Pressure balance faucets use different valve technology than non-pressure balance units. To obtain the benefits of pressure balance, you will need to purchase a new Delta® Monitor® pressure balance faucet.

More details and a demonstration of a pressure balance valve

Flow restrictors are usually found in the neck or threaded end of the showerhead exposed when the showerhead is removed from the shower arm as shown in the image below.  They would appear in the opening of the aerator when it is removed from a lavatory or kitchen faucet.

While it is possible to remove flow restrictors from showerheads, we strongly advise against it for several reasons.  Flow restrictors for faucets are an integral part of most aerators and it is generally not possible or desirable to remove them.

Our H₂Okinetic showering devices are specifically designed to operate most efficiently at the flow rate controlled by the flow restrictor.  Removing the flow restrictor from an H₂Okinetic showering device will result in improper operation and a very uncomfortable experience.

For water conservation purposes, most plumbing codes require faucets and showering devices to not exceed a certain maximum flow rate. Removing the flow restrictors could cause these devices to no longer meet these codes.

If you are noticing decreased water pressure or a poor quality flow rate, you may have debris in your flow restrictor or the screen filter in your showerhead or aerator.  Often this is easily remedied with a simple cleaning process.

To clean the showerhead, first remove it from the shower arm by turning it counterclockwise.  Aerators are removed in the same way, turning counter clockwise.

Examine the threaded portion of the showerhead or aerator and flush or rub away any debris you find clogging the flow restrictor or filter screen.  You may want to soak it in vinegar overnight to remove any lime deposits.  Once you do this, flush it well with water, rubbing it with a toothbrush if the deposits are stubborn.

Re-install the showerhead or aerator by turning clockwise.

During the first few days you use your faucets, a small amount of debris may be flushed out of your pipe system. This happens even though the plumber flushes the pipes before completing work on your home. In addition, particles of solder, copper chips, Plumber's tape and other installation materials can get caught in aerators and showerheads. Occasionally, a chip might damage the valve seat that provides the watertight seal. The tips below will help you avoid problems. These procedures are a good idea to follow each time the water has been turned off for repairs in your home.

TO FLUSH A KITCHEN OR LAVATORY FAUCET:

1. Remove aerator and black sealing gasket above it

   
   
   

2. Turn faucet handle(s) to full on hot and cold mixed position(s) and flush lines for two minutes before turning off water with handle(s)

3. Replace aerator

TO FLUSH A TUB / SHOWER FAUCET:

1. Remove showerhead if applicable

   
   
   

2. Turn handle(s) to full on hot and cold mixed position(s)

3. Flush spout two minutes without moving handle(s)

4. If you have a showerhead, divert water to it and flush for two minutes. BE SAFE! Make sure cold water flows FIRST and that the rotational handle limit stop is properly set. See information on setting the adjustable limit stop.

5. Replace showerhead

Some debris and/or foreign material in the lines may be too large to pass through the faucet whether it is a kitchen, lavatory or tub/shower faucet. To remove this type of debris:

1. Turn off water supply to both hot and cold.

2. Remove all internal components.

3. Turn water supplies back on and let run for 30-60 seconds. (For kitchen and lavatory faucets turn a bucket or similar large container upside down over faucet to deflect the water into the sink.)

4. Turn water supplies off again.

5. Reassemble faucet.

6. Turn water supplies back on.

The Delta Faucet Monitor Series is equipped with a stainless steel pressure balancing spool. This pressure balancing unit protects the user by equalizing the water pressure inside of the shower valve itself. This protects the user if there is a decrease in pressure from the hot or the cold supply. If that were to occur the faucet will automatically readjust the water pressure from the opposite side so that it is equal with the supply that dropped in pressure. Meaning that if someone is in the shower and the toilet is flushed, the valve will reduce the hot water pressure coming into the faucet to match the cold. This ensures a scald free environment and a constant temperature within + or - 3 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you always have large differences between hot/cold water pressures, then the faucet will only allow the minimum amount of pressure through. If you have a hot water supply of 25 pounds per square inch and a cold water supply of 60 pounds per square inch then the faucet will always operate at 25 pounds per square inch.

Read more on how pressure balancing works.

The flow restrictors required for aerators and shower heads can clog, resulting in greatly reduced flow rates. Remove the aerator or shower head and make sure the flow restrictor is not clogged. Additionally, flushing the system properly will help to reduce the possibility and frequency of occurrences. The tips below will help you avoid problems. These procedures are a good idea to follow each time the water has been turned off for repairs in your home.

The flow restrictors required for aerators and shower heads can clog, resulting in greatly reduced flow rates. Remove the aerator or shower head and make sure the flow restrictor is not clogged. Additionally, flushing the system properly will help to reduce the possibility and frequency of occurrences. The tips below will help you avoid problems. These procedures are a good idea to follow each time the water has been turned off for repairs in your home.

TO FLUSH A KITCHEN OR LAVATORY FAUCET:

1. Remove aerator and black sealing gasket above it

   
   
   

    

2. Turn faucet handle(s) to full on hot and cold mixed position(s) and flush lines for two minutes before turning off water with handle(s)

3. Replace aerator

TO FLUSH A TUB / SHOWER FAUCET:

1. Remove showerhead if applicable

   
   
   

    

2. Turn handle(s) to full on hot and cold mixed position(s)

3. Flush spout two minutes without moving handle(s)

4. If you have a showerhead, divert water to it and flush for two minutes. BE SAFE! Make sure cold water flows FIRST and that the rotational handle limit stop is properly set. See information on setting the adjustable limit stop.

5. Replace showerhead

Some debris and/or foreign material in the lines may be too large to pass through the faucet whether it is a kitchen, lavatory or tub/shower faucet. To remove this type of debris:

1. Turn off water supply to both hot and cold.

2. Remove all internal components.

3. Turn water supplies back on and let run for 30-60 seconds. (For kitchen and lavatory faucets turn a bucket or similar large container upside down over faucet to deflect the water into the sink.)

4. Turn water supplies off again.

5. Reassemble faucet.

6. Turn water supplies back on.