Water flow is an important aspect of any faucet. The speed of water flow affects everything from the speed of dishwashing to the convenience of filling up pots for cooking. With a low water flow, these works become difficult and time-consuming. If you are getting low water pressure from your Pfister kitchen faucet, the main reason could be its flow restrictor.
To get high water pressure from the faucet, you can remove the flow restrictor from the Pfister kitchen faucet. After removing the flow restrictor, either you can clean it and reuse it or replace it with a new one.
By removing it, you will see a significant difference in the speed of the water. Thankfully, removing the flow restrictor is a relatively simple process. Keep reading to know it in detail.
What Is a Flow Restrictor?
A flow restrictor is a small disc-shaped device that is installed at the end of the faucet spout to regulate the flow of water. Without this, water flow increases, and lots of water is wasted. It is designed to reduce the flow of water so you use less water for your daily kitchen tasks, thereby saving water and reducing water bills.
A flow restrictor is either made of plastic or metal and has many holes to make water flow smoothly. If you want to increase the water pressure in your faucet, you can remove it.
Can You Use Pfister Faucet Without The Flow Restrictor?
Yes, you can use a Pfister faucet without the flow restrictor. If you are getting low water flow or not enough water is coming out from the faucet, you can remove its flow restrictor.
But you should not remove it. Instead of using the faucet without a flow restrictor, you should clean the faucet aerator or install a new one. Because the primary aim of a flow restrictor is water conservation. Water is a valuable asset of the earth, so Pfister and all other brands, use a flow restrictor in their faucets.
The flow restrictor makes water flow more controlled so less amount of water is wasted. While this device is beneficial in conserving water, it can also be problematic when it becomes old. With time, its holes are clogged with buildup or dirt and water flow becomes very low. In this case, you should remove it and clean it.
How To Remove Flow Restrictor From Pfister Kitchen Faucet?
To start the process of removing a flow restrictor from the Pfister kitchen faucet, some tools are needed. Get a towel, wrench or plier, and vinegar. In some Pfister faucets, the flow restrictor can be removed by hand. Just hold it with your hand and starts turning it to pull it out. If it won’t come out by hand, you need to use tools. If you are going to use tools, here are the 3 simple steps to remove it.
- Make sure to place a cloth over the sink drain before beginning the procedure. This will prevent any little pieces or screws from slipping and disappearing down the drain. Make sure the cloth is big enough to completely cover the drain.
- Typically, the flow restrictor is found behind the aerator inside the faucet spout. To inspect the flow restrictor more clearly, use a flashlight. It is a tiny, circular disk made of plastic with an arrow pointing in the direction of water flow.
- If the flow restrictor can be taken out manually, do so by rotating it counterclockwise. To loosen it, however, if it is securely tightened, use a plier or an adjustable wrench. To remove the flow restrictor, grasp it firmly with a plier or wrench and turn it counterclockwise.
In a few turns, it will be loosened and come out. Now check its condition of it. High changes there are mineral deposits on the flow restrictor. These deposits block the way of water and you get less water flow from the faucet.
Clean the accumulation on the flow restrictor before reusing it. Pour vinegar into a bowl and add the same quantity of warm water to make this. Spend an hour soaking the flow restrictor in the mixture. All of its sediments will be removed, and all of its holes will be filled.
Rinse it with water before reattaching it to the faucet spout. Before using a wrench or plier to secure it in place, tighten it first with your hands. As soon as you turn on the water, the faucet will start to flow smoothly.
Related – How To Remove Flow Restrictor From Kohler Faucet?
How Do You Remove a Hidden Flow Restrictor From Pfister Faucet?
Some Pfister faucets contain a hidden flow restrictor that is difficult to remove. The restrictor in these faucets is placed inside the faucet spout and is not easily accessible. A knife or needle-nose pliers are required to remove the hidden restrictor.
Turn off the water supply to the faucet to begin the process. After that, unscrew the aerator from the faucet tip with your hands or pliers.
Once the aerator has been removed, look for the flow restrictor. The restrictor is visible in some Pfister faucets and is readily removed with pliers or a screwdriver. If you can’t find it, it could be hidden inside the spout.
To remove the hidden flow restrictor, grasp the restrictor’s edge using needle-nose pliers or a knife. Take care not to scrape the surface or harm the faucet.
Pull the restrictor gently out of the faucet spout. It may take some time and patience, but you may effectively remove the restrictor with a little effort.
Clean the tap’s flow restrictor well with a soft brush or soak it in vinegar after removing it to eliminate any mineral buildup or dirt. Reinstall the restrictor in the faucet spout and reassemble the aerator after cleaning. Turn on the tap water supply and check the flow. Adjust the aerator if the flow is too low or too high.
If The Flow Restrictor Is Stuck and Won’t Unscrew
While removing the flow restrictor, you may face difficulties due to buildup and corrosion. This can cause the flow restrictor to become stuck and won’t come out.
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In this situation, using a rubber jar opener is a good idea. Wrap a towel around the faucet spout to provide extra grip. This tool makes a secure grip on the flow restrictor. Its rubber material is totally safe on the surface and won’t damage the finish.
Due to the towel, the rubber jar opener easily makes a good grip on the flow restrictor. If the flow restrictor still won’t come out, use penetration oil or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda around the threads of the flow restrictor. This will help to loosen any buildup. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before attempting to remove the aerator again.
Final Words
After reading this article, you will come to know how simple is removing a flow restrictor from the Pfister kitchen faucet. Once you remove it, you can clean it and ensure the optimal performance of the faucet. Remember that removing it will increase the use of water so you should reinstall it after cleaning. Be careful while removing it and don’t damage the faucet finish.
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James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.