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Shower Filters

How to choose and install and care for your aquabliss shower filter.
11 articles

Shower filter is incompatible

Shower filter compatibility with non-standard shower arms The aquabliss shower filter is designed to fit all standard ½ inch threaded shower arms — the most common type in US homes. If your shower setup uses a non-standard arm type, installation may require a small adapter. Here's how to handle the two most common non-standard configurations. Shower elbow arm Shower elbows are L-shaped arms that extend from the wall at a right angle, with the outlet pointing straight down or at a sharp angle. Because of the limited clearance between the outlet and the wall, the body of the shower filter cannot be threaded on directly — there simply isn't enough space to rotate it into position. The solution is a short extension adapter that adds enough clearance for the filter to thread on freely. These adapters are available at most hardware stores and plumbing suppliers, or online. A suitable adapter can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F9T4HY9 Install the adapter between the shower elbow outlet and the shower filter inlet. Add plumber's tape to both thread connections before assembling. Ball joint shower arm Ball joint shower arms use a rounded ball-and-socket connection at their end rather than a threaded outlet. Because there are no threads, the shower filter cannot be directly attached. You'll need a thread adapter that fits over the ball joint and provides a standard threaded outlet for the shower filter to connect to. These are available from hardware stores or online. A suitable adapter can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H621ZO Cross-threaded connection If the shower filter thread became cross-threaded during installation — where the threads have not aligned correctly and the filter has been forced — please contact us before attempting to remove or reinstall the filter. We'll help you assess the situation and advise on the safest way to resolve it without damaging the shower arm. Links to third-party products above are provided for reference only. These products are sold by independent companies — we don't endorse them and cannot be responsible for their quality or availability.

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026

Discolored water

Discoloured water after installing the shower filter If your shower filter produces black or grey water during first use, there's no cause for concern. A small amount of carbon dust — from the activated carbon filtration media inside the cartridge — can settle inside the filter body during transportation and storage. When water first flows through the filter, it carries this dust out. To clear it: run water through the shower filter for 30–60 seconds, or until the water runs completely clear. The carbon dust is harmless and will not return after this initial flush. If you continue to see discoloured water after the first flush, or if discolouration returns with each subsequent use, please contact us and we'll investigate and resolve the issue. No discoloured water after installation Some customers are surprised when their filter doesn't produce any discoloured water at all. This is perfectly normal — it simply means there was very little or no carbon dust inside your particular cartridge. The filter is not defective. The absence of discolouration is not an indicator of quality; it just reflects the amount of residual dust present after manufacturing. Your filter is ready to use as soon as it's installed.

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026

The effects of the shower filter have reduced

Why the effects of the shower filter may have reduced If your shower filter was working well but the effects seem to have diminished over time, there are two likely explanations: your water may contain chloramine rather than chlorine, or the filter cartridge is reaching the end of its useful life. Here's how to identify which applies to your situation. Your water may contain chloramine, not chlorine Chloramine (a compound of chlorine and ammonia) is used by some municipal water suppliers as an alternative to chlorine for water disinfection. It has a similar smell to chlorine and can cause similar skin and hair effects, but it requires a different filtration approach to reduce it — our standard shower filters are not designed to target chloramine. Some customers in chloramine-treated areas notice improved water quality for the first 1–2 months of filter use. This short-term benefit is likely caused by the Vitamin C or other filter media providing some initial relief, but once the active media is depleted, the filter will no longer have any meaningful effect on chloramine. If you suspect your water uses chloramine, check your city's water quality report. Search for 'CITY NAME water quality report' online, or contact us and we'll help you locate the relevant report for your area. If the report confirms chloramine, please get in touch — we can advise on the best approach for your specific water supply. For additional information, see our article: I cannot feel any difference in my water after using the aquabliss shower filter. Cartridge lifespan Our shower filter cartridges are designed to last 3–6 months under normal use. After this point, the filtration media inside becomes depleted and the filter will no longer reduce chlorine, sediment or other contaminants as effectively. How long your cartridge lasts within that range depends on how heavily the shower is used. A single-person household with shorter, less frequent showers will typically get closer to 6 months from each cartridge. A busier household with multiple daily showers may find the cartridge needs replacing closer to the 3-month mark. Higher chlorine levels in your local water supply will also shorten cartridge life — the filtration media depletes faster when there is more to remove. We recommend checking in on filter performance at 3 months and replacing the cartridge if you notice any of the signs that the effects are reducing: a returning chlorine smell, less soft skin and hair after showering, or reduced lathering from soap and shampoo.

