How to Install a Shower Filter in 2 Minutes — No Plumber Needed

The number one question we get before purchase isn't about filtration. It's "do I need a plumber?" No. If you can change a light bulb, you can install a shower filter. Here's the whole process.

What you need

Just the filter and the Teflon tape included in the box. No wrench, no tools.

Step by step

• 1. Unscrew your shower head or hose from the shower arm, turning counter-clockwise. Hand-tight is how most are fitted, so no tools needed.
• 2. Wrap the threads of the shower arm with 2–3 turns of Teflon tape. This is the step people skip, and it's what prevents drips.
• 3. Screw the filter onto the arm, clockwise, hand-tight.
• 4. Reattach your shower head or hose to the bottom of the filter.
• 5. Run warm water for 2–3 minutes before your first shower. A little grey water at first is normal — that's carbon dust from the new cartridge flushing out.

The two mistakes that cause drips

Skipping the Teflon tape, and over-tightening with a wrench (which cracks the housing). Hand-tight plus tape is the correct combination.

Watch it instead

Prefer video? The installation guide has short clips for both the shower and faucet filters. Faucet users should first check the compatibility checklist — it fits about 98% of standard faucets.

Don't have your filter yet? Start with the Filtergenius shower filter, or cover the whole bathroom with a kit.