PUREPLUS 5 Micron 20 in x 4.5 in Whole House Activated Carbon Filter

In this review the PUREPLUS 5 Micron 20 in x 4.5 in whole house activated carbon filter is looked at for households seeking improved taste, odor and contaminant reduction from every tap. The bottom line: this replacement cartridge is best for families with municipal or well water who want a durable carbon block that reduces chlorine, sediment and even traces of lead while fitting standard 20 in heavy-duty housings. The review finds the unit reliable, easy to install for anyone comfortable with basic filter changes, and notable for its long service life under normal conditions.

Key Features

• High contaminant reduction: Reduces up to 99% of chlorine, sand, rust, sediment, taste and color for cleaner water throughout the house.
• Enhanced lead removal: The carbon block design is engineered to trap lead particles and cysts, adding protection beyond basic sediment filtration.
• Premium material: Made from 100% coconut shell activated carbon block, which provides effective adsorption and stable flow for whole-house use.
• Durable construction: Manufactured under ISO9001 processes with multiple pressure and water-hammer tests to ensure consistent performance and reliability.
• Long service life: Rated up to 100,000 gallons depending on water quality, typically lasting 6-12 months for average households.
• Wide compatibility: Fits any standard 20 in x 4.5 in heavy-duty filter housings and many popular branded housings as a direct replacement.

Who It's For

The PUREPLUS carbon block is a strong choice for homeowners who want whole-house coverage for taste and odor improvements plus sediment and some lead reduction. It suits families on municipal systems troubled by chlorine or older plumbing with rust and particulate issues, and those who prefer a coconut shell carbon block for adsorption performance.

It is less appropriate for users who require specialized multi-stage treatment like dedicated reverse osmosis or water softening in a single cartridge; those with extreme contamination profiles should consider a professional water test and a tailored system. Budget buyers looking for very short-term, low-use filters may also find the lifetime and cost-per-gallon of this cartridge geared toward ongoing household use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective reduction of chlorine, taste and color for noticeably better tasting water.
• Enhanced capture of lead particles and cysts compared with simple sediment cartridges.
• Solid build quality and testing standards give confidence in long-term durability.
• Fits a wide range of standard 20 in housings, making replacement straightforward.

Cons

• Performance depends on inlet water quality; very high contaminant loads will shorten service life.
• Requires a 5 minute flush on installation which adds a small setup step.

Specifications

Filter type	5 micron coconut shell activated carbon block
Size	20 in x 4.5 in
Contaminant reduction	Up to 99% chlorine, sand, rust, sediment, taste and color; enhanced lead capture
Service life	Up to 100,000 gallons; replace every 6-12 months depending on use
Compatibility	Fits standard 20 in x 4.5 in heavy-duty housings and common branded housings
Quality control	Produced under ISO9001 with pressure and water hammer tests

Our Verdict

The PUREPLUS 5 micron whole house carbon filter is a dependable replacement cartridge for households that want improved taste, reduced chlorine and added lead protection across every tap. Given its coconut shell carbon block construction, broad compatibility and rigorous testing, it represents good value for regular household use and is especially suited to families seeking a long-lasting, low-maintenance whole-house filter solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to flush this filter after installation?
Yes. Flush the new cartridge for five minutes to condition the carbon and remove any loose carbon fines before regular use.

Are gaskets required with this replacement cartridge?
Gaskets are not essential; the soft end caps form a seal when the housing cover is tightened, but check your housing instructions if uncertain.

When should the filter be replaced?
Replace every 6-12 months for average household use or sooner if water taste changes or flow rate is noticeably reduced.