How to Remove a Water Saver From a Shower Head

In many households, the bathroom shower is not only the biggest user of hot water, but water overall. Water savers are often inserted in the shower head connection pipes to keep showers from wasting water and the energy to heat it. The downside is a lack of control over shower flow. No matter how much water pressure is used, only so much water can flow through. This often results in a disappointing trickle instead of a nice, firm spray from the shower. Thankfully, you can remove a water saver from a shower head to increase the flow of water through the shower.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Adjustable slip-slot pliers
• Ice pick or 10 penny carpenter nail
• Teflon plumber's tape
• Power drill, 1/8 inch bit and vise (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove the shower head. Place a rag over the connection sleeve on the pipe just behind the shower head. Grip the rag covered sleeve with adjustable pliers and turn counterclockwise until the shower head comes off.

2. Locate the water saver. Look inside the connector pipe behind the shower head. The water saver is a washer disk with one or more small holes in the center. Many are glued in, making removal a challenge.

3. Remove the water saver. Push a nail or ice pick into the center hole. Dislodge the disk by pushing the nail or pick into various spots on the disk. Draw it out with the nail or pick if it comes loose. If the disk will not budge, it has to be drilled.

4. Loosen the water saver with a power drill and a 1/8-inch drill bit. Lock the head of the shower in a vise with the connector sleeve up. Drill into the center of the water saver to break the glue seal and loosen the disk. It will come out easily after drilling.

5. Replace the disk-free shower head. Gently wrap plumber's tape around the threads on the shower arm, three times in a clockwise direction, to leave flat layers. Then pull on the tape as you wrap it an additional time. Snap the tape by pulling even harder. Twist the shower head connector on the threads by hand. Tighten the connector with adjustable pliers, using a rag to keep the grips from scratching the hardware.

Tips & Warnings

• In rare situations, a water saver is seated in the shower arm. Take the arm off to remove the water saver if that's the case. The arm can be replaced if the water saver will not come out.

• Take care not to drop the shower head while removing it. That can damage the shower head, the tile or tub, or your feet.