Installing a shower head filter takes about five minutes. You don’t need a plumber or any tools. The POWERBOX™ shower head filter screws between your shower arm and your showerhead. It fits the standard thread on 99% of Australian shower arms.
If you want to understand how a shower filter works before installing, read that first. This guide covers the physical install only.
What Comes in the Box
The POWERBOX™ filter arrives with everything you need:
- 1x filter housing
- 2x 25-stage filter cartridges
- Rubber sealing rings
- Thread sealing tape
You don’t need to buy anything extra. The thread tape and rubber rings handle the seal.
Does It Fit Your Shower?
The filter uses a standard 1/2-inch BSP thread (4-point). This is the thread on almost every shower arm in Australia. It fits wall-mounted showers, handheld showers, rain showers, and combo units.
A small number of imported or designer shower arms use a different thread. These are rare. Australian hardware store fittings and standard builder fit-outs all use the 1/2-inch BSP thread. It fits.
If you’re not sure, check the thread size on your existing showerhead. It should say 1/2-inch or G1/2 on the packaging. If your showerhead screws on and off easily by hand, your thread is standard.
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1: Remove your existing showerhead
Unscrew your showerhead from the shower arm. Turn it anti-clockwise. Most come off by hand. If it’s stiff, grip it with a cloth and twist gently. Don’t use a wrench. You could crack the fitting.
Step 2: Clear the thread
Remove any old thread tape from the shower arm. Wipe the thread clean. This gives you a fresh, clean surface for the seal.
Step 3: Wrap thread tape on the shower arm
Take the included thread tape. Wrap it clockwise around the shower arm thread. Do 3–4 wraps. Keep it tight and smooth. This creates the watertight seal. Skipping this step usually causes leaks.
Step 4: Attach the filter housing to the shower arm
Screw the filter housing onto the shower arm by hand. Turn it clockwise. Hand-tight plus a half-turn is enough. Don’t over-tighten. The housing is plastic. Too much force can crack it.
Step 5: Insert the cartridge
Open the filter housing. Drop in one of the 25-stage cartridges. Close the housing.
Step 6: Wrap thread tape on the filter housing outlet
Wrap thread tape clockwise around the outlet thread of the filter housing. This is where your showerhead will attach. Same as Step 3: 3–4 wraps, tight and smooth.
Step 7: Attach your showerhead
Screw your showerhead onto the filter housing outlet. Hand-tight plus a half-turn. Same rule: don’t over-tighten.
Step 8: Run water to flush
Turn your shower on. Let it run for 30–60 seconds. This flushes any dust or loose media from the new cartridge. The water may look slightly cloudy for the first few seconds. That’s normal. It clears quickly.
What to Do If It Leaks
A leak after install almost always means the thread tape seal needs redoing.
Turn off the water. Unscrew the leaking joint. Remove the old thread tape. Wrap fresh tape: 4 to 5 wraps this time. Reattach and hand-tighten. Test again.
If the leak continues after two attempts, check the rubber sealing ring is in place. It sits inside the fitting. Sometimes it shifts during installation.
You almost never need a plumber for this. The thread is standard. The fix is almost always more tape or checking the rubber ring.
After Installation: What to Expect
The filter starts working straight away. You don’t need to wait for it to prime. Some users notice a change in water feel within the first shower. Others notice it after a few days as the cartridge settles.
The cartridge lasts 2–6 months. It depends on your water hardness and how many people use the shower. Read our guide on when to replace the cartridge to know when it’s due.
Ready to Get Started?
Pick up the POWERBOX™ shower head filter for $44.99 AUD. It comes with two cartridges included. Free shipping on orders over $40. Dispatched within 24 hours.