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026

Leaking Shower Filter

How to fix a leaking SF100 or SF220 shower filter A leaking shower filter is almost always caused by a washer that has shifted, is seated incorrectly, or is missing from one of the connection points. There are three possible locations for a leak in a standard SF100 or SF220 installation: 1. The connection between the shower arm and the shower filter (top connection) 2. The centre seam of the shower filter body itself 3. The connection between the shower filter and your shower head or mount (bottom connection) Start by identifying which of these three points is leaking, then follow the relevant steps below. Leak at the top — between the shower arm and the shower filter This type of leak is often caused by over-tightening the filter onto the shower arm, which pushes the washer up into the shower arm itself and breaks the seal. To fix: remove the shower filter from the shower arm and look inside the shower arm — the washer may be sitting inside it rather than in the filter connection. If it is, retrieve it and reseat it flat inside the top connection of the shower filter. Reattach the filter hand-tight and test. If the washer was already correctly positioned but the leak continues: remove the washer, flip it over so the other face is forward, and reseat. If you still see a drip, wrap 3–4 layers of plumber's tape around the shower arm threads before reattaching. This should eliminate the leak entirely. Leak at the centre — from the filter body itself — watch the guide A leak from the middle of the filter body is usually caused by the internal washers/gaskets shifting out of position when the cartridge was last changed or when the filter was handled. There are three large washers inside the filter: two at either end of the cartridge cavity and one near the centre. To fix: - Unscrew the shower head or mount and remove the filter from the shower arm. - Open the filter casing and remove the cartridge. - Locate all three washers. They may have shifted toward the middle or compressed unevenly. - Remove all three washers and wipe them clean. Use a ballpoint pen (never anything with a sharp point) to push them free if needed. - Wipe out the inside of the filter housing with a cloth or rinse with clean water to remove any debris. - Reseat all three washers in their correct positions, replace the cartridge, and close the filter. - Reinstall and test. The leak should be gone. The correct positions of the washer are: Leak at the bottom — between the filter and the shower head or mount — watch the guide This is the most common leak point, and it's almost always caused by using two washers in the connection (one too many), or by a washer that isn't sitting flat. To fix: - Unscrew the shower head or mount from the bottom of the filter. - Check that there is only ONE washer in this connection. If there are two, remove one — two washers in the same connection will never seal properly as they can shift against each other. - Check the remaining washer: it should be sitting flat with an even, smooth surface. If the surface is uneven or the washer has shifted, reseat it. - If the leak continues after reseating, flip the washer over and try again. - For any remaining small drip, wrap 3–4 layers of plumber's tape around the bottom threads of the filter and reattach the shower head or mount.

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026

Cannot fully tighten shower mount onto shower filter

Shower mount won't fully tighten onto the shower filter Some shower mounts and shower heads have a raised collar or protruding edge around their threaded connection. When this sits against the body of the shower filter, it creates a gap that prevents the connection from tightening fully — and allows water to leak from the joint. This is a known compatibility issue, and we've developed a simple solution: a small threaded adapter that bridges the gap and allows the connection to seat properly. ****Shower Filter Adapter The adapter should be included in the box with your aquabliss shower filter. If yours didn't come with one, contact us and we'll send one out to you free of charge. How to install the adapter The adapter installs between the shower filter outlet and the shower head or mount. Follow these steps: 1. Attach the adapter to the threaded outlet at the bottom of the shower filter (the end that connects to your shower head or mount). Before threading it on, check that there is a washer inside the adapter — this is needed to seal the connection. Hand-tighten the adapter onto the filter. 2. Attach your shower mount or shower head directly onto the other end of the adapter. Again, make sure there is a washer inside this connection before threading it on. Hand-tighten until firm. Turn on the water and check both connection points for leaks. If you see any dripping, add a layer or two of plumber's tape to the relevant threads and reattach.

