Big Blue Carbon Water Filter Housing 20in - Whole House Heavy Duty

In this review of the Pentek 150233 Big Blue housing, the bottom line is simple: anyone needing a robust, high-capacity whole house carbon filter housing will appreciate its combination of flow capacity and durable construction. The unit is aimed at households or light commercial sites that want to reduce sediment and chlorine taste and odor while maintaining high flow rates. Its extra large housing and High-Flow Polypropylene cap mean fewer vessels and easier cartridge changes, making it a practical choice for installations where performance and maintenance convenience matter.

Key Features

• Extra large housing: Allows greater cartridge capacity so fewer vessels are required for high flow-rate whole house setups.
• High-Flow Polypropylene cap: The HFPP cap with 1" NPT ports and a 1-1/2" internal port provides a higher volume flow path for faster throughput.
• Pressure relief button: Built-in button on the cap makes cartridge changes easier and safer by relieving trapped pressure.
• Wide cartridge compatibility: Fits all Pentair Pentek 20in Big Blue cartridges and any 20in x 4.5in heavy duty filter cartridge for flexibility in media choice.
• Radial flow carbon option: When paired with the included style of carbon cartridge, the radical flow design cuts pressure drop and reduces carbon fines release.
• NSF tested: Certification provides independent assurance about the filter performance for reducing chlorine taste and odor and sediment.

Who It's For

This housing suits homeowners, plumbers, and light commercial operators who need a whole house filter solution capable of handling heavy sediment and maintaining good flow for multiple fixtures. It is especially useful where a single large vessel is preferable to multiple smaller housings because it reduces plumbing complexity and service points.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who need compact under-sink systems or very small point-of-use filters, and buyers expecting included mounting hardware should note that some customers reported the housing ships without mounting screws.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High flow capacity reduces the number of housings needed in high-demand systems.
• Well-built HFPP cap and robust sump construction give a durable, serviceable housing.
• Pressure relief button and wide cartridge compatibility make maintenance straightforward.
• Effective at improving water quality by reducing sediment and chlorine taste and odor.

Cons

• Some customers reported occasional leakage or mixed assembly quality, so careful installation and inspection are recommended.
• Mounting hardware may not be included, requiring a separate purchase for wall installations.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Pentek Big Blue 20in housing is a practical, heavy duty choice for whole house filtration when durability, high flow and cartridge capacity matter. It represents good value for homes and small commercial sites that want reliable sediment and chlorine reduction with easier maintenance, provided installers account for possible missing mounting hardware and check fittings to prevent leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this housing fit standard 20in carbon cartridges?
Yes. It accepts all 20in Pentek Big Blue or other 20in x 4.5in heavy duty carbon filter cartridges.

Is the cap suitable for high-flow applications?
Yes. The HFPP cap with 1" NPT ports and a 1-1/2" internal port is designed to allow a greater volume of liquid to pass through quickly.

Are mounting screws included?
Some customers report the housing may ship without mounting hardware, so plan to procure screws or a mounting bracket if needed.