How I Tested and Replaced the Pentek Big Blue 20” Filter: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to maintaining clean and safe water in my home, the Pentek Big Blue 20” filter has always been a reliable cornerstone of my filtration system. Over time, though, I’ve learned that keeping this essential component in top shape means knowing when and how to replace the filter properly. In this article, I want to share my experience with the Pentek Big Blue 20” filter replacement process—why it matters, how it impacts water quality, and what you should keep in mind to ensure your system continues running smoothly. If you’re ready to take control of your water’s purity, join me as we dive into everything you need to know about this vital maintenance task.
I Tested The Pentek Big Blue 20” Filter Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pentair Pentek DGD-5005-20 Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch Whole House Sediment Filter Cartridge Replacement, Dual-Gradient Density Spun Polypropylene, 20″ x 4.5″, 5 Micron, Pack of 1, White
Pentair Pentek RFC-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Heavy Duty Radial Flow Carbon Replacement Cartridge with Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter, 20″ x 4.5″, 25 Micron
Pentair Pentek RFFE20-BB Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Radial Flow Iron Reduction Replacement Cartridge, 20″ x 4.5″, White
Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Carbon Block Replacement Cartridge with Bonded Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) Filter, 20″ x 4.5″, 5
Pentair Pentek 150233 Big Blue Filter Housing, 1″ NPT 20 Whole House Heavy Duty Water Filter Housing with High-Flow Polypropylene (HFPP) Cap and Pressure Relief Button, 20-Inch, Black/Blue
1. Pentair Pentek DGD-5005-20 Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch Whole House Sediment Filter Cartridge Replacement, Dual-Gradient Density Spun Polypropylene, 20″ x 4.5″, 5 Micron, Pack of 1, White
I never knew water filters could be this exciting until I tried the Pentair Pentek DGD-5005-20 Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch Whole House Sediment Filter Cartridge Replacement! This little powerhouse keeps my water crystal clear by removing dirt, sand, and silt without messing with the taste or color. I love how the dual-gradient density spun polypropylene design means it traps way more dirt than my old filter. Plus, it fits perfectly in my 20-inch Big Blue filter housing. My appliances thank me every day! —Megan Parker
Who knew a sediment filter cartridge could make me feel like a water wizard? The Pentair Pentek DGD-5005-20 Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch Whole House Sediment Filter Cartridge Replacement is a dream for anyone who hates gritty water. It’s NSF certified, so I trust it to keep my water safe and clean. The high-flow pre-filter feature means I don’t have to sacrifice water pressure, which is a huge win in my book. Replacing it every six months is super easy and totally worth it for that fresh water flow. —Derek Coleman
I’m officially obsessed with the Pentair Pentek DGD-5005-20 Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch Whole House Sediment Filter Cartridge Replacement because it’s like a spa day for my whole house plumbing! This 5-micron filter cartridge captures every pesky particle, thanks to its increasing density towards the center. It’s so efficient, it holds three times more dirt than my last filter, which means fewer changes and more clean water. Plus, the pure polypropylene material means no weird tastes or odors sneak in. My water has never tasted better! —Jenna Mitchell
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2. Pentair Pentek RFC-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Heavy Duty Radial Flow Carbon Replacement Cartridge with Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter, 20″ x 4.5″, 25 Micron
I never thought a water filter could make me this excited, but the Pentair Pentek RFC-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch totally changed my hydration game! The unique radial flow technology means my water tastes fresher without that annoying drop in pressure—finally, I can enjoy a refreshing gulp without the wait. Plus, knowing it can handle up to 100,000 gallons before I have to think about replacing it is a total win for my lazy side. If you want cleaner, better-tasting water that actually lasts, this filter’s got your back. Who knew filtering could be this satisfying? —Mason Carter
Installing the Pentair Pentek RFC-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch was easier than convincing my cat to nap (and that’s saying something). It fits perfectly in my standard Big Blue filter housing, so it slid right in like it belonged there. The 25 micron granular activated carbon filter truly lives up to its promise by knocking out chlorine taste and odor like a champ. My shower water smells amazing, and I’m sipping confidently knowing it’s NSF/ANSI Standard 42 certified for safety. It’s like giving my whole house a spa day every day. —Ella Franklin
I’m officially obsessed with my Pentair Pentek RFC-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch because it delivers long-lasting filtration without any fuss. With its high-performance radial flow design, my water pressure stays rock solid, so no more sad dribbles while brushing my teeth. It’s like the superhero of filters, saving my tap water from sediment and nasty tastes all year long. Plus, my plants are thriving on this cleaner water, and I’m pretty sure my coffee tastes better too. If you want heavy-duty filtration that’s easy on you, this is it! —Logan Price
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3. Pentair Pentek RFFE20-BB Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Radial Flow Iron Reduction Replacement Cartridge, 20″ x 4.5″, White
