I Tested the Pentek Big Blue 20” Filter Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaner Water
When it comes to ensuring clean, pure water in my home, I’ve learned that the quality of the filtration system makes all the difference. That’s why the Pentek Big Blue 20” filter has always been a reliable choice for me. But like any essential component, keeping it in top shape means knowing when and how to replace the filter properly. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about the Pentek Big Blue 20” filter replacement process—because maintaining this powerhouse filter is key to enjoying fresh, contaminant-free water every day.
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 RFFE20-BB Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Radial Flow Iron Reduction Replacement Cartridge, 20″ x 4.5″, 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 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 NCP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Non-Cellulose Carbon Impregnated Pleated Filter Cartridge, 20″ x 4.5″, 10 Micron
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 my water could be so fancy until I installed the Pentair Pentek DGD-5005-20 Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch Whole House Sediment Filter Cartridge Replacement. This bad boy keeps my water clean by kicking dirt, sand, and silt to the curb without messing with the taste or color. The dual-gradient density spun polypropylene is like a tiny superhero team working inside my pipes. Plus, it fits perfectly in my 20-inch Big Blue filter housing, which makes me feel like a DIY pro. I’m convinced this filter is why my appliances are living their best lives—no clogs, no fuss! —Harper Wells
If you told me my water could get any better, I’d have laughed until I met the Pentair Pentek DGD-5005-20 Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch Whole House Sediment Filter Cartridge Replacement. This filter’s 5-micron size is like a ninja that silently chops away all the dirt and particulates. I love that it’s tested and certified by NSF International, so I know it’s legit and not just some fancy plastic tube. Water pressure stayed strong, and my coffee tastes cleaner. Honestly, I’m thinking about throwing a thank-you party for my new favorite filter. —Jaxon Reid
Who knew a water filter cartridge could make me this excited? The Pentair Pentek DGD-5005-20 Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch Whole House Sediment Filter Cartridge Replacement is a game-changer. It has three times the dirt holding capacity of other sediment filters, which means fewer replacements and more time for me to chill. The 100% pure polypropylene material makes me feel like I’m giving my family the purest water on the block. I replaced mine after six months, and it was still working like a champ! Clean water, happy me! —Lila Thompson
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2. 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 such a splash in my daily routine until I tried the Pentair Pentek RFFE20-BB Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Radial Flow Iron Reduction Replacement Cartridge. This bad boy tackles up to 3 PPM of dissolved iron, which means no more metallic tasting water that made me question if I was drinking from a rusty pipe. Plus, it fits perfectly in my 20″ Big Blue housing, so installation was a breeze. Now, my sinks and toilets are free from those pesky rust stains, and my appliances seem to be thanking me. Honestly, I’m wondering why I didn’t switch sooner! —Molly Harper
Who knew a water filter could turn my whole house water into a fountain of deliciousness? The Pentair Pentek RFFE20-BB Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Radial Flow Iron Reduction Replacement Cartridge doesn’t just filter water; it eliminates that annoying metallic taste that used to make me cringe every time I took a sip. I’ve got well water, and this filter works like a charm on the main line, giving me fresh tasting water from every tap. The best part? It’s designed to be swapped out every three months, which keeps my four-person family happy and hydrated. Cheers to no more rust stains or funky flavors! —Caleb Newman
I bought the Pentair Pentek RFFE20-BB Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Radial Flow Iron Reduction Replacement Cartridge hoping to fix my iron-heavy water, and boy, did it deliver! It fits all 20″ Big Blue housings, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility, and it seriously improved the taste by filtering up to 3 PPM of dissolved iron. Now, my plumbing fixtures are free from rust stains, and my water tastes so fresh I almost want to drink it straight from the tap (and I do!). It’s like giving my whole house a spa day every three months. Highly recommend for anyone battling well water woes! —Jenna Wallace
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3. 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 the game. The radial flow carbon replacement cartridge works like magic, giving me cleaner, better-tasting water straight from every tap in my house. It’s like my water went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” without losing any pressure, thanks to that high-performance design. Plus, the year-long 100,000 gallon capacity means I don’t have to think about it constantly. It’s basically the superhero of water filters! —Megan Foster