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026

Reduced water pressure/flow

Reduced water pressure or flow after installing a shower filter A drop in water pressure after installing your aquabliss shower filter is almost always caused by one of three things: sediment buildup blocking the cartridge, a filter screen inside your existing shower fitting restricting the outlet, or a washer that has been pushed into the shower arm by over-tightening. Each has a straightforward fix. 1 — Sediment buildup in the cartridge In areas with high levels of sediment in the water supply — New York, for example, has particularly high levels — the cartridge's sediment filters can become partially blocked over time, reducing the flow of water through the filter. The fix is to backwash the cartridge, which reverses the flow of water through it and flushes out the accumulated sediment: - Open the shower filter casing. - Remove the cartridge and flip it over so the mesh end faces down towards the shower outlet. - Close the filter and run hot water through it for a couple of minutes. - Open the filter again, flip the cartridge back to its normal position (mesh end up, toward the shower arm), and close. This process can be repeated as often as needed. For full instructions and a video demonstration, see our How to Backwash a Shower Filter guide. If you live in a high-sediment area and this problem recurs frequently, our HD Shower Filter is a better long-term solution — it has removable, replaceable external sediment pads that are much easier to clean. Contact us for help switching. 2 — Sand or sediment filter screen inside the shower fitting Some shower mounts and shower heads have a small raised filter screen in the centre of their threaded connection. This screen is designed to catch sand and sediment in plumbing systems that don't have filtration. Once you've installed the aquabliss shower filter — which has its own internal sediment capture — this screen is no longer needed, and can actually restrict the water coming out of the filter outlet. To remove the screen: grip the raised mesh section firmly with a pair of pliers and unscrew it counter-clockwise. It should come free with moderate pressure. Once removed, reattach the shower head or mount to the filter and test the flow — it should be significantly improved. 3 — Dislodged washer inside the shower arm If you over-tightened the filter connection to the shower arm during installation, the washer may have been pushed up inside the shower arm itself. When sitting inside the arm rather than in the filter connection, the washer partially blocks the water outlet. To fix: - Remove the shower filter from the shower arm. - Look inside the shower arm — if the washer is visible inside, retrieve it with your fingers or a screwdriver. - Reseat the washer in the top connection of the shower filter (flat against the inner shoulder of the connection). - Reattach the filter to the shower arm, hand-tight only — do not use tools. - If the washer wasn't inside the shower arm, check the bottom connection between the filter and the shower head or mount. Make sure there is only ONE washer in this connection — two washers will partially obstruct the flow. If there are two, remove one. - Once everything is reassembled, run the water. Pressure should be fully restored.

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026

How to Backwash a Shower Filter

How to backwash your aquabliss shower filter In areas with high levels of sediment in the water supply, the shower filter's internal cartridge can become partially blocked over time. This reduces water pressure and flow. A backwash — which reverses the direction of water through the cartridge to flush out the sediment — will restore normal flow in most cases. Sediment levels vary significantly by location. Some states, particularly New York, have notably high levels. If you live in a high-sediment area and find yourself backwashing frequently, our HD Shower Filter is better suited — it has externally accessible, replaceable sediment pads that make ongoing maintenance much easier. Contact us for help switching to the right model. Watch the backwash demonstration: How to backwash a shower filter Note: the cartridge is placed the wrong way round in the demonstration video — we're in the process of updating it. Please follow the written instructions below, which are correct. How to backwash the filter cartridge 1. Open the shower filter casing. 2. Remove the internal cartridge and flip it over so the mesh end faces towards the shower and the end with holes faces the shower arm (water inlet). This is the reverse of its normal position. 3. Place the cartridge back in the filter housing and close the casing securely. 4. Run cold water through the filter for 2–3 minutes, or until the water runs completely clear. You may see some discoloured water — this is the sediment being flushed out. 5. Open the filter again and flip the cartridge back to its normal position: mesh end facing the shower arm/water inlet, holed end facing the shower outlet. 6. Close the filter and resume using normally. Water pressure should be restored. Reversing the cartridge regularly in high-sediment areas If you live in an area with consistently high sediment levels, we recommend reversing the cartridge — using the same process as the backwash — at least once a month, even if pressure hasn't dropped noticeably yet. Regular reversal prevents heavy buildup and keeps the filter working at full capacity between replacements. NOTE: the cartridge can be installed in either direction without affecting the filtration performance. Normal position (mesh end toward the water inlet) is standard, but either direction will filter effectively.