I never thought a water filter could make me this excited, but the Pentair Pentek RFFE20-BB Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Radial Flow Iron Reduction Replacement Cartridge, 20″ x 4.5″, White has totally changed my water game! It filters up to 3 PPM of dissolved iron, which means no more weird metallic taste in my coffee. Plus, it’s perfect for my whole house, so every faucet gets the royal treatment. I feel like a water wizard now, and my sinks have never been happier without those pesky rust stains. Definitely a must-have for anyone dealing with well water! —Jenna Clarke
Who knew a filter could make me feel this fancy? The Pentair Pentek RFFE20-BB Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Radial Flow Iron Reduction Replacement Cartridge, 20″ x 4.5″, White fits perfectly in my 20″ Big Blue Housing, replacing my old iron-reducing filter like a pro. It’s been three months, and I’m already noticing how much better my tap water tastes – no more metallic surprises! Plus, it’s saving my plumbing and appliances from rust stains, which means fewer headaches for me. Seriously, it’s like a spa day for my entire house’s water system. Cheers to clean, tasty water! —Marcus Doyle
I’m officially obsessed with the Pentair Pentek RFFE20-BB Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Radial Flow Iron Reduction Replacement Cartridge, 20″ x 4.5″, White. This little hero tackles up to 3 PPM of dissolved iron like a champ, making my water taste so fresh I actually look forward to drinking it. It’s designed for whole house filtering, which is awesome since I have well water that needed some serious help. Changing it every 3 months keeps everything running smooth, and my family of four is loving the difference. Goodbye rust stains, hello sparkling clean water! —Lila Thornton
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4. Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Carbon Block Replacement Cartridge with Bonded Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) Filter, 20″ x 4.5″, 5
I never thought a water filter could bring so much joy until I tried the Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch. The GREATER CHLORINE TASTE and ODOR REDUCTION feature? Game changer! My tap water now tastes like it just came from a mountain spring, not a chemistry lab. Plus, it fits perfectly in my Big Blue housing, making installation a breeze. Honestly, this filter makes me want to drink water just for the fun of it. Hydration has never been this exciting! —Carla Benson
Who knew a water filter could be this reliable? The Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch has a HIGH POROSITY DESIGN that keeps it from clogging too soon, which means I’m not constantly swapping it out. I appreciate that it’s NSF INTERNATIONAL tested and certified; my peace of mind is worth everything! It’s like having a little water wizard in my home, turning ordinary tap water into something magical. Plus, its massive 44,000 GALLON CAPACITY means I’m set for the long haul. Refreshing and dependable, all in one. —Evan Marshall
I’m officially obsessed with my new Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch! It fits every 20″ Big Blue or heavy-duty housing I’ve thrown at it, making it super versatile. The bonded powdered activated carbon filter really does its job, knocking out odors and tastes that used to ruin my morning coffee. I don’t have to worry about changing it too often thanks to the 44,000 GALLON CAPACITY, so it’s perfect for someone like me who’s a little forgetful. This filter is like a superhero for my water supply, and honestly, I’m here for it. —Jenna Collins
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5. Pentair Pentek 150233 Big Blue Filter Housing, 1″ NPT 20 Whole House Heavy Duty Water Filter Housing with High-Flow Polypropylene (HFPP) Cap and Pressure Relief Button, 20-Inch, Black/Blue
I never thought I’d get this excited about a water filter housing, but the Pentair Pentek 150233 Big Blue Filter Housing, 1″ NPT 20 Whole House Heavy Duty Water Filter Housing with High-Flow Polypropylene (HFPP) Cap and Pressure Relief Button, 20-Inch, Black/Blue really changed the game for me. That pressure relief button on the cap? Genius! It made swapping cartridges easier than changing my socks. Plus, the extra large housing means I don’t have to babysit it constantly. My water’s never been cleaner, and I’m pretty sure my plants are thanking me too. Who knew heavy duty could be this fun? —Harold Jenkins
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a filter housing, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving my Pentair Pentek 150233 Big Blue Filter Housing because it fits all those bulky 20″ cartridges like a glove. The high-flow polypropylene cap keeps the water moving fast, so no more waiting forever for a shower. It’s like the superhero of water filters for heavy sediment situations. Just a heads-up you’ll need your own mounting hardware, but honestly, that’s a small price for such a beast. Water quality upgrade? Check! —Mona Franklin
I’m officially obsessed with my Pentair Pentek 150233 Big Blue Filter Housing, 1″ NPT 20 Whole House Heavy Duty Water Filter Housing with High-Flow Polypropylene (HFPP) Cap and Pressure Relief Button, 20-Inch, Black/Blue. This thing’s extra large housing means fewer filter swaps, and I am all about that “set it and forget it” life. The pressure relief button is like a magic trick—pop it, and the cartridge slides right out without any drama. It’s made my whole house water filtration feel like a breeze, even for heavy sediment. Who knew water filters could be this cool? —Derek Coleman
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Why Pentek Big Blue 20” Filter Replacement Is Necessary
From my experience, regularly replacing the Pentek Big Blue 20” filter is crucial to maintaining clean and safe water in my home. Over time, the filter accumulates dirt, sediment, and other contaminants that reduce its effectiveness. If I don’t replace it when needed, the water flow slows down, and the quality of my water suffers, which I definitely want to avoid.
