---
title: Which Way Should My Shower Filter Face?
description: Understand proper shower filter orientation. Learn to identify inlet vs outlet and what happens if installed backwards.
---
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# Which Way Should My Shower Filter Face?
## Installing your Crystal Quest shower filter is straightforward, just match the female inlet to the wall pipe and the male outlet to your showerhead.
### Good News: It's Simple
Crystal Quest shower filters are designed for easy, intuitive installation. There are no complicated markings to decipher or specific cartridge orientation requirements. The filter housing connects in only one logical way, and the internal filter cartridge can be inserted in any direction since it uses a cylindrical design withmixed media that works regardless of orientation.
---
### Identifying the Inlet and Outlet
Even without markings, identifying which end is which is easy:
#### The Inlet (Connects to Wall Pipe)
- **Female threaded connection** - This end has internal threading that screws onto the shower arm (the pipe coming out of your wall)
- This is the side where water enters the filter
#### The Outlet (Connects to Showerhead)
- **Male threaded connection** - This end has external threading where your showerhead attaches
- **Crystal Quest engraving** - You'll find the Crystal Quest logo engraved on the front of the filter housing on this side
- This is the side where filtered water exits to your showerhead
---
### Quick Installation Reference
1. **Remove your existing showerhead** from the wall pipe
2. **Wrap the wall pipe threads** with Teflon tape (clockwise when facing the pipe)
3. **Attach the filter's female end** (inlet) to the wall pipe and hand-tighten
4. **Wrap the filter's male threads** (outlet) with Teflon tape
5. **Attach your showerhead** to the filter's male end and hand-tighten
6. **Turn on water** and check for leaks
---
### What About the Filter Cartridge?
The filter cartridge inside is cylindrical and contains mixed media that filters water effectively regardless of which direction it's inserted. When replacing your cartridge, simply remove the old one and drop the new one in, no need to worry about which end goes in first.
---
### Mounting Angle
Your shower filter can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at an angle depending on your shower setup. The mounting position does not affect filtration performance. Some water may remain inside the filter after use in horizontal installations, which is completely normal and does not harm the filter.
---
### Quick Summary
- **Female threaded end** = Inlet (attaches to wall pipe)
- **Male threaded end** = Outlet (attaches to showerhead)
- **Crystal Quest engraving** faces outward on the showerhead side
- **Cartridge orientation** doesn't matter, insert it either way
---
### Need Additional Help?
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