Putting a filter on a handheld shower head is certainly possible for most models. The main reasons to use a filter are to soften the water, remove impurities like chlorine, and prevent buildup of minerals inside the shower head. Filters come in different types, like sediment filters, activated carbon filters, and other multi-stage filters. They connect to the shower arm or head and work to improve water quality before it exits the shower head.
Page Contents
- 1 Benefits of Using a Shower Head Filter
- 2 Types of Shower Head Filters
- 3 How to Install a Filter on a Handheld Shower Head
- 4 Tips for Maintaining a Handheld Shower Head Filter
- 5 Common Brands of Shower Head Filter Systems
- 6 DIY Options for Adding a Shower Filter
- 7 Considerations When Selecting a Shower Filter System
- 8 Conclusion
Benefits of Using a Shower Head Filter
There are a number of benefits to using a filter on a handheld shower head:
– Softens the water – Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. A filter can help reduce these minerals, resulting in softer water that feels better on your skin and hair.
– Removes chlorine – Most municipal water supplies contain added chlorine as a disinfectant. Filters with activated carbon can remove some or all of this chlorine.
– Prevents buildup – Mineral deposits from hard water can clog the holes in shower heads over time. A filter helps reduce this scale buildup.
– Improves water odor – Along with chlorine removal, filters can reduce odors from sulfur compounds like hydrogen sulfide.
– Makes cleaning easier – Due to less mineral buildup, cleaning the shower head becomes much simpler with a filter.
– May improve hair and skin – Softer water and reduced chlorine can result in smoother skin and hair that’s less dried out.
Types of Shower Head Filters
There are a few main types of filters made to attach to shower heads:
Sediment Filters
Sediment filters use a physical barrier like a screen to trap suspended particles in the water. They are effective at filtering dirt, silt, rust, and other contaminants larger than their pore size. They allow the water’s dissolved minerals to pass through. Sediment filters placed before other filter media can help extend the life of additional filters.
Activated Carbon Filters
These filters use activated carbon, which is very porous and contains lots of surface area for chemical adsorption. Activated carbon effectively reduces chlorine and also helps remove other chemical contaminants that can cause odors. The carbon eventually becomes saturated and has to be replaced.
KDF Filters
KDF (kinetic degradation fluxion) media uses copper and zinc that interact with chlorine to neutralize it. KDF filters can remove over 90% of chlorine and provide some reduction in mineral scale buildup. The media has a limited lifespan as the active ingredients get used up.
Ceramic Filters
Ceramic filters contain porous ceramic material that physically traps contaminants. Some contain activated carbon also to help remove chlorine. The ceramic material can filter out sediment and minerals. Ceramic filters have a longer lifespan than carbon filters but need occasional cleaning.
Multi-Stage Filters
Multi-stage shower filters combine different filter media like sediment filters, activated carbon, and KDF to provide thorough filtration. Each stage targets specific contaminants for removal. They offer comprehensive water filtration but require filter replacements regularly.
How to Install a Filter on a Handheld Shower Head
Installing a shower filter is a relatively straightforward process. The basic installation steps are:
1. Select an Appropriate Filter and Housing
Choose a filter designed to connect to your existing shower head, with adequate capacity and filtration media for your purposes. Housings are often chrome, plastic, or brass. Make sure to get the right connectors.
2. Shut Off the Water Supply
Turn off the main water supply or shutoff valve for the shower. This allows for easier installation and prevents leaks.
3. Disconnect the Existing Head
Unscrew the current shower head from the shower arm or connection point. This may require holding the arm with pliers while unscrewing the head. Place thread seal tape on the shower arm threads.
4. Attach the Filter Housing
Screw on the filter housing directly to the shower arm threads where the previous head was removed. The housing inlet should have female threads to connect to the male shower arm.
5. Install New Filter Cartridge
Unpack the new filter cartridge. Check the direction of flow marked on the filter. Insert the filter cartridge into the housing, ensuring a water-tight seal.
6. Connect Handheld Head to Filter Outlet
Take the handheld shower head and screw it onto the outlet end of the filter housing. You may need pliers to tighten it securely. Use thread seal tape here as well.
7. Turn Water Back On
Slowly turn the main water supply back on and check for leaks. Turn on the shower to flush the filter for a few minutes. Adjust water temperature as needed.
8. Enjoy Your Filtered Shower!
Your filtered handheld shower head is now ready for use. Make sure to replace the filter cartridge every 6-12 months as needed. Keep an eye out for reduced flow indicating the filter needs a change.