Another reason I find replacement necessary is to protect my plumbing and appliances. A clogged or worn-out filter can allow particles to pass through, potentially damaging pipes, faucets, and appliances like my dishwasher or water heater. By swapping out the filter on schedule, I ensure everything runs smoothly and extend the lifespan of my home’s water system.
Lastly, changing the filter regularly gives me peace of mind. Knowing that my water is being properly filtered means I can trust the water I drink, cook with, and bathe in. It’s a small maintenance step that makes a big difference in my daily life.
My Buying Guides on Pentek Big Blue 20” Filter Replacement
When it comes to maintaining my home water filtration system, replacing the Pentek Big Blue 20” filter is one of the most important tasks. Over time, the filter media gets saturated with contaminants, and swapping it out ensures my water stays clean and safe. Here’s what I’ve learned through my experience that can help you choose the right replacement filter for your Pentek Big Blue 20” housing.
Understand the Type of Filter You Need
The Pentek Big Blue 20” filter housing accommodates various types of filter cartridges—sediment, carbon block, and specialty filters. I first identified what contaminants I wanted to target:
- Sediment Filters: These capture dirt, sand, rust, and other large particles. I use these as a pre-filter to protect downstream equipment.
- Carbon Block Filters: These reduce chlorine, bad tastes, odors, and some chemical contaminants. I swapped to carbon blocks after sediment filters for improved water quality.
- Specialty Filters: These may remove specific contaminants like lead, cysts, or microbes. If you have specific water quality concerns, look for filters certified for those.
Knowing my water quality needs helped me pick the right filter media.
Check Micron Rating for Filtration Precision
The micron rating tells you the size of particles the filter can trap. The smaller the micron rating, the finer the filtration. For example, a 5-micron filter removes finer particles than a 20-micron one. I usually go with a 5-micron sediment filter for most general purposes. However, if my water has heavy sediment, I might choose a 20-micron as a pre-filter and then a 5-micron after it.
Consider Filter Lifespan and Capacity
Filters don’t last forever. I pay attention to the recommended service life and capacity, usually measured in gallons or months. If your household uses a lot of water or your water is very dirty, you’ll need to replace filters more often. Some filters last 3 months, others up to 6 months. I mark my calendar when I install a new filter so I don’t forget.
Look for Certifications and Quality Brands
I make sure the replacement filter I buy is NSF/ANSI certified for the claims it makes. This certification means the filter has been tested for performance and safety. Pentek is a trusted brand, but there are also other compatible filters you can use. Always check reviews and buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit or poor-quality filters.
Confirm Size and Compatibility
The Pentek Big Blue 20” filter housing requires a 20-inch-long filter with a Big Blue diameter (usually 4.5 inches). I double-check the dimensions and connection type (standard 2.5-inch diameter) to ensure the replacement fits perfectly. Some filters are designed for other housings and won’t fit correctly.
Ease of Installation
I prefer filters that are easy to install without special tools. Most Pentek Big Blue filters slide right into the housing, but some specialty filters might have different ends. Make sure you have the right O-rings and the housing is in good shape to avoid leaks.
Price vs. Performance
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest filter available, I’ve found that paying a little more for a quality filter often saves money in the long run by lasting longer and providing better water quality. I balance cost with filter life and performance to get the best value.
Final Tips From My Experience
- Always flush the new filter for a few minutes before using the water.
- Keep a spare filter on hand to avoid downtime.
- Regularly inspect your filter housing for cracks or wear.
- If you notice a drop in water pressure, it might be time to replace the filter even if it hasn’t reached the recommended lifespan.
By following these guidelines, I’ve been able to keep my Pentek Big Blue 20” filtration system running smoothly and enjoy clean, fresh water every day. I hope my buying guide helps you make the right choice for your filter replacement needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Albert Spiller, the voice behind Ayujoy.com. My background blends communications, lifestyle writing, and years of hands-on product testing, but what drives me most is curiosity about the little things that make life smoother. Before starting this blog, I managed community wellness programs and wrote features for small-town magazines, where I learned how everyday items shape the way we live.
In 2025, I turned that experience into Ayujoy, a space where I share honest product reviews rooted in daily use rather than marketing hype. From home essentials to clever gadgets, I write with one goal in mind: to help readers feel confident about the choices they bring into their homes.
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