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Best Whole House Water Filter Cartridge
If you’re wondering who makes the best whole house water filter cartridge, you’re not alone. The first thing you’re going to notice is that there are many options available.
Which filter do you choose? Do they work on all water filtration systems?
No one likes the idea of contaminants being in their drinking water. So, finding the highest quality filter cartridge for your whole house water filter system is probably one of your biggest priorities.
In the following reviews, we outline seven of the highest quality whole house water filter cartridges on the market. You’ll learn about what type of filter they are, their durability, what they’re best for, and more.
5 Best Whole House Water Filter Cartridges Compared
#1 Filtrete Carbon Wrap Filters
- Filter Type: Carbon-wrap
- Durability: Three months
- Best for: Homes with three or more bathrooms
#2 PurePlus Activated Carbon
- Filter Type: Pleated polyester
- Durability: Three to six months
- Best for: Large families with consistent and high water flow
#3 Dupont Carbon
- Filter Type: Carbon-wrap
- Durability: Three months
- Best for: Water with heavy sediment
#4 ICEPure Carbon
- Filter Type: Carbon
- Durability: Three to six months
- Best for: Tap water filtration
#5 Aquaboon Big Blue Carbon & Sediment
- Filter Type: Carbon block
- Durability: Up to six months
- Best for: Water with high levels of contaminants
Top 7 Whole House Water Filter Cartridges
#1 Filtrete Carbon Wrap Filters
Are you living in a large household and want the cleanest water possible? If so, Filtrete Carbon Wrap Filters are a great way to go. For example, if you have three or more bathrooms, this is the whole house water filter cartridge you want. That way, you don’t have to worry about compromising the quality of your home’s water.
We love that this water filter comes in three different styles, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Say that you want to filter out debris, particles, rust, sand, silt, and other sediments. You can choose a 30-micron filter that does all of that!
Does your drinking water taste or smell weird? If so, you’ll also find a filter that aims to improve those issues! It does this by targeting and filtering out chemicals, including chlorine and hydrogen sulfide. Plus, if you’re worried about microscopic bacteria, viruses, and other things that shouldn’t be in your water, there’s a 5-micron filter that takes care of all of that.
Pros
- You can choose among three different filter types
- These cartridges are easy to install
- Improves the smell and taste of your home’s water
- It fits most standard water filter systems
Cons
- The lifespan of this cartridge is short
- Some consumers state that they lost pressure when using this water filter
Technical specs:
- Flow rate: no information available
- Contaminants removed: chlorine odor and taste, rust, sand, sediment, and silt
- Filter Lifespan: three months
- Certifications: NSF Standard 42 and WQA certification
- Price range: $13 – $16
- Number or type of filters: Two carbon-wrapped filters
#2 PurePlus Activated Carbon
You don’t have to live in the United States to reap the PurePlus Carbon whole house water filter’s benefits. What do I mean by that? These cartridges not only meet the Australian Water Mark, but this filter also meets various European regulations. We all want a safe product to filter our water. We love that; in addition to being BPA-free, this whole house filtration system is also lead-free.
A stand-out feature that we like the best about this replacement water filter cartridge is its compatibility with a 10″ RO unit. That’s not all–it also features a multi-layer density consisting of three polypropylene sheets. No one wants their water to contain sediment in it–these layers ensure that doesn’t happen!
Pros
- Easy to install
- Heavy-duty and durable construction
- Works with any 10″ x 4.5″ filter housing
- Its capacity is 30 000 gallons
Cons
- It’s not recommended for private well water
- Some consumers report that this water filter only lasted around two months
We also love that this filter cartridge can filter up to 13 000 gallons of water, which is an excellent capacity. You can also feel confident knowing that these replacement filters are BPA-free and free from other harmful chemicals. That means, in addition to the safety regulations this sediment filter meets, you can count on these producing the safest water possible.
