Can You Put a Water Softener on a Shower Head? The Ultimate Guide

Hard water wreaking havoc on your shower experience? Looking for softer, smoother water? Adding a water softener to your shower head is a simple and effective solution.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know to choose, install, and maintain a water softening shower head. As a home improvement expert, I‘ll share insider tips to help you get the benefits of softened water during every shower.

Why Soft Water Makes for a Better Shower

Before we dive into the installation how-to, let‘s look at why you’d want softened water coming out of your shower head in the first place.

Hard water refers to water with high amounts of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. The level of hardness is measured in Grains per Gallon (GPG).

Water with 3-6 GPG is considered moderately hard. But levels of 10-20 GPG are common in many regions. [cite source]

According to the US Geological Survey, 85% of American homes have hard water. [1]

These minerals wreak havoc on your plumbing and fixtures by accumulating and forming dense limescale deposits. [2]

In your shower, you experience the frustration of hard water in the form of:

• Dry, itchy skin and hair – Hard water minerals strip away natural oils

• Limescale clogs – Reduced pressure and flow in shower heads

• Stubborn soap scum – Hard to wash clean from tiles and tub

• Mineral spots/stains – On glass doors, tiles, and fixtures

Softened shower water solves these issues for a better experience:

• Soft skin – Gently hydrates and moisturizes

• Healthy hair – Less brittle, frizzy, and dry

• Good water pressure – Prevent clogged shower heads

• Easy cleaning – Less sticky soap scum

• No spotting – Keeps surfaces cleaner

Water Softening 101

Water softeners work by removing the calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness using a process called ion exchange.

Inside the softener is a mineral tank filled with hundreds of tiny resin beads.

As hard water passes through, the beads attract and latch onto the calcium and magnesium ions. This exchanges them for sodium ions from the resin.

The resulting softened water with sodium ions then flows from the softener to your home‘s pipes and fixtures.

Over time, the resin beads become saturated with calcium and magnesium. So the softener periodically recharges them through a process called regeneration.

Salt-based softeners use salt in this process. Salt-free systems use a food-grade additive.

Salt-Based vs. Salt-Free Softeners

Traditional softeners are salt-based. They use sodium chloride salt to recharge the resin beads during regeneration.

Benefits of salt-based softeners:

• Effective at removing wide range of minerals
• Provide lowest operating costs
• Simple regeneration process

Downsides of salt-based softeners:

• Require purchasing and storing salt
• Additional maintenance to check salt levels
• Not recommended for those on low-sodium diets

Salt-free softeners use potassium or food-grade additives for bead regeneration instead of salt.

Benefits of salt-free softeners:

• No salt purchase required
• Often lower upfront costs
• Good option for low-sodium diets

Downsides of salt-free softeners:

• May not remove as wide a range of minerals
• Media may need replacing more frequently
• Higher ongoing media costs

Point-of-Use Options for Shower Head Water Softeners

Instead of softening all the water in your home, point-of-use softeners target just the water for a specific fixture.

For your shower, there are two main options:

Inline Shower Head Water Softeners

Inline softeners are installed along the supply line leading to the shower head.

Water flows from the shower arm through an inline filter housing that contains the softening resin or media.

Benefits:

• Don‘t require altering existing shower head
• Easy to bypass softener when needed

Downsides:

• More difficult installation
• Built-up minerals may require periodic cartridge cleaning

Detachable Shower Head Water Softeners

These have a softening filter cartridge that attaches directly to the shower head.

Simply remove your existing shower head and attach the softener cartridge in its place. Then attach your shower head onto the cartridge.

Benefits:

• Very easy DIY installation
• Convenient cartridge changes

Downsides:

• Must accommodate softener when selecting shower head style
• Replacing shower head means replacing entire unit

Later, we‘ll go through step-by-step installation for both types.

Installation Instructions for Inline Units

Ready to install your inline shower head water softener? Gather these supplies:

• Inline water softener kit
• Teflon plumber‘s tape
• Adjustable wrenches

Then follow these steps:

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

Locate the shutoff valve that controls water to the shower and turn it off.

This avoids leaks while you work on the connections.

Step 2: Remove the Existing Shower Head

Use an adjustable wrench to detach the current shower head by turning it counterclockwise.

Place a towel under the shower arm to catch any dripping water.

Step 3: Clean the Shower Arm Threads

Scrub the exposed threads on the shower arm with a brush or steel wool to remove any buildup.

It‘s important this surface is clean for the watertight connection.

