DEAR TIM: The flow of water that comes from my shower is miserable. It is so weak it takes forever to wash my hair. The water flow out of the tub spout is fine as is the flow at the bathroom sink. I have been told there is a flow restrictor in the shower head that is the culprit. Can I remove it or modify it so I can take a reasonable shower? Is there another possible problem? Pamela F., Lakeland, FL DEAR PAMELA: If there is not a flow restrictor in the shower head itself, there may be one in the body of the shower faucet. But more often than not, the flow of water is controlled at the shower head. There are strict laws in place that force manufacturers to limit the amount of water that a faucet and/or shower head can deliver in a given amount of time. It is a good law in that it helps to conserve precious natural resources. I am quite certain that with a little work the shower head will perform as designed and give you the desired strong stream of water you deserve and so desperately desire.

It is possible that within 30 minutes you can make this shower head perform like a champion. If this is a new home and the problem has been a chronic one since the day you moved in, there is a good chance the problem can be traced to a workmanship error. As water supply lines are installed, small pieces of solder, copper shavings, wood dust, wood chips, globs of soldering flux, pieces of plastic, etc. can get into the water lines. It is the responsibility of the plumber to flush out the water supply lines before any fixtures are installed. Flushing the water lines can happen at most fixtures just after the water shut-off valves have been installed but before the flexible supply lines have been connected from these valves to the faucets or fixtures. But shower and tub valves are far more challenging. These valves are almost always installed before the interior of the house is finished and often before the water service from the street or pump has been connected to the interior plumbing lines.

In other words, it is very difficult - but not impossible - to flush the shower water supply lines. If the lines are not flushed before the shower head is installed, the rapid flow of water carries a mixture of water and debris into the shower head. The extremely small holes in the flow restrictor can become clogged or partially clogged in an instant. If the shower head worked fine and the flow became reduced over time, pieces of sediment or debris from the city water system or your well could have clogged the restrictor. This is a very common occurrence, especially if you live in an area with older city water mains. If a city water main is serviced, pieces of sediment are often dislodged in the main water main as the water flows through the giant mains toward your house. I would remove the shower head from the angled pipe that projects out from the wall. Once the shower head is off, turn on the shower faucet to see if you get a respectable amount of water flowing from the one-half inch diameter pipe that connected to the shower head.

If so, the problem must be in the shower head. Look inside the end of the shower head where the water line connected to it. You should be able to see a small plastic disk. Use a very thin pointed piece of metal to get a purchase under one edge of the disk. Try to pry the disk out of the shower head. Work slowly and pay attention to which side of the small disk faces out towards the water supply pipe. Reclaimed Wood Flooring In Dallas TexasWhen you go to reinstall the disk, it must be installed the same way it was at the factory.Cheap Pitbull Puppies For Sale In Oregon Once the small disk is out of the shower head, use a small straight pin or other object to clean out the small holes. Delta Tub Shower UnitsUse plenty of fresh water to help rinse away any debris.

Place the disk near a bright light so you can ensure each of the holes is perfectly clean. Be sure you rinse the shower head at the same time to ensure no debris made it past the flow restrictor. If the shower head is caked with hard water deposits, let the shower head soak in some warm white vinegar for several hours. The vinegar will often remove or soften the hard water deposits. After soaking, use a toothbrush to remove any residual deposits and rinse with clear water. Install the small plastic flow restrictor disk and reattach the shower head to the water pipe. Not all shower heads are designed the same and after removing one from the water supply pipe at the wall you may not see a plastic disk. If this happens and the flow of water from the supply pipe is adequate, just go buy a new shower head. Shower heads are readily accessible and they are a common replacement part. In fact, you may find one that produces a better stream of water than what you had before. Remember to use pipe thread compound or Teflon tape on the water supply pipe that connects to the shower head.

These materials prevent leaks where the shower head connects to the water supply pipe. Companion Articles:  Low Water Pressure in Faucets, Tub FaucetsNote: If you have problems with water coming out of the faucet AND the shower head, Delta's website has some info that may help you. /customersupport/faq/showers/index.html (after going to that page, go down to about the middle of the page and look for the question "Why does water come out of my shower head and the spout at the same time?"Several do it yourselfers have asked if the hole where the diverter goes can be plugged and a spout with diverter used instead. ments----(March 2016) Thanks for the Delta shower diverter fix.  Broke the existing one, gave the 9 month old a bath in the sink.  Made a late run to Menard's for the Danco version.  All went well and got to clean up the faucet area too.  Glad your situation improved. At least the 9 month old will never remember being in the sink."Crabby the man of handiness"(March 2016) Your instructions for the delta diverter valve replacementwere perfect.

EXCEPT the bottom of my valve was below the cutout. Usedutility knife to trim away enough fiberglass to get the 7/8th on. Loved your comment re. Thanks for your mission and services to folks like me.Mark J          (Romans 10:13).Apologies for the delayed reply. You are mostly welcome. Glad i could assist in some way to alleviate the pain and suffering of plumbing problems. Also appreciate your support of my comments regarding spiritual matters and the inclusion of scripture. I would add the verse Matthew 7:21 to the one you supplied.Cheers, God bless and "Fix On"Crabby the Handyman(Jan. 2016)  Crabby thanks for perfect instructions to change my Delta Diverter. I found the part in Home Depot total price with tax 18.37. Used a 7/8 Deep Socket to remove old part. I don't think I would have been able to change this without your instructions. Thank you again sure I saved a lot of money not getting a plumber. AnthonyAnthony,Mucho thanks for your remarks. I'm glad i could help another homeowner avoid that painful, burning sensation one gets after paying a plumber.

Fix On, Mr. Do it yourselfer...."Crabby your somewhat friendly handyman"(Dec 2015)  God bless you. You made me laugh and helped me fix my shower. NeriSo glad i was helpful Neri. The holidays are even better with a shower that works!    Crabby(November 2015)  Thanks not only for the succinct step-by-step instructions, but also for drawing -- OK, maybe they weren't drawn -- pictures.  I didn't even need the ice water.  My only regret is that I did not find your site two months earlier. I'm glad you didn't need the ice water Ken. That does indeed make for a nicer repair job. Thanks for letting me know and i hope you had a better Thanksgiving than a certain feathered bird,Crabby ("Fix On")(Jan. 2015) Thanks a lot for the beautiful write up on the Deltapushbutton diverter.  You've done a tremendous public service andsaved a lot of people a lot of hassle. John(Jan. 2015) Thanks for your article "How to repair,replace push buttondiverter on Delta tub/shower faucet with "Scald Guard!" Yourinstructions were perfect and saved me calling a plumber.

Scott(Dec. 2014) Hey Crabby, I put new Delta replacement into my Diverter, that replacement didn't stop the dripping out of the spout, is this a usual/ just live with it type of  deal or is there another adjustment on the back side of the diverter? BatsonHey Batson (great name by the way),If you have problems with water coming out of the faucet AND the shower head, Delta's website has some info that may help you. /customersupport/faq/showers/index.html(after going to that page, go down to about the middle of the page and look for the question "Why does water come out of my shower head and the spout at the same time?"(They also have a helpline number on the site)  Crabby, your edu-tainment handyman(Nov. 2014) Thank you Crabby, this was so helpful!!! My son and I finished the project in no time. John TonyPeteLindaEric YoungCathyandGaryGary,GaryPhilCynthiaTylerNote:MattRalphClaytonCeejayMollyReid7/8" combination wrenchAndy W EddieResponseHey Crabby,SilasCommentsElizabeth W. Al  S.Question from AndrewAnswerComment from JohnQuestion from SallyAnswer