PUREPLUS 5 Micron 20ft x 4.5ft Whole House Coconut Shell Carbon KDF

In this review the PUREPLUS 5 micron 20' x 4.5' replacement cartridge is evaluated for whole-house use and heavy metal reduction. The bottom line: this cartridge is best for homeowners who want a straightforward, long-lasting filter that targets heavy metals and common nuisance tastes and odors. It combines activated carbon with KDF media to both adsorb contaminants and use redox chemistry to neutralize metals, making it a practical option where lead, mercury or chlorine are concerns and an easy swap-in for standard 20' housings.

Key Features

• Activated Carbon and KDF Blend: The cartridge pairs coconut shell activated carbon with KDF media to broaden the range of contaminants removed and reduce taste and odor issues.
• Heavy Metal Removal: KDF media complements carbon by using a reduction-oxidation process that helps neutralize heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
• Comprehensive Water Purification: Beyond metals, the filter reduces chlorine and common impurities that affect water taste and smell for a cleaner drinking experience.
• Easy Installation and Maintenance: The soft end caps seal without separate gaskets and the cartridge fits standard 20' housings for straightforward replacement.
• Enhanced Filtration Lifespan: The combined media is designed for consistent performance over extended use, delaying the need for replacement when water conditions are normal.

Who It's For

This cartridge is aimed at homeowners with whole-house 20' x 4.5' filter housings who want to address heavy metals and improve general water quality without complex installs. It suits kitchens, laundry, and whole-building supply where a single cartridge is expected to handle multiple nuisance contaminants.

Those who need specialized removal for bacteria, viruses, or very high particulate loads should consider different or additional stages. Also, properties with extremely high contaminant concentrations may require more frequent changes than typical intervals.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective combination of activated carbon and KDF for broad contaminant reduction and improved taste.
• Good fit and value for money according to customer feedback, making replacements simple and economical.
• Soft end caps remove the need for extra gaskets in most housings and simplify swaps.
• Designed for longer service life than single-media cartridges under normal conditions.

Cons

• Replacement interval can vary; customers should expect to change the cartridge every 6-12 months or sooner if taste or flow worsen.
• Not a standalone solution for biological contaminants or very high turbidity without additional stages.

Specifications

Filter Type	Activated carbon and KDF blend
Micron Rating	5 micron
Size	20' x 4.5'
Primary Benefits	Heavy metal reduction, chlorine, taste and odor improvement
Installation	Fits standard 20' housings, soft end caps seal without gaskets
Replacement Interval	Recommended every 6-12 months or when taste/flow change
Pack Size	1 pack

Our Verdict

The PUREPLUS 5 micron 20' x 4.5' carbon and KDF cartridge is a practical, cost-effective replacement for whole-house systems where heavy metals and chlorine are concerns. It offers reliable filtration, easy installation and a longer usable life than many single-media filters, making it a good value for homeowners seeking clearer, better-tasting water without complicated upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Are gaskets required for installation?
No. The filter uses soft end caps that provide a seal when the housing cover compresses the cartridge; separate gaskets are not essential.

When should I replace the filter?
Replace every 6-12 months or sooner if you notice a change in water taste or a significant drop in flow.