Technical specs:
- Flow rate: 10 gallons per minute (GPM)
- Contaminants removed: Reduces up to 99% of chlorine, color, rust, sand, and sediment
- Filter Lifespan: three to six months
- Certifications: NSF certified
- Price range: $30.00
- Number or type of filters: 2 pack
#3 Dupont Carbon
Are you tired of your home’s tap water having a strange odor or adverse taste? You’re not alone, and the Dupont Carbon Universal Whole House Filter solves that problem no matter if it’s in your home or at the office. Dupont has a 200-year history of creating high-quality and life-changing products. Whole-house filtration system replacement cartridges are no exception!
These water filters can remove water contaminants, including dirt, microscopic particles, rust, and other sediments. We love these whole house water filters because they can also remove a wide variety of contaminants. That means you don’t have to worry about things like bacteria, chemicals, or other pollutants being in your water supply.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Removes sediments as small as 5 microns
- Eliminates chlorine taste and smell
- Easy to install
Cons
- Its lifespan is too shor
- Some consumers indicate that the rust issue in their water is worse since using this water filter
You’ll also love that this is a 5-micron water filter, which means it can target microscopic and other small particles. So, when adding this replacement cartridge to your home’s filtration system, you don’t have to worry about viruses, and you can count on your water supply being filtered and purified effectively.
Technical specs:
- Flow rate: 5 GPM
- Contaminants removed:
- Filter Lifespan: 3 months
- Certifications: NSF 42 certified
- Price range: $14.00
- Number or type of filters: 2 pack
#4 ICEPure Carbon
If you’re looking for easy installation, the ICEPure Carbon Sediment Water Filter Cartridge isn’t going to let you down. That isn’t the only feature that you’re going to love, in any case. In addition to being compatible with various water systems, including DuPont WFPFC8002, WFPFC9001, SCWH-5, WHCF-WHWC, WHCF-WHWC, FXWTC, CBC-10, and RO units, it features a 100% risk-free six-month return policy.
Why is that a stand-out feature? First, if you’re not happy with any part of this cartridge, you’ll be met with outstanding customer service and technical support. You can count on these filter cartridges meeting your safety requirements as they’re tested and certified against NSF standards. That certification extends to the filter’s coconut shell construction. You’ll also feel confident using this replacement because it’s construction features lead-free materials.
Pros
- Features a 1-micron rating
- Removes odor, dirt, sediments, rust, sand, and particles
- BPA-free and lead-free
- Food grade construction
Cons
- Some consumers indicate that the lifespan is shorter than what’s advertised
- Other reviewers suggest that their water’s taste didn’t improve that much
While this filter cartridge works optimally for your home’s municipal water supply, it’s not recommended for use with a private well water source. The main reason is that private well water typically contains large water particles, including dirt sand, resulting in the filter clogging prematurely.
Technical specs:
- Flow rate: 2.5 to 5 GPM
- Contaminants removed: removes finer particles and sediment and 99% of chlorine odor and taste
- Filter Lifespan: Three to six months
- Certifications: NSF 42 certified
- Price range: $30.00
- Number or type of filters: Pack of four carbon filters
#5 Aquaboon Big Blue Carbon & Sediment
We all want the cleanest water and, when using the Aquaboon Big Blue Carbon & Sediment filter replacement, you’ll get that. Not only does this water filter perform effectively, but you’ll also find that it’s compatible with any big blue water system.
Using this replacement filter cartridge means you don’t have to worry about chemical or organic compounds, like chlorine, that alters your water’s odor and taste. The main reason is that this replacement cartridge contains a carbon block filter consisting of delicate coconut shells. It also features 5-micron filtration, which means that even the smallest particles won’t end up in your home’s water supply.
Pros
- Lasts up to six months
- Compatible with a wide variety of housings
- No additives or binders that could cause foaming
- Fits most RO and whole house filtration systems with a 10-inch diameter
Cons
- Its length might be too long for some standard water filter systems
- Some consumers indicate that it’s smaller than what’s advertised
What we love the most about this filter is its filter life. Depending on your home’s water quality, you don’t have to worry about changing this filter for 6 months. That, coupled with its capacity of 10 000 gallons, makes this replacement an excellent choice for your home’s water filter system.