Tips for Maintaining a Handheld Shower Head Filter
To keep your shower filter working properly follow these tips:
– Replace the filter cartridge periodically according to manufacturer specifications, usually every 6 months to a year depending on water quality and usage.
– Visually check the filter housing and shower head connection for leaks whenever replacing the cartridge. Reseal the thread connections if needed.
– Clean the shower head spray nozzles as needed to remove mineral buildup. Consider soaking it in distilled vinegar occasionally.
– Monitor water flow from the shower head. Declining water pressure indicates the filter cartridge needs replacement.
– Some filters may require occasional disassembly to clean out trapped sediment and other debris. Check the filter housing interior when replacing cartridges.
– Certain filter media like KDF may need replacement more frequently than once a year in hard water areas to maintain chlorine removal performance.
– When away for prolonged periods, run the shower for 5 minutes after returning before use to flush stagnant water from the filter and plumbing.
Common Brands of Shower Head Filter Systems
There are many companies that manufacture shower head filters. Some of the major brands to consider include:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Aquasana | Offers shower filters in plastic and chrome housings. Multi-stage cartridges use KDF media along with activated carbon to remove chlorine and scale buildup. |
| Culligan | Culligan filters have activated carbon and KDF stages to reduce odors, chlorine, and metallic tastes from water. |
| Sprite | Sprite shower filters use different media like activated coconut shell carbon, calcium sulfite, and ceramic beads to remove various contaminants. |
| Berkey | Berkey systems have carbon and KDF filtration. Their shower filters connect via a brass fitting below the shower head. |
| Pelican | Multi-stage Pelican filters offer chloramine reduction. Housings are available in chrome or white plastic. |
There are also companies that provide just the filter cartridges to work with standard shower head housings. Overall, look for high capacity filters from reputable brands when choosing an appropriate shower head filter.
DIY Options for Adding a Shower Filter
For a DIY approach, you can add a simple shower filter using readily available parts:
– Get an inline or quick connect filter housing that matches your existing shower arm thread size, often 1/2 inch NPT.
– Find compatible sediment and carbon block filter cartridges to place inside the housing. Standard 10″ x 2.5″ size cartridges work well.
– Install the housing between the shower arm and head. Multiple housings can be chained together for multi-stage filtration.
– For easy cartridge changes, use quick connect fittings like John Guest or SharkBite push-to-connect fittings.
– Activated carbon coconut shells or KDF media can be purchased in bulk to create DIY filter cartridges. However, prefabricated filters are often a simpler solution.
– Use Teflon plumber’s tape on all threaded seals. Check for leaks after installing.
– Replace cartridges every 6-12 months depending on water conditions. Monitor pressure drop.
With some adapters and fittings, most standard filter housings and cartridges can be used to add DIY shower water filtration.
Considerations When Selecting a Shower Filter System
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a shower filter setup:
– Filtration capacity – Make sure the cartridge provides adequate contaminant removal for the shower usage level and water conditions. Families may need higher capacity filters than a single person.
– Water pressure rating – Certain filters create high backpressure that can impede shower water flow, especially on low-pressure plumbing. Check pressure drop specs.
– Filter life – Cartridges need regular replacement. Select ones with reasonable filter life from reputable brands.
– Housing material – Housings come in plastic, metal like brass, or chrome plated. Chrome looks more seamless. Plastic is cheaper but can crack over time.
– Ease of cartridge change – Systems with quick connect fittings allow simpler cartridge swaps compared to threaded housings.
– Showerhead attachment – Filters should attach easily to standard shower arms. Check for options compatible with your current setup.
– Budget – Shower filters can range from $20 to $100+ depending on housing, filter stages, and capacity. Consider how often you’ll need to replace cartridges.
– Special features – Some filters offer additions like vitamin C infusion, LED usage indicators, or antimicrobial properties. Assess whether these features are worth added cost.
Prioritize critical performance factors like contaminant removal and water flow when picking the right shower filter. Also consider ease of maintenance for long term satisfaction.
Conclusion
Installing a filter on a handheld shower head is straightforward and provides numerous benefits like removing chlorine, preventing scale buildup, and improving water quality. Filters come in different media types and configurations to target various contaminants. When selecting a shower filter, look for multi-stage designs from reputable brands that provide adequate filtration capacity and water flow for your household’s needs. Consider ease of cartridge replacement as well. With regular maintenance, a quality shower head filter can significantly improve your overall shower experience.