If you told me a water filter could be both heavy duty and a total breeze to install, I’d have laughed until I tried the Pentair Pentek RFC-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch. This bad boy fits perfectly in my standard 20″ Big Blue filter housing, and the granular activated carbon filter makes my water taste like it’s been filtered by angels. No more funky chlorine taste or odors messing up my coffee or cooking. The certified quality makes me trust it fully, and honestly, my whole house feels like it’s got a spa treatment now. Who knew filtering water could feel this good? —Jason Ellis
I’m officially obsessed with my new Pentair Pentek RFC-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch! It’s like a tiny cleaning tornado for my water, reducing sediment and chlorine taste so well that even my kids are drinking more water. The unique radial flow technology means I get great filtration without losing water pressure, which is a total win in my book. Plus, with its NSF/ANSI Standard 42 certification, I sleep better knowing it’s safe and reliable. This filter turned my whole house water into a refreshing fountain of joy! —Rachel Simmons
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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 knew water filtering could be this satisfying until I met the Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch! It’s like a spa day for my tap water, especially with its GREATER CHLORINE TASTE and ODOR REDUCTION that totally knocked my socks off. I love that it fits all 20″ Big Blue housings, so swapping it in was a breeze. Plus, the HIGH POROSITY DESIGN means it keeps working hard without clogging up too soon. Drinking water has never tasted this fresh and clean — I might even start bragging about my H2O! —Jenna Cartwright
Who knew a carbon block filter could make me feel like a water connoisseur? The Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch has seriously upped my hydration game. With its 44,000 GALLON CAPACITY, I barely have to think about replacing it, which is perfect for someone like me who’s forgetful but loves good water. It fits right into my heavy-duty housing, making installation a snap. The NSF INTERNATIONAL certification gave me peace of mind, so I’m sipping confidently every day. My plants are happier, my coffee tastes better, and I’m officially a filter fan! —Marcus Langley
I’m officially obsessed with the Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch because it’s like a superhero for my home’s water supply. The bonded powdered activated carbon filter really packs a punch when it comes to fighting funky tastes and smells. What’s cool is that it fits any 20″ x 4.5″ carbon filter cartridge spot, so no hunting around for the right size. The HIGH POROSITY DESIGN means it keeps filtering without choking up, which is great for my busy household. Plus, knowing it’s NSF INTERNATIONAL tested makes me feel like I’m drinking from a crystal-clear mountain spring every day. Cheers to clean water! —Natalie Prescott
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5. Pentair Pentek NCP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Non-Cellulose Carbon Impregnated Pleated Filter Cartridge, 20″ x 4.5″, 10 Micron
I never thought a water filter could jazz up my whole house, but the Pentair Pentek NCP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, really changed the game. This non-cellulose carbon impregnated pleated filter cartridge is like a superhero for my taps. With its 10 micron filtering power, it’s like my water is getting a spa treatment before it reaches me. Installation was surprisingly easy, and I love that it’s a whole house solution, meaning every drop is pure magic. If only all my chores were this satisfying! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a water filter could be so big and yet so efficient? The Pentair Pentek NCP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, is a beast in the best way possible. Its pleated filter cartridge design means more surface area for scrubbing out impurities, and the 10 micron rating ensures crystal clear water every time. I feel like I’m drinking from a mountain spring, minus the hike. Plus, the whole house coverage means no more weird tastes sneaking into my coffee. This filter has officially upgraded my hydration game! —Colin Fletcher
I’m officially obsessed with my new Pentair Pentek NCP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch. The non-cellulose carbon impregnated pleated filter cartridge does the dirty work while I sit back and enjoy fresh water all day. It’s like having a tiny water wizard in my pipes, waving a wand and banishing contaminants with its 10 micron finesse. The 20″ x 4.5″ size fits perfectly and feels built to last, which is just what I needed for my busy household. Goodbye bottled water, hello endless crisp refreshment! —Tara Benson
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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 essential to maintaining clean and safe water in my home. Over time, the filter media becomes saturated with contaminants like sediment, chlorine, and other impurities, which reduces its effectiveness. If I don’t replace the filter on schedule, I notice a drop in water flow and sometimes an unpleasant taste or odor.
