4.5" OD Big Blue Triplex Water Filter Replacement Kit | 10" or 20" Filters | 20 Micron + 5 Micron Sediment + 0.5 Micron Carbon Block

4.5" OD Triplex Water Filter Replacement Cartridge Kits

Keep your triplex filtration system running at peak performance with these professionally configured 3-stage replacement filter kits. Designed for 4.5" OD Big Blue style housings, each kit includes a staged filtration setup consisting of a 20 micron sediment cartridge, 5 micron sediment cartridge, and a 0.5 micron carbon block cartridge for comprehensive whole-house water filtration.

This configuration is widely considered the ideal setup for most triplex water filtration systems because it progressively reduces contaminants while maximizing cartridge life and maintaining strong water flow throughout the system.

Stage 1 – 20 Micron Sediment Filtration

The first stage uses a 20 micron melt blown polypropylene cartridge to capture larger particles including sand, silt, rust, scale, and sediment before they can clog finer downstream filters. This extends the service life of the second and third stages while improving overall system efficiency.

Stage 2 – 5 Micron Sediment Filtration

The second stage further refines the water by removing finer suspended particles and sediment that pass through the first filter stage. The layered polypropylene construction provides high contaminant holding capacity, low pressure drop, and long service life.

Stage 3 – 0.5 Micron Carbon Block Filtration

The final stage utilizes a premium coconut shell activated carbon block cartridge rated at 0.5 micron for superior chlorine, taste, and odour reduction. This final polishing stage significantly improves water quality while reducing fine sediment and organic contaminants commonly found in municipal water supplies.

The carbon block cartridges are NSF 42 and NSF 61 certified for material safety and chlorine reduction performance, while the polypropylene sediment filters are NSF 42 certified.

Why This Filter Configuration Works So Well

This graduated filtration approach is the preferred setup for most residential and light commercial triplex systems because it:

• Maximizes flow rates while minimizing pressure loss
• Prevents premature clogging of fine filters
• Extends overall cartridge lifespan
• Improves chlorine reduction efficiency
• Delivers cleaner, clearer, better tasting water
• Reduces sediment load before carbon filtration
• Helps protect plumbing fixtures, appliances, and downstream equipment

Unlike systems using identical micron ratings across all stages, this progressive setup allows each cartridge to perform its specific role more efficiently.

Available Sizes

These replacement kits are available in both:

• 10" x 4.5" OD Big Blue Filter Kits
• 20" x 4.5" OD Big Blue Filter Kits

The 20" systems provide higher dirt holding capacity and longer service intervals, making them ideal for higher flow applications or homes with heavier sediment loads.

Applications

Ideal for:

• Whole house water filtration systems
• Well water filtration
• Municipal water treatment
• Pre-filtration for UV systems
• Reverse osmosis pre-treatment
• Residential and light commercial water systems

Filter Construction & Performance

The melt blown sediment filters are manufactured using thermally bonded polypropylene fibers with no binders or adhesives, providing excellent chemical resistance and resistance to bacterial attack.

The carbon block cartridges are manufactured using high purity coconut shell activated carbon and are engineered for high chlorine reduction capacity, excellent sediment retention, and minimal carbon fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What filters are included in this triplex replacement kit?

Each kit includes:

• One 20 micron melt blown sediment filter
• One 5 micron melt blown sediment filter
• One 0.5 micron coconut shell carbon block filter

This staged filtration setup is ideal for most whole-house triplex systems.

Why use a 20 micron, 5 micron, and 0.5 micron setup?

This progressive filtration design allows each filter to target different contaminant sizes efficiently:

• 20 micron removes larger sediment and debris
• 5 micron captures finer particles
• 0.5 micron carbon block reduces chlorine, taste, odour, and very fine contaminants

Using graduated micron ratings helps maximize filter life and maintain stronger water flow compared to using identical filters in all stages.

Are these filters compatible with Big Blue housings?

Yes. These kits are designed for standard 4.5" OD Big Blue style filter housings and fit most industry-standard triplex systems.

What contaminants do these filters remove?

These filter kits help reduce:

• Sediment
• Sand
• Rust
• Dirt
• Silt
• Scale particles
• Chlorine taste and odour
• Fine suspended solids

The 0.5 micron carbon block cartridge is specifically designed for high chlorine reduction performance.

Are the filters NSF certified?

Yes. The polypropylene sediment cartridges are NSF 42 certified, and the carbon block cartridges are NSF 42 and NSF 61 certified.

What is the difference between the 10" and 20" kits?

The 20" kits provide:

• Higher dirt holding capacity
• Longer service intervals
• Better performance for higher flow applications
• Reduced maintenance frequency

The 10" kits are more compact and commonly used in standard residential applications.

How often should the filters be replaced?

Replacement frequency depends on water quality and usage, but most residential systems require filter changes every:

• 3 to 6 months for sediment filters
• 6 months for carbon block filters

Heavy sediment loads or poor water quality may require more frequent changes.

Can these filters be used on well water?

Yes. These kits are an excellent choice for many well water systems, especially where sediment and particulate are present. However, water testing is always recommended to determine if additional treatment is required.

Will these filters reduce water pressure?

When properly maintained, the staged filtration design helps minimize pressure loss while still providing excellent filtration performance. The large 4.5" OD cartridges are designed for higher flow rates and longer service life.

Are the sediment filters chemically bonded?

No. The melt blown polypropylene cartridges are thermally bonded without adhesives or binders, helping ensure broad chemical compatibility and cleaner filtration performance.