Although helpful for conserving water, the flow restrictor in Hansgrohe’s Raindance showerheads can restrict water flow too much. So, you might decide to remove the water restrictor when the water flow and pressure drop. If that sounds about right, you’re in the right place.
This article dives into the specifics of removing the water restrictor from a Hansgrohe Raindance showerhead, so continue reading to learn more!
What Does A Water Restrictor Do?
Water restrictors are a small (usually plastic) component inside modern faucets of all kinds. You’ll find water restrictors in kitchen faucets, bathroom taps, and showers, as the EPA has specific codes manufacturers must follow. This change was brought about over twenty years ago, so nearly every faucet today features these restrictors.
The sole purpose of a water restrictor is to create a barrier to the water flow, which decreases the amount of water you use. It reduces the flow rate (in gallons per minute, or GPM) exiting the faucet but shouldn’t negatively impact the water pressure (if it works properly).
Can I Remove The Water Restrictor From My Shower Head?
Generally, you can remove the water restrictor from your shower head. It’s easier to remove them from some faucets than others, but typically, it’s doable. Many manufacturers recommend against removing the flow restrictor as they help decrease the amount of water you consume while showering.
So, if you remove the flow restrictor from your shower head, there’s a good chance you’ll notice a change in your water bills.
How Do You Remove The Water Restrictor From A Hansgrohe Raindance Shower Head?
Hansgrohe offers a few different Raindance showerhead models, so the removal process varies from one to the next. We’ll take a look at the removal process for two common varieties: handheld and fixed.
Fixed Raindance Shower Heads
If you have a fixed Raindance showerhead, the flow restrictor is tucked inside the showerhead, so you’ll need to remove the entire showerhead. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 5/64 Allen wrench
- 3/16 Allen wrench
- White vinegar
- Large tray
Start by removing the showerhead from the shower arm. Use a 5/64 Allen wrench to unthread the set screw at the top of the showerhead (this holds the showerhead in place. Flip the showerhead over so the tiny holes face upward.
Use a 3/16 Allen wrench to unthread the small circular piece in the center of the showerhead and remove it. Remove the small basket-like piece from inside this part of the showerhead. Lift the screen away from the showerhead.
Fill a tray with approximately two inches of white vinegar, then submerge the circular piece, filter, and showerhead screen. Soak each piece for a few hours (or overnight), remove them and rinse them with fresh water.
Leave the small filter piece out (if you want to remove the water restrictor), then reassemble the faucet by retracing your steps.
Handheld Raindance Shower Heads
If you have a handheld Raindance showerhead, the flow restrictor should be located at the end of the spray hose. So, to access the water restrictor, simply unthread the spray hose from the shower head.
Inside the shower head, you should see a small disk and a basket-like filter. Remove the disk and filter, then reinstall the showerhead. If your faucet has a small metal ball in the hose, remove it to restore water flow to the showerhead.
How To Clean The Water Restrictor
You don’t necessarily need to remove the water restrictor altogether. In some cases, cleaning them will improve water flow and pressure. Mineral deposits can clog the tiny holes in the filters, causing reduced water flow and pressure, so you can try cleaning them to remedy the problem and restore flow.
Here’s what you’ll need to clean them:
- White vinegar
- Bowl
- Old toothbrush
Fill a small bowl with a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar, or enough to submerge each piece. Drop both parts in the vinegar and let them sit for a few hours (preferably overnight). After a few hours, remove them from the vinegar and use an old toothbrush to scrub away the remaining residue.
Rinse both parts with warm water, then reinstall them in the showerhead. The basket filter goes in first, with the bottom of the “basket” facing up toward the showerhead.
What If These Instructions Don’t Work For My Showerhead?
If you’re unsure how to remove the flow restrictor (or these instructions don’t seem to apply to your showerhead), refer to the instruction or services manual. In the installation guide, you should find specific answers and instructions for your Hansgrohe Raindance showerhead model.
However, since most of us don’t hang onto these booklets, you might not have them anymore. If that sounds about right, no worries. You can find the instruction guide online at the Hansgrohe website, or anywhere those faucets are sold (Home Depot offers these guides for each faucet model it sells).
For example, find your showerhead on Home Depot’s website. Under the faucet’s description, click on “Product Details,” then “Installation Guide” (on the right side). A PDF version of the document should pop up. Scroll through the guide until you find the pictures depicting the restrictor removal. Generally, this section is in the second half of the booklet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do All Shower Heads Have Removable Flow Restrictors?
While nearly every showerhead has a flow restrictor of some sort, not all of them are removable. Some brands incorporate the flow restrictor into the design, so removing it is nearly impossible. Other brands position them in an easily accessible location, so removal is quick and easy.
Generally, you’ll find the flow restrictor at the end of the supply hose, the back of the shower head, or the face of the shower head. The specific location depends on the model and brand.
Will My Shower Use More Water If I Remove The Flow Restrictor?
Yes, if you remove the flow restrictor from your shower head, the fixture will consume more water. The flow restrictor helps minimize the amount of water you use during your shower by creating a barrier, so removing it will allow more water to flow through.
If you remove the flow restrictor from your shower head, you’ll probably see a change in your water bill, especially if you appreciate long showers. We recommend cleaning these components before removing the flow restrictor, as it can significantly affect your water bill. If cleaning doesn’t remedy the problem, then, by all means, remove the flow restrictor.