Troubleshooting Common Shower Filter Problems: A Guide to Maintain Your Wellness

Have you ever noticed a dip in your shower pressure, or could it be something like the water smells 'off'? You're not alone in this. We spend money on filtered shower heads to enhance our experience for our daily routines, to make simple water washing feel more like a spa session that hydrates our skin and hair. Like any wellness-related tool, shower filters require some maintenance so they can function properly.

If you overlook something small, the chance of losing the favorable outcomes that you're creating by filtering your water will slip right through.

Your go-to survival guide for all things shower filter! Packed with quick fixes, insider tips from the Vitaclean pros, and smart solutions, this ultimate resource keeps your skin glowing, your hair nourished, and your showers blissfully uninterrupted, so you can enjoy every drop without a hitch

Are you ready to restore your shower experience? Let's go!

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Benefits of Shower Filters for Your Wellness

Our skin and hair are soaking up the water we shower with all the time. And it's important we realize that tap water usually has nasty chemicals including chlorine, heavy metals, and hard minerals, which can strip us of natural oils, resulting in dryness and irritation, or dull skin and hair.

This is where shower filters become a non-negotiable element in your wellness journey. Filtered water significantly reduces those irritating substances and allows your skin to maintain its natural moisture and your hair to remain shiny. It also creates a better base for your expensive skincare and haircare products to penetrate more effectively.

Vitaclean takes this even further. Vitaclean's unique triple filtration not only cleans your water, it also adds useful elements into your water. Just picture neutralizing chlorine with Vitamin C and turning your bathroom into an aromatherapy room with essential oils. Not only does this deliver cleaner water, you add a sensory experience for cleaner skin and hair as soon as you step into the shower.

Common Shower Filter Problems (With Solutions)

Even the top-of-the-line shower filters can hit a snag but don’t sweat it. This fast guide tackles common hiccups head-on, giving you quick, no-fuss fixes so you can get back to flawless showers in no time.

A. Water Pressure Decreased

Nothing jars a good shower than a sudden drop in water pressure, which is one of the most common complaints, but generally an easy fix.

Causes:

Filter Clog: Over time, trapped sediment and impurities will build to restrict water flow through the filter cartridge.
Mineral Build-Up: If hard water is used at the showerhead, limescale or other mineral build-up can occur on the nozzles of the showerhead or filter components.
Incorrect Installation: A showerhead filter that is loose or improperly seated will disrupt water flow.

Fix:

Remove and Inspect: (Use care) Remove your showerhead, remove the filter cartridge and then inspect for visible signs of sediment or discoloration of the filter or any of the parts of your showerhead.
Soak in Vinegar: If you suspect any hard water scale, soak the shower head and filter components (except for the filter cartridge if it has active filtration media, e.g. carbon, inside) in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for a few hours or overnight. This solution will dissolve the mineral build-up.
Upgrading for high pressure: If you still find low pressure after cleaning the showerhead, you may want to consider using a showerhead with the smallest diameter nozzles which can optimize higher water flow.
Vitaclean internal fix: The Vitaclean filtration system uses ceramic balls and a micro fibre cloth as part of its filtration process. If you notice a significant reduction in flow, it may be time to inspect and change all of the components for maximum flow and filtration capacity.

Pure Water, Pure Bliss. Time for a Refresh With A New Filter →

B. Water Leaking Around The Filter or Shower Head

A leaking shower head is frustrating and wasteful. Don’t let a little drip turn into a little stream! Tips on Causes:

Loose Connections – Not tight enough of a fit.
Worn Rubber Washers – The rubber washers (gaskets) that create the seal can become brittle and crack over time.
Too Tight – The irony is that “tightening” too much can cause the rubber washers or the fittings to break, leading to leaks.

Fix:

Check All Connections – Make sure that everything is screwed together and secured.
Re-install with Plumber’s Tape – Unscrew connections, wrap 2-3 layers of Teflon (plumber’s) tape clockwise around the piping, and re-attach the shower head or shower filter to the pipe. This provides a tight fit and a ‘better’ water-tight seal.
Replacing Worn Washers - Look inside the connections to see if there are rubber washers. If they appear cracked, flattened, or otherwise mangled, make sure to replace them with new ones that are the same size!
Vitaclean Pro Tip: Vitaclean designed shower heads for easy install, plus they come with a package of a sturdy washer set. Always use the washer set that comes with the shower head for the best fit and to reduce potential leaking.

Looking for Replacement Parts? See Accessories by Vitaclean →

C. Filter water smells or is discolored

If your filtered water suddenly has a bad odor or is discolored, you need to replace the filter cartridge.