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026

When & How to Change a Filter Cartridge

When and how to change your aquabliss SF100/SF220 filter cartridge Regular cartridge replacement is the most important maintenance step for keeping your shower filter working at its best. Here's everything you need to know about when to change and how to do it correctly. When to change the cartridge Your aquabliss shower filter works by running water through filtration media — activated carbon, calcium sulfite, redox media and others — that reduce chlorine, sediment and organic impurities. Over time, this media becomes saturated and less effective. The signs that a cartridge change is due: - The chlorine smell in your shower water has returned, or is stronger than it was when you first installed the filter. - Your hair and skin don't feel as soft after showering as they did previously. - Hair products and soap aren't lathering as well as they were. - It has been 6 months or more since you last changed the cartridge. - We recommend changing the cartridge at least every 6 months. In households with multiple users or high chlorine levels, you may need to change it more frequently. How to change the SF100/SF220 cartridge Watch the full demonstration first: How to change the filter cartridge 1. Turn off the water and unscrew the shower head or mount from the bottom outlet of the shower filter. 2. Unscrew the shower filter from the shower arm. 3. Open the filter casing by gripping the lower half and rotating the upper cap counter-clockwise. If the casing is stiff, see our guide on How to Open a Stiff Shower Filter. 4. Remove the old cartridge and set it aside. 5. Insert the new cartridge into the housing with the mesh end facing upwards — toward the shower arm/water inlet end of the filter. The cartridge should sit snugly inside the casing. 6. Close the filter casing by rotating the cap clockwise until firm. 7. Reconnect the shower filter to the shower arm. 8. Before reattaching the shower head, run water through the filter for at least 1 minute. This flushes out any carbon dust from the new cartridge. You may see black or grey water — this is normal and will clear quickly. 9. Reattach the shower head or mount. Debris inside the casing If you notice any grit, mineral deposits or debris inside the filter housing after removing the old cartridge, rinse the inside of the casing thoroughly with clean water before inserting the new cartridge. Debris left in the casing can reduce the effectiveness of the new cartridge or contribute to blockages. Checking the internal seals and washers Your shower filter has three internal seals — one at the top, one at the bottom, and one near the centre of the cartridge cavity. These seals prevent water from bypassing the cartridge and leaking out of the casing. When changing the cartridge, check that all three seals are sitting flat in their grooves. If any of them have shifted, reseat them before closing the filter. A shifted seal will cause the filter to leak from the body — if this happens after a cartridge change, see our Leaking Shower Filter guide. Discolouration inside the casing The inside of the aquabliss shower filter may appear discoloured or patchy in places. This is caused by the plating process used during manufacturing and is entirely normal — it does not mean the coating is degrading or washing into your water. It won't affect performance. Discoloured water after the cartridge change A small amount of black or grey water when you first run the new cartridge is completely normal. It's caused by carbon dust that settles inside the new cartridge during transit. The water will return to clear after 30–60 seconds of running. For more detail, see our Discolored Water guide.

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026

How to install a Showerhead Filter

How to install an aquabliss SF100 or SF220 shower filter Installing your aquabliss shower filter takes around 2 minutes and requires no tools. The filter fits all standard ½ inch shower arms, whether you have a fixed shower head, a handheld shower, a rain shower, or a combination setup. Step 1 — Rinse the shower filter diagram showing the first step of how to install a showerhead filter Before installing, hold the shower filter under warm running water for 60 seconds with the inlet end (the end that connects to the shower arm) facing up. Then flip the filter over and run water through in the opposite direction for another 30 seconds. This rinse clears any carbon dust that may have settled inside the filter during transit, and means you won't see discoloured water when you first use the shower. Step 2 — Remove your existing shower head or mount showerhead image with a gray arrow Unscrew your current shower head from the shower arm by turning it counter-clockwise until it comes free. If you have a handheld shower, remove the shower mount bracket from the shower arm instead. If the fitting is stiff, see our guide on How to Remove an Existing Shower Head for help. Step 3 — Clean the shower arm threads shower arm and plumber’s tape image Wipe the exposed shower arm threads with a dry cloth to remove any old plumber's tape, mineral deposits, or debris. Clean threads create a much better seal and reduce the chance of leaks. Wrap fresh plumber's tape around the threads 2–3 times, winding it in the same direction as the thread. Step 4 — Attach the shower filter to the shower arm the Aquabliss filter installation Place the washer into the top connection of the shower filter (the end that connects to the shower arm). Thread the shower filter onto the shower arm clockwise and hand-tighten until firm. Do not use tools — hand-tight is sufficient and over-tightening can damage the threads. Step 5 — Attach your shower head or mount to the filter optional screened washer showerhead image Thread your shower head or shower mount onto the bottom outlet of the shower filter and hand-tighten clockwise. Again, no tools needed. Turn on the water and check both connection points for drips. If you see any leaking, add a layer of plumber's tape to the affected thread and reattach. Video guides for different shower types We have step-by-step video guides covering installation with every common shower setup: Fixed shower heads — watch the guide Handheld shower heads — watch the guide Rain shower heads — watch the guide Combo and dual shower heads — watch the guide

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026

Which cartridges can I use on my aquabliss shower filter?