Step 4: Apply Plumber‘s Tape

Wrap plumber‘s tape clockwise around the shower arm threads 3-4 times.

This will seal the connection and prevent leaks.

Step 5: Connect the Inline Water Softener

First, screw one end of the inline softener onto the shower arm. Use a wrench to tighten it.

Next, attach your shower head onto the other end of the inline unit. Again tighten with the wrench.

Step 6: Turn the Water Back On

Turn the shower‘s shutoff valve back on and check for leaks at both connections.

If needed, tighten further with the wrench to stop any drips.

And that‘s it! Turn on your shower and enjoy the softened water.

Installation Instructions for Detachable Units

For detachable shower head water softeners, the process is even more straightforward:

Materials Needed

• Detachable shower head water softener
• Plumber‘s tape
• Adjustable wrench

Step 1: Shut Off Water and Remove Current Head

As before, turn off the shower‘s shutoff valve and unscrew the existing shower head.

Step 2: Clean and Apply Plumber‘s Tape

Use a brush and steel wool to expose clean pipe threads. Apply fresh plumber‘s tape.

Step 3: Attach the Water Softener

Screw on the detachable shower head water softener unit directly onto the shower arm.

Tighten with a wrench to ensure a watertight connection.

Step 4: Connect Your Shower Head

Attach your everyday shower head onto the front end of the softener cartridge.

Again use the wrench to tighten it.

Step 5: Turn the Water Back On

Turn on the shutoff valve and check for leaks where the unit connects to the shower arm.

Once it‘s drip-free, enjoy your soft water showers!

Tips for Ongoing Maintenance

To keep your shower head water softener working optimally:

• Inspect it periodically for leaks and tighten if needed
• Replace filter cartridges per manufacturer recommendation, typically every 6-12 months
• Detach and clean unit with mild soap and water to prevent mineral buildup
• For salt systems, check and refill salt levels as needed
• Follow all instructions for softener recharging and servicing

The Best Shower Head Water Softeners

With so many options out there, here are my top picks:

Best Inline Water Softener – AquaBliss High Output

This highly rated inline shower filter replaces cartridges every 6 months to prevent clogging while removing sediment and chlorine.

It leaves in healthy minerals for pH balanced and oxygenated water. Easy installation between your shower arm and head.

Sale

Best Detachable Softener – AquaBliss Shower Replaceable Cartridge

Another great option from AquaBliss. This detachable model uses a patented 12-stage cartridge to remove chlorine and heavy metals while retaining healthy minerals.

Easy DIY installation and replacements every 6-9 months. Fits most shower heads.

Sale

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While water softener shower heads are generally low maintenance, here are some troubleshooting tips for common problems:

Clogged Unit

• Clean softener thoroughly with mild detergent and water
• Soak unit in white vinegar and water solution for 30 minutes
• Replace filter cartridge if it‘s time

Reduced Flow

• Remove and inspect filter for sediment buildup
• Use needle nose pliers to extract any mineral deposits clogging the unit
• Replace cartridge if it‘s reached capacity

Leaking Connection

• Tighten connections with wrench
• Ensure plumber‘s tape covers at least 3-4 threads
• Replace worn plumber‘s tape with fresh wrap

Short Filter Lifespan

• Extremely hard water may require cartridge swaps every 3-4 months instead of the standard 6
• Install a whole house water softener if issue persists

Still having trouble? Contact the manufacturer for advice or replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let‘s wrap up with answers to some common questions about water softeners for shower heads:

Will it reduce my water pressure?

Look for units rated for 2.5 GPM or higher to avoid restrictive flow. Clogged cartridges can also cause pressure drops.

Do I need professional installation?

Usually not – the steps above allow most DIYers to install them. But if you‘re unsure, contact a plumber.

How do I know when to change the filter?

Replace every 6-12 months per manufacturer recommendations. Some units have built-in change alerts.

Can it soften all the shower water?

Yes! All the water flowing through the device gets treated for full soft water benefits.

Is descaling my current shower head a good alternative?

Descale occasionally to remove buildup. But it‘s temporary and doesn‘t prevent future hard water issues.

Give Your Showers a Softening Upgrade

If dry skin and difficult limescale buildup have you singing the hard water blues, a shower head water softener provides an easy fix. Installing one is a straightforward DIY project for most bathrooms.

Inline and detachable models give you localized softening precisely where you need it – right at the shower head.

Plus, at just $20-$200 both upfront and for periodic cartridge changes, they‘re an affordable way to reap the many benefits of softened water showers.

No more itchy skin, clogged shower heads, or stubborn soap scum with a simple softening solution.