rubber washer, following similar steps as before but in reverse order.
Do not worry when the water turns brown in the first few minutes. It can be the dust from the pipes. Check the water pressure, and now you will be completely done!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Next, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions you might have while removing the restrictor from the kitchen faucet.
Is It A Good Idea To Remove A Flow Restrictor?
Removing the flow restrictor helps to increase the flow and pressure of the water. However, this entails boosting your water consumption and your monthly water bill as a result.
If you are satisfied with the flow, there’s no need to take off the flow restrictor.
Additionally, once you know how to remove the restrictor and get rid of residue buildup, you can improve the flow without replacing it. The water restrictor exists for a reason, as previously stated. With proper maintenance, you can get the most out of it.
What Will You Need To Remove The Flow Restrictor?
Below is the set of tools required to removing the flow restrictor:
- Allen Wrench
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Towel
- Silicone Jar Lid
- Delta repairing kits
Are Flow Restrictors Included in All Delta Kitchen Faucets?
All faucets from manufacturers are now required to install a flow restrictor.
They are small disk-shaped barriers that decrease the amount of water coming out of your faucet. Restrictors are added as a component that replaces the conventional flow-directing screen in different configurations.
Conclusion
Restrictors are installed mainly to reduce water bills and to save a great amount of water. Nevertheless, it often leads to low water pressure, even with the best high-pressure faucets.
Hopefully, you’ll know how to remove the flow restrictor from a delta kitchen faucet after going through this step-by-step guide.
This instruction is applicable to most types of Delta faucets available in the market. Trust that you can now fix your appliance and enjoy a greater water flow!
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