Possible Causes:

Expired Filters: As time goes on, the filtration media becomes saturated with impurities and loses the ability to filter effectively. Therefore, it's technically possible for the contaminants to "leach" back into the filtered water, or bacteria may be growing in your old filter.
Bacterial Growth: If your shower filter was inactive for an extended period of time, the stagnant water inside the filter could create an ideal environment for bacteria, hence the musty smell.

Action Steps:

Replace Immediately!: The most salient action from this list is to replace your filter cartridge once you see or smell anything abnormal in your water. The Vitaclean guidelines state to replace the cartridge for optimal performance every 30 - 90 showers, depending on the amount of use your filter gets.
Flush After Inactivity: If your shower hasn’t been used in a number of days, such as after being away on vacation, run hot water through the filter for 30 - 60 seconds before you shower to flush out any stagnant water that may have been sitting in the filter.

D. Short Filter Life or Poor Performance

Is your filter seemingly failing prematurely? There are numerous contributing factors.

Causes:

High Mineral Content of Water: If your water is extremely hard, your filter will exceed the recommended lifespan and have to work harder to eliminate minerals.
Longer Showers: The more water your filter treats, you will saturate it faster.
Using the Wrong Filter: If you're using a filter not designed for your water quality issue, your filter is at reduced potential.

Fix:

Keep tracking your water: If your water is very hard, expect to replace your filters more often than averages.
Monitor your shower time: We promote indulgent self-care, but being conscious of very long showers can help extend filter life.
Use other options: For hard water, consider using your Vitaclean shower filter with a water softener for the entire home or a dedicated hard water shower filter to add a second layer of protection for you and prolong the life of your Vitaclean Vitamin C filter.

E. Aromatherapy Weak or Non-Existent

The aromatherapy experience is one of the best parts of Vitaclean. If our scent seems to have disappeared, here are a few items to check.

Causes:

Outdated Filter Cartridge: The essential oils in the filter have an expiration date and can dissipate over time, especially if the filter is close to expired or was improperly stored.
Improper Storage: Exposure to air, heat or direct sunlight can cause the aromatic materials to evaporate.

How to Fix:

Check Expiry Date: Verify your Vitaclean Vitamin C/aroma filter is still within its best use date. The aroma is designed to last for the duration recommended for yours.
Store correctly - Leave unused filter refills in their airtight packaging, and keep them out of sunlight and extreme temperatures to maintain aroma quality.

Browse Signature Aromatherapy Scents →

Troubleshooting Installation Unexpected Issues

Renter-Friendly. Hassle-Free. Almost Too Easy Vitaclean shower heads has you covered.

A. Shower Head Doesn't Press Fit

While not common, there are times a shower head connection may not seem press fit compatible.

How to Fix:

Check Thread Compatibility - Within the United States most shower arms are set to a standard half inch NPT (National Pipe Taper) thread. Vitaclean shower heads are universally designed to fit this standard thread.
Universal Fit Compatibility: Rest assured, Vitaclean products are designed for a universal fit, making them ideal for any home, even rentals.
Installation Instructional Video: If you would like a visual, please see our step-by-step instructional video.

B. Filter is Hard to Screw In

If you find it difficult to screw on the filter to the shower arm or attach the filter to the shower head.

Solution:

Take Your Time Aligning: Check the threads are perfectly aligned, twisting too soon can damage the threads on the filter and shower arm or head through cross-threading.
Gently Squeeze: Apply even and gentle pressure while you twist. Never force the connection, it can strip threads or crack plastic.
Use Anti-Leak Tape: A little bit of plumber's tape (Teflon tape) can help the filter screw on smoothly and ensure a watertight seal.

Stuck with Installing? Please view the Vitaclean HQ Support Center

How Often Should Shower Filters be Replaced?

This is one of the most asked questions - and for good reason! The life of your Vitaclean filter is contingent on many different factors.

Vitaclean Recommendations: We recommend changing out your Vitaclean Vitamin C aromatherapy filter every 30-90 uses or every 1-3 months - depending on your water quality and how often you take a shower.

When To Replace Your Filter:

Dull Skin or Hair: Have you noticed your skin has that dry, itchy feeling all the time, or your hair always seems dull after a shower? You may have a spent filter.
Less Aroma: If the wonderful scent of aromatherapy has noticeably faded away, it means the filter is losing its ability to be beneficial.
Visible Discoloration: If you can see the filter cartridge, and there is visible discoloration or buildup on it, this is a great indication that it is tired and needs replacing.
Lower Water Pressure: As mentioned, your filter can get clogged and that is a common cause for lower water flow.

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Things You Can Do: Keep Your Filter at Peak Performance

Some simple, proactive steps can go a long way to ensure your Vitaclean shower filter provides you with consistent performance and benefits.