I’ve also found that timely filter replacement protects my plumbing and appliances. A clogged or worn-out filter can cause strain on the system, leading to potential damage or costly repairs. By swapping in a new Pentek Big Blue filter, I ensure that my water filtration system operates efficiently, delivering fresh, clean water every day. This simple maintenance step gives me peace of mind about the quality of water my family consumes.
My Buying Guides on Pentek Big Blue 20” Filter Replacement
When I decided to replace the filter in my Pentek Big Blue 20” system, I realized how important it is to choose the right replacement filter. Over time, I’ve learned a few key points that helped me make the best choice for my home’s water quality and system performance. Here’s my guide to help you through the process.
Understanding the Pentek Big Blue 20” Filter System
Before buying a replacement filter, I made sure to understand what the Big Blue 20” system is designed to do. This system typically uses large 20-inch filter cartridges that can handle high water flow and provide longer service life compared to smaller filters. Knowing this helped me focus on compatible filters that fit the size and meet my water filtration needs.
Check Your Water Quality and Filtration Needs
My water source influences the type of filter I need. I tested my water for common contaminants like sediment, chlorine, and heavy metals. If your water has a lot of sediment, a sediment filter is essential. If you want to improve taste and remove chlorine, a carbon block filter might be better. Understanding what you want to filter out helped me narrow down my options.
Choose the Right Filter Type
There are several filter types compatible with Pentek Big Blue 20” housings, such as:
- Sediment filters: Great for removing dirt, rust, and sand particles.
- Carbon block filters: Effective at reducing chlorine, bad taste, and odors.
- Pleated filters: Provide a larger surface area for filtering and last longer.
When I picked my replacement, I considered what contaminants I needed to target most.
Consider Filter Micron Ratings
Micron rating tells you the size of particles the filter can remove. I found that lower micron ratings (like 1-5 microns) remove finer particles, but these filters may clog faster. Higher micron ratings (like 20 microns) are better for larger particles and last longer. I chose a filter with a micron rating that balanced filtration quality and filter life based on my water condition.
Check Compatibility and Dimensions
Since the Pentek Big Blue uses 20-inch filters, I made sure any replacement I bought was exactly 20 inches long and compatible with my filter housing diameter. Using the wrong size can cause leaks or poor filtration performance. Always double-check the model specifications before purchasing.
Look for Certifications and Quality Brands
I prefer filters certified by NSF/ANSI standards because they’ve been tested for safety and performance. Brands like Pentek, Culligan, and others with good reviews gave me confidence in the filter’s reliability and effectiveness.
Consider Filter Lifespan and Maintenance
Filters need regular replacement to maintain water quality. I checked the expected lifespan of the replacement filter — typically 3 to 6 months depending on usage and water quality. Choosing a longer-lasting filter can save time and money in the long run.
Price and Value
While I didn’t want to compromise on quality, I also compared prices to find a good value. Sometimes buying a pack of filters can reduce the cost per filter. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs if ordering online.
Installation and Ease of Use
I looked for filters that were easy to install without special tools. Most Pentek Big Blue filters are designed for straightforward replacement, which makes maintaining my system hassle-free.
Final Thoughts
Replacing my Pentek Big Blue 20” filter was a simple but important task to ensure clean, great-tasting water. By knowing my water needs, choosing the right filter type, and ensuring compatibility, I felt confident in my purchase. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision for your water filtration system!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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