Whole House Replacement Filters
Whole house replacement filters come in two forms: cartridges for housing-based systems, such as iSpring's 20-inch Big Blue setups, and tanks for media systems, such as Aquasana Rhino replacement tanks. Match the length, diameter, micron rating and media type to what you have now.
What to check
- Size: 10 x 4.5 inch or 20 x 4.5 inch for Big Blue housings, and 2.5-inch diameter for slim housings.
- Sediment micron rating: 5 microns is common. Use a coarser filter first if the water has heavy sediment.
- Media: carbon block, catalytic carbon for chloramine, or specialty media for iron, lead or sulfur.
- Change intervals: sediment every 3 to 6 months, carbon every 6 to 12 months.
- Tank systems: Aquasana Rhino tanks are rated in gallons, and pre-filters every 2 to 3 months.
- Pressure drop: a pressure gauge before and after the filters shows clogging.
Compare systems in Whole House Water Filters and Aquasana Whole House Filters.
FAQs
How often do you change whole house water filter cartridges?
Sediment cartridges usually last 3 to 6 months and carbon cartridges 6 to 12 months, depending on water quality and household use. Heavy sediment or well water can shorten that. A noticeable drop in water pressure is a clear sign that a cartridge is clogged.
What is a Big Blue filter?
Big Blue refers to large whole house filter housings and cartridges with a 4.5-inch diameter, in 10- or 20-inch lengths. Their larger size allows higher flow rates and longer cartridge life than slim 2.5-inch housings. Many brands, including iSpring, use Big Blue-compatible housings.
How do I change a whole house filter cartridge?
Turn off the water or set the bypass, press the pressure-release button, unscrew the housing with its wrench, remove the old cartridge, clean the housing and lubricate the O-ring with food-grade silicone, insert the new cartridge, and reassemble. Turn water on slowly and check for leaks.