Technical specs:
- Flow rate: 3 GPM
- Contaminants removed: Dust, particles, and rust, and all other pollutants in water
- Filter Lifespan: up to 6 months or 10 000 gallons
- Certifications: NSF 42 certified
- Price range: $60.00
- Number or type of filters: Two carbon block filters
#6 Waterdrop Carbon Filters
Sometimes finding a high-quality replacement cartridge isn’t your only priority. For example, you might want to ensure the company manufacturing these cartridges commits to ensuring cleaner water by continually improving its water filtration technology. Waterdrop’s delivery of that promise means you can count on this water filter producing the most pristine water possible.
You’re going to love that, in addition to receiving the cleanest water, you don’t have to worry about changing this water filter for up to six months or 30,000 gallons, whichever happens first. We also love that this water filter is compatible with most systems with 10″ x 4.5″ filters, including examples like GNQH38S, GXWH30C, GXWH35F, GXWH38F, and GXWH40L.
Pros
- No tools necessary for installation
- It lasts for up to six months
- Made from food-grade material
- Quick and easy installation
Cons
- Some consumers state that sediments and other large particles flow into their water
- Other reviewers indicate that their filter fell apart quickly
You’ll also find that this water filter uses granular activated carbon to reduce impurities in your home’s water, including chlorine, rust, and sand. You can trust that this sediment filter cartridge is going to deliver clean water throughout your entire house.
Technical specs:
- Flow rate: No information available
- Contaminants removed: Reduces chlorine, rust, sand, sediment, and other impurities
- Filter Lifespan: Six months
- Certifications: No information available
- Price range: under $20.00
- Number or type of filters: Pack of two polypropylene filters
#7 Simpure
One of the features that we love the most about Simpure replacement cartridges is their construction. You won’t find any agents, antistatic materials, binders, solvents, or wetting agents in these filters. It’s slim design also features food-grade materials with a five-micron rating. That means, depending on your home’s water quality, it can filter between 20,000 and 30,000 gallons or last up to six months, whichever happens first.
Another feature we love about this water filter is that it’s easy to install, and you won’t need any tools. Because it’s a universal 10″ cartridge, that means you won’t have any trouble fitting it to any big blue water filter housings. Examples of those housings include 3M, Culligan, Dupont, Filtrete, GE, Kenmore, Omni, Omnifilter, Pentek, and Whirlpool.
Pros
- Universal sizing
- Multi-layer construction
- Food-grade materials
- Efficient 5-micron filtration
Cons
- Some consumers state that, even though this is a universal cartridge, it doesn’t fit their water filter system.
- Other reviewers indicate that iron collects only outside the filter, and it clogs too quickly.
These filters also feature a 30-day money-back guarantee, a one-year warranty, and a lifetime of excellent customer service. So, if you experience any issues with these filters, you have support.
Technical specs:
- Flow rate: No information available
- Contaminants removed: 99% of sediment, rust, sand, colloid, and particles.
- Filter Lifespan: 20 000 to 30 000 gallons, or six months
- Certifications: NSF 42 certified
- Price range: $33.00
- Number or type of filters: Pack of four polypropylene cartridges
Whole House Filter Cartridge Buyers Guide
What is a Whole House Filter Cartridge?
Because many homes throughout the country count on a whole house water filter to remove contaminants, that means these systems need a high-quality replacement filter cartridge. Because so many families struggle with water contaminants, a whole house filtration system is the most popular on the market.
A filter cartridge ensures for your whole house that water is treated at every fixture and faucet throughout your home. That includes faucets in your kitchen and bathroom, kitchen appliances, washers, showers, and anything else connected to your home’s water supply. That means that this filter cartridge works on both your hot and cold water connections.
These whole house filtration systems are ideal for homes with high levels of contaminants in their water. You’ll find that whole house filtration systems are the perfect choice for reducing these levels to deliver the safest and cleanest water to your home.
How does it work
A whole house filter cartridge is available in a variety of sizes, styles, and types. While some may have different features than others, they all work in the same way. They install into your whole house water filter system, which attaches to your home’s main supply.
Different Types of Filters for Whole House Systems
Activated Carbon
Because these filters can remove a wide variety of chemicals, impurities, and other pollutants, they are the most popular on the market. Its porous material effectively eradicates over 80 contaminants and can partially remove up to 50. There’s something that we don’t like about these filters, however. It’s that they’re ineffective at removing bacteria and viruses, dissolved metals and minerals, and inorganic contaminants.