Suggestions:

Flush Hot Water Through Before Use: If your shower hasn't been turned on for a day or more, turn on the hot water and let it run for 30 seconds before you step in. This will flush out any stagnant water and help prepare the filter for your shower.
Store Unused Filters Properly: Store your unused Vitaclean filter refills in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. This will ensure that the active ingredients are preserved, and the aromatic properties will remain intact.
Clean Microfiber Regularly: If microfiber cloths are included with your Vitaclean model, remove and rinse them periodically under running water to get rid of trapped sediment.
Use with a Vitaclean Filtered Bath Routine: For a true head-to-toe wellness experience, consider also having a Vitaclean filtered bath routine along with your filtered shower. Then, you can ensure all the water your skin touches is purified and enhanced.

Shop All Vitaclean Wellness Products →

When to Reach out to You'll Need Support

Although many issues can be addressed with the tips above, there are circumstances that are better handled by the experts.

Reach out to Vitaclean Support if:

Water flow doesn’t resume after replacements: You've replaced your filter and verified there are not any clogs but you still have little water pressure.
Filter discolouration within days: Your filter has become visibly discoloured in a matter of days (this indicates unusual water quality problems).
Aromatherapy seems off/additional aromatherapy reacted to your skin (rare): Vitaclean aromatherapy is designed to be gentle, but if you had an unexpected reaction or the scent was completely abnormal.

Need Help? Contact Team Vitaclean →

Personal Experiences: Filter Fixes To Share

Norma G.
“Having this has transformed my bathroom into a little mini spa. I definitely feel the difference in the water. And the customer service is pretty great too. I had an issue with the first one I had ordered and they just sent me a replacement at no extra charge. So far I’ve tried out vitamin C, lavender and unscented and I can’t wait to try the other ones.”

Nada Ait B.
“Others don’t last as long for some reason as the citrus or maybe I just take too many showers that I’m obsessed with vita clean
Love love love !!”

Amanda
“ I was already excited to use this. I put so much effort into trying to keep my blonde bright with purple/blue shampoo so was excited to have a less toxic option with the same results and I was shocked at the difference after one use. I took before and after one (double cleanse) wash the same angles and lighting.”

Green Alternatives on How to Dispose Filters

Here at Vitaclean, we want to enhance wellness, both personally and for the environment. Responsible disposal of your old filters is a part of this mission.

Responsible Ways to Dispose of Vitamin C/Ceramic Filters: Most components from shower filters can be thrown away with household rubbish. Nonetheless, we recommend you contact your local recycling plant for information regarding the disposal of plastics and ceramics.

Vitaclean is actively investigating and developing initiatives and partnerships to offer filter recycling programs. Check our website and social media for updates on our sustainability journey.

Support Sustainable Wellness

FAQs

Q How do I know when to replace my Vitamin C filter?

Unlike consumers on the internet who document their creative, crafty careers in videos, you'll likely notice the reduced water pressure, skin and hair are not as vibrant, the aromatherapy scent dissipating, and seeing visible evidence of cartridge discoloration. That said, generally speaking, Vitaclean recommends replacing every 30-90 uses or 1-3 months.

Q Can I use Vitaclean filters on other shower heads?

Vitaclean filters work best with Vitaclean shower heads. Vitaclean designs its shower filters to work with Vitaclean branded shower heads for the best fit and water flow and filtration features and to ensure that if you mix components, you can eliminate problems that you will be responsible for. Although some converter pieces from fixtures will fit other standard shower heads, Vitaclean is not responsible for performance, fittings, or any component.

Q My water is hard - will this work?

Absolutely! Vitaclean filters are incredibly effective at neutralizing chlorine and reducing impurities present in hard water, including heavy metals and sediment. For some extremely hard water, you may want to replace your filter more often.

Q What if I am traveling—can I take my shower head with me?

Our Vitaclean handheld shower heads are light and easy to detach, so they are great for traveling if you want filtered water wherever you travel. Just make sure you pack it carefully!

Q Do I need to remove it for cleaning?

We recommend that you remove the Vitaclean shower head and filter (as a unit) from your shower and clean it as needed. You should check the nozzles for external mineral build-up or deposits that you can wipe off easily. For internal cleaning, you can soak the components (except the active filter cartridge) in a vinegar mixture to help dissolve the mineral deposits.

Conclusion: Make Every Shower Count!

You encounter the water touching your skin every day. Why not make it clean, nourishing and like a spa? Knowing and addressing common shower filter issues will help you make the most of every drop for your health and well-being. From feeling good and better skin, shiny hair and an invigorated mood from energized aromatherapy impacts, utilizing a filtered shower is worth it.

Why settle for anything less than the very best, purest shower experience?

When you choose Vitaclean, you're not simply investing in a shower head, but a daily practice of self-care and holistic health.

Change Your Routine with Vitaclean →