Which cartridges are compatible with aquabliss shower filters? aquabliss shower filters and cartridges are cross-compatible within the SF100/SF220 range and within the SF400/SF500 range — but these two ranges are not compatible with each other. Use the guide below to find the right replacement cartridge for your filter. SF100 — Daily Revitalize Vitamin C Shower Filter The SF100 uses the SFC100 cartridge as standard. The SFC220 is also compatible if you'd prefer a different filtration profile. Yes — SFC100 cartridges are compatible and are the default replacement for this model. Yes — SFC220 cartridges are compatible as an alternative replacement. No — SFC400 cartridges are not compatible with the SF100. No — SFC500 cartridges are not compatible with the SF100. SF220 — Daily Essential Shower Filter The SF220 uses the SFC220 cartridge as standard. The SFC100 is also compatible and can be used as a direct replacement. Yes — SFC220 cartridges are compatible and are the default replacement for this model. Yes — SFC100 cartridges are compatible as an alternative replacement. No — SFC400 cartridges are not compatible with the SF220. No — SFC500 cartridges are not compatible with the SF220. SF400 — Daily Revitalize+ Shower Filter The SF400 uses the SFC400 cartridge as standard. The SFC500 is also compatible and can be used as a direct replacement. Yes — SFC400 HD cartridges are compatible and are the default replacement for this model. Yes — SFC500 HD cartridges are compatible as an alternative replacement. No — SFC100 cartridges are not compatible with the SF400. No — SFC220 cartridges are not compatible with the SF400. SF500 — Daily Essential+ Heavy Duty Shower Filter The SF500 uses the SFC500 cartridge as standard. The SFC400 is also compatible and can be used as a direct replacement. Yes — SFC500 HD cartridges are compatible and are the default replacement for this model. Yes — SFC400 HD cartridges are compatible as an alternative replacement. No — SFC100 cartridges are not compatible with the SF500. No — SFC220 cartridges are not compatible with the SF500. Understanding the product naming — what's the difference between SF100 and SFC100? The letter 'C' in the product number identifies a Cartridge (the replaceable internal filter) rather than the filter housing itself: SF = Shower Filter (the outer housing unit you attach to the shower arm) SFC = Shower Filter Cartridge (the replaceable internal cartridge) If the number after SF or SFC is the same, that cartridge is the default replacement for that filter model. For example: - SF100 (Daily Revitalize Vitamin C Shower Filter) uses the SFC100 (Daily Revitalize Vitamin C Cartridge) as standard. - SF220 (Daily Essential Shower Filter) uses the SFC220 (Daily Essential Cartridge) as standard. - SF400 (Daily Revitalize+ Shower Filter) uses the SFC400 (Daily Revitalize+ Cartridge) as standard. - SF500 (Daily Essential+ Heavy Duty Shower Filter) uses the SFC500 (Daily Essential+ Heavy Duty Cartridge) as standard. Within each range, cartridges are interchangeable — but SF100/SF220 cartridges will not fit SF400/SF500 filters, and vice versa.

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026

The case won't open

How to open the shower filter casing when it's become stiff Over time, the outer casing of your shower filter can become harder to open. This is caused by the repeated cycles of heat, pressure and water exposure that happen every time you shower — the two halves of the casing can compress together and form a tight bond. It's a common issue and doesn't indicate a fault with the product. Method 1 — Rubber gloves Put on a pair of rubber cleaning gloves. The rubber gives you a much better grip on the smooth casing surface than bare hands. Hold the lower half of the filter firmly in your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to grip the upper cap. Apply firm, consistent counter-clockwise pressure to the cap — slow and steady works better than sharp force. Most casings will open with this method. Method 2 — Tap and twist If the glove method doesn't shift it, try tapping the casing against a wooden surface while simultaneously applying twisting pressure to the cap. The vibration from the tap travels through the casing and can help break the compression bond between the two halves. Use a gentle tapping motion — there's no need for force. Do this while actively twisting with the gloves on for best results. Repeat a few times if needed. Avoid using metal tools, pliers or any tool directly on the casing body — these can scratch or crack the outer shell. The glove and tap methods are safe for all finishes.

Last updated on Apr 14, 2026