How to Change a Shower Filter: A Simple Guide to Maintaining Your Filtered Shower Head
If you’ve invested in a filtered shower head, replacing the shower filter regularly is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain its performance. While many people focus on installing a filtered shower head, ongoing maintenance is what helps ensure it continues working as intended over time.
The good news? Changing a shower filter is surprisingly simple and only takes a few minutes.
Whether you’re replacing your shower filter for the first time or simply looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step and explain why routine filter replacement matters.
Why Is It Important to Replace Your Shower Filter?
Over time, shower filters work continuously to help reduce chlorine and other impurities commonly found in tap water. As the filter media does its job, it gradually becomes less effective and eventually needs to be replaced.
Regular shower filter replacement helps:
- Maintain optimal filtration performance
- Support a consistent shower experience
- Water continue to flow properly through the showerhead
- Extend the overall lifespan of your filtered shower head
Most shower filters should be replaced every 3–6 months, depending on factors such as water quality, household usage, and local water conditions.
If you’re unsure when your filter was last changed, it may be time to inspect it and consider a replacement.
How to Change Your Shower Filter
Step 1: Remove the Handheld Wand from the Shower Base
- Begin by removing the handheld shower wand from the shower mount.
- Allow the wand to hang freely from the shower hose. This provides easy access to the filter housing and gives you room to work comfortably during the replacement process.
Step 2: Open the Filter Housing
- Locate the oval release buttons on each side of the filter housing.
- Press both buttons simultaneously to separate the housing halves.
- Once opened, you’ll have access to the filter canister inside.
Step 3: Remove the Used Shower Filter
- Twist the existing filter canister and remove it from the housing.
- Dispose of the used filter according to local guidelines.
Step 4: Prepare the New Filter
- Before installation, remove the protective sticker from the bottom of the new shower filter cartridge.
- Next, verify that:
- The O-rings are properly installed on both the top and bottom of the filter housing
- Any protective air-tight seals have been removed from the new filter
- Taking a moment to confirm these details helps ensure a secure fit and proper performance after installation.
Step 5: Install the New Filter
- Insert the new filter canister into the wand dock head and twist until it locks securely into place.
- Once installed, align the showerhead housing halves and press them firmly together until they snap closed.
- You should hear and feel the housing click into position.
Step 6: Return the Wand to the Shower Mount
- Place the handheld wand back into its shower mount.
- Run water through the showerhead briefly to confirm everything is properly installed and functioning as expected.
- That’s it your shower filter replacement is complete.
How Often Should You Change a Shower Filter?
While replacement schedules can vary, most filtered shower heads benefit from a new filter every 3–6 months.
Several factors can influence replacement frequency, including:
- Household size
- Shower usage
- Local water quality
- Water hardness levels
Homes with higher chlorine levels or heavier daily usage may require more frequent filter changes.
A Simple Way to Remember Filter Replacements
Remembering when to replace a shower filter can be easy to overlook, especially when life gets busy.
That’s why Seventy’s filtered shower heads include a built-in filter reminder dial. After installing a new filter, simply adjust the dial to reflect the month of replacement. It’s a simple visual reminder that helps take the guesswork out of ongoing maintenance.
No apps. No calendars. No complicated tracking systems.
Just a quick way to stay on top of filter changes.
For an extra layer of convenience, you can also sign up for Seventy’s Filter Reminder Program. We’ll send you timely reminders when it’s time to replace your shower filter, helping you stay on schedule and maintain optimal filtration performance year-round.
No Subscription Required
Many filtration products rely on recurring subscriptions for replacement filters. While subscriptions can be convenient for some households, they’re not the right fit for everyone.
With Seventy, replacement filters are available whenever you’re ready for them without a required subscription commitment.
That means you can replace your shower filter on your schedule while maintaining the flexibility to purchase replacement cartridges whenever you need them.
Keep Your Filtered Shower Head Performing Its Best
A filtered shower head is one of the easiest ways to elevate your daily shower experience, but like any filtration system, regular maintenance matters.
Fortunately, replacing a shower filter is a simple process that takes only a few minutes and requires no special tools.
By staying consistent with filter replacement and keeping track of your schedule with the built-in reminder dial, you can help ensure your filtered shower head continues performing at its best for months to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I replace my shower filter?
Most shower filters should be replaced every 3–6 months, depending on your household size, water quality, and daily shower usage. Replacing the filter at the recommended intervals helps maintain optimal filtration performance.
2. Can I replace a shower filter myself?
Yes. Most filtered shower heads are designed for easy filter replacement and require no special tools. In most cases, replacing the filter takes just a few minutes by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. What happens if I don’t replace my shower filter?
Over time, the filter media becomes less effective as it captures impurities from the water. Replacing the filter regularly helps maintain consistent filtration performance and supports proper water flow through the showerhead.
4. How do I know when it’s time to change my shower filter?
If it’s been 3–6 months since your last replacement, it’s a good time to install a new filter. Households with harder water or higher shower usage may need to replace the filter more frequently to maintain performance.
5. Do I need any tools to change a shower filter?
No. Most shower filter cartridges can be replaced by hand without the need for special tools. The process is designed to be quick, simple, and convenient as part of your regular shower maintenance routine.