Installing a shower head filter takes around five minutes. You do not need a plumber or any tools. The POWERBOX™ shower head filter for hard water screws between your shower arm and your showerhead. It fits the standard thread on almost every Australian shower arm.
If you want to understand what a shower filter removes before you install it, read that first. This guide covers the physical install only.
What comes in the box
The POWERBOX™ filter comes with everything you need:
- 1x filter housing
- 2x filter cartridges
- Rubber sealing rings
- Thread sealing tape
You do not need to buy anything extra. The thread tape and rubber rings do the sealing.
Does it fit your shower?
The filter uses a standard 1/2-inch BSP thread (4-point). This thread fits almost every shower arm in Australia. It works with 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 are not sure, check the thread size on your existing showerhead. The packaging should say 1/2-inch or G1/2. 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 is stiff, grip it with a cloth and twist gently. Do not 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. That gives you a fresh 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 to 4 wraps. Keep it tight and smooth. That creates a 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 half a turn is enough. Do not over-tighten. The housing is plastic, so too much force can crack it.
Step 5: Insert the cartridge
Open the filter housing. Drop in one of the 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, use 3 to 4 wraps. Keep it tight and smooth.
Step 7: Attach your showerhead
Screw your showerhead onto the filter housing outlet. Hand-tight plus half a turn is enough. Do not over-tighten.
Step 8: Run water to flush
Turn your shower on. Let it run for 30 to 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 is normal. It clears quickly.
What to do if it leaks
A leak after install usually 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 that the rubber sealing ring is in place. It sits inside the fitting. Sometimes it moves during installation.
You almost never need a plumber for this. The thread is standard. The fix is usually more tape or a quick check of the rubber ring.
After installation: what to expect
The filter starts working straight away. You do not need to wait for it to prime. Some users notice a change in water feel in the first shower. Others notice it after a few days as the cartridge settles.
The cartridge lasts 2 to 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 is due.
Ready to get started?
The POWERBOX™ shower filter comes with two cartridges. Ships within 24 hours.