Sediment
As the name suggests, sediment filters effectively remove debris, rust, sand, silt, and other sediments. You can find three classifications for these filters, including standard, delicate, and ultra-fine. Because sediment filters feature multiple layers, each with a separate micron rating, they’re an excellent choice for removing a wide variety of water particles.
UV
If you’re worried about bacteria and viruses in your water, we suggest using a UV filter. These cartridges feature a UV chamber that water passes through to deactivate bacteria. In doing so, it prevents the bacteria left behind from reproducing and spreading.
Iron
You might notice high levels of dissolved elements and minerals when testing your water. While this is a common issue, not every water filtration system can solve that problem. You’ll find that an iron water filter does the job effectively. There is one downside to their filters. While they’re great for handling iron, they aren’t as effective at removing other impurities.
What to Look for When Buying a Cartridge
Using a water filtration system for your whole house means that you can experience filtered water at all water fixtures throughout your home. Because there are so many different water cartridges available on the market, you should consider some specific factors when buying one.
Lifespan
The filter’s lifespan tells you how often it needs replacing. Because you’ll experience lower long-term costs, a cartridge featuring the most extended lifespan is ideal. It’s a good idea to find a water system featuring filters that last between one and five years, or between 100,000 and 500,000 gallons.
Water flow rate
Choosing the highest quality cartridge means that it isn’t going to affect your home’s water pressure. You can ensure you’re maintaining the most elevated pressure possible by choosing a filter with a large inlet size and sound design.
Ease of installation
When choosing a cartridge that’s easy to install, that means that you won’t need any additional tools to complete the job. Make sure you check the product’s packaging to ensure it’s compatible with your whole house system.
Customer support and warranty
The last thing you most likely want to deal with is a cartridge that doesn’t work with your home water filtration systems. Look for products featuring a lengthy warranty and the best customer support. That way, if the filter isn’t working the way you expect, the company will send a filter replacement, give you your money back, or offer the technical support you need.
When Should You Replace Your Filter Cartridges?
Typically, a filter replacement should occur at least once every three months. You might find that your filter can last up to six months, in any case. Factors that affect how often you need to change your filter include your home’s water contaminants and other water quality issues. So, if the filter gets clogged up quickly, you’ll need to change it more often.
How Do You Replace it?
- Shut off the cold water valve used to feed water into your home.
- Turn on a water faucet to release pressure in the water lines and leave it on, or, if one is available, press the pressure release valve on top of the whole house filtration system.
- Unscrew the filter’s housing, remove the O-ring, clean it, and set it aside.
- Remove the old cartridge, discard it, and wash the housing thoroughly with a mild detergent. Rinse the housing completely, and fill it 1/3 with water. Scrub and disinfect the housing after adding about one tablespoon of bleach.
- Before inserting the O-ring back into the groove, lubricate it with silicone grease. Make sure you install the O-ring level into the groove.
- Add the filter replacement over the standpipe in the bottom of the housing.
- Hand-tighten the housing onto the cap, but be sure you don’t overtighten. Ensure the canopy standpipe slips directly into the cartridge.
- Turn back on the water supply to your house. If there’s a pressure relief button, make sure you press it, or the faucet you left on can release the pressure.
Conclusion
Choosing the highest quality replacement cartridge for your whole house water filtration system doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our top pick is the Filtrete Carbon Wrap filter because we love that you have several options to choose from to ensure you’re getting the cleanest water possible.
The second runner-up is the PurePlus Carbon filter. We love that it has domestic and international certifications and that it’s compatible with reverse osmosis systems. We also want to mention that Dupont’s carbon filter is an excellent choice for solving odor and taste issues in the water throughout your house.
AUTHOR
David Trinh
David is an expert in all things plumbing, heating, cooling, and water treatment. He got his start in the plumbing business working on fixing all types of home improvement issues including water leaks, broken toilets, appliance installation, and more. Over time, he learned a ton about installing and choosing the correct water treatment products for homeowners.
