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

In this review the PUREPLUS 5 Micron 20' x 4.5' whole house activated carbon water filter is examined for homeowners who want a simple replacement cartridge that improves taste and removes contaminants across every tap. The bottom line: this replacement cartridge is for people who need whole-house carbon filtration with good capacity and lead reduction without changing housings or plumbing. It stands out because it uses a dense coconut shell carbon block to reduce chlorine, sediment and lead while fitting standard 20' x 4.5' heavy-duty filter housings.

Key Features

• Effective contaminant reduction: Reduces up to 99% of chlorine, sand, rust, sediment, taste and color to deliver clearer, better-tasting water at every outlet.
• Enhanced lead removal: The carbon block design traps lead particles and cysts for safer domestic water without additional equipment.
• Coconut shell carbon construction: Made from 100% coconut shell-activated carbon block for efficient adsorption and consistent filtration performance.
• Long service life: Rated to filter up to 100,000 gallons depending on water quality, with a suggested 6-12 month replacement interval for typical households.
• Broad compatibility: Fits any standard 20' x 4.5' heavy-duty filter housing and is compatible with many common models so replacement is straightforward.
• Quality controlled manufacturing: Produced under ISO9001 standards and tested with pressure and water hammer tests for reliable durability.

Who It's For

This filter is best for homeowners and renters who already have a 20' x 4.5' heavy-duty whole house housing and want an easy-to-install cartridge that targets chlorine, sediment and lead without changing plumbing. It is also a good option for families focused on improved taste and whole-home protection for showers and faucets.

Those who should look elsewhere include households that require specialized chemical or microbial certifications beyond the stated cyst and lead trapping, or users who need under-sink point-of-use filtration with additional remineralization - this is a whole-house carbon replacement, not a multi-stage countertop or under-sink system.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High removal of chlorine and common sediments, giving noticeable taste and odor improvement.
• Enhanced lead-trapping carbon block provides added safety compared with basic GAC cartridges.
• Easy to swap into standard 20' x 4.5' housings and fits many common brand models for fast replacement.
• Manufactured under ISO9001 with pressure and water hammer testing for consistent quality.

Cons

• Performance depends on feed water quality; very hard or heavily contaminated water will shorten service life.

Specifications

Filter Type	Activated carbon block, 5 micron
Size	20' x 4.5'
Material	100% coconut shell-activated carbon
Contaminants Reduced	Chlorine, sediment, rust, taste, color, lead, cysts
Estimated Capacity	Up to 100,000 gallons (depends on water quality)
Replacement Interval	Every 6-12 months (typical household)
Compatibility	Fits standard 20' x 4.5' heavy-duty housings and many common models

Our Verdict

The PUREPLUS 5 Micron 20' x 4.5' activated carbon cartridge is a practical, cost-conscious replacement for whole-house housings that need improved taste, odor and basic contaminant reduction. For most families with standard housings it offers good value, reliable lead trapping and long service life when water quality is moderate. Choose it if you want straightforward whole-house filtration without reconfiguring your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this filter need to be flushed?
Yes. Flush the new filter for about 5 minutes to condition it before regular use.

Does this cartridge require gaskets?
Gaskets are not essential; the filter's soft end caps seal when pressed by the housing cover while tightening.

When should I replace the filter?
Replace every 6-12 months or sooner if taste changes or flow is noticeably reduced.