Franklin FWHL Big Blue Filter Housing - 10" & 20"

Big Blue Water Filter Housing in Black and Clear

The Franklin FWHL Series holds one 4.5-inch OD Big Blue-style filter cartridge in a whole-house or point-of-entry water treatment system. Choose a 10-inch or 20-inch housing with a black polypropylene or clear polycarbonate bowl. The four models sold on this page use 1-inch inlet and outlet connections.

Each listed model has a maximum pressure rating of 90 PSI and a maximum temperature of 100°F (37.8°C). Franklin reports an initial housing pressure drop of 1 PSI at 15 GPM for the 1-inch models. The selected cartridge will add its own pressure drop.

Filter cartridges are sold separately. The housing does not remove contaminants by itself. Sediment, chlorine, taste, odour and other reduction performance depend on the cartridge installed and the water conditions.

Choose the Correct FWHL Model

• FWHL101BLK: 10" black polypropylene, NSF 42, dimensions 7.37" x 13.5"
• FWHL201BLK: 20" black polypropylene, NSF 42, dimensions 7.37" x 23.16"
• FWHL101CLK: 10" clear polycarbonate, dimensions 7.37" x 13.5"
• FWHL201CLK: 20" clear polycarbonate, dimensions 7.37" x 23.16"

The measurements above are the maximum housing dimensions, not the complete installation clearance. Leave additional room below the bowl so it can be removed during cartridge changes.

Key Features of Franklin FWHL Big Blue Water Filter Housing

• Accepts all 4.5" OD Big Blue filter cartridges (sediment, carbon, pleated, string wound, specialty) so you can target specific contaminants with one housing
• Available in big blue filter housing 10 inch and 20 inch lengths to match your mounting space and cartridge capacity requirements
• NSF 42 certified black polypropylene housing so you can meet independent testing standards for residential and commercial installations
• Clear polycarbonate housing for visual cartridge inspection, so you can time replacements without opening the system
• Integrated pressure relief button on polypropylene (HFPP) or ABS cap for safe depressurization before cartridge changes
• Stainless steel button assembly with NBR and ABS components for reliable operation across repeated service cycles
• NBR O-ring seal for leak-free connections at pressures up to 90 PSI (6.2 bar)
• 1" FNPT inlet and outlet connections for direct installation on standard plumbing lines without adapters
• Maximum operating temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) for cold water filtration on municipal and well water systems

Compatible Big Blue Filter Cartridges

Install one nominal 4.5-inch OD Big Blue-style cartridge that matches the selected housing length. Cartridge options may include sediment, pleated, string-wound and carbon filters. Confirm the cartridge dimensions, end configuration, flow rating and treatment purpose before ordering.

For housing kits, replacement filters and multi-stage options, browse Big Blue water filters and cartridges. You can also view more Franklin Water Treatment products.

Technical Specifications

Common Applications

The FWHL works as a whole house water filter housing or in other point-of-entry systems where you need high-flow filtration with standard Big Blue cartridges:

• Whole house filtration on municipal or well water supply
• Well water sediment and particulate pre-filtration
• Reverse osmosis system pre-filtration
• Agricultural water treatment and greenhouse irrigation
• Food service, restaurant, and commercial kitchen water treatment
• Commercial and industrial equipment protection
• Boiler and cooling system feed water pre-treatment

Black vs. Clear Filter Housing

The black FWHL models use polypropylene housings and are listed by Franklin with NSF 42 certification. The clear models use polycarbonate bowls and allow you to view the inside of the housing. Franklin does not list NSF certification for the clear models.

Both options use a polypropylene (HFPP) or ABS cap, an NBR O-ring and a button assembly made from stainless steel, NBR and ABS. The technical sheet does not provide an outdoor or UV-exposure rating, so protect the housing from conditions that are not covered by the manufacturer specifications.

Before Ordering

• Match the housing length to a 10-inch or 20-inch cartridge.
• Confirm that the 1-inch connections fit the planned plumbing.
• Keep operating pressure at or below 90 PSI.
• Keep water temperature at or below 100°F (37.8°C).
• Check the cartridge flow rating and pressure drop, not only the housing rating.
• Leave enough space below the housing to remove the bowl during service.
• Select the cartridge from a water test and the contaminant you need to reduce.

Need help choosing a housing or cartridge? Contact Cleanflow and provide your water source, test results, desired flow rate and available installation space.

Buy Franklin FWHL Water Filter Housing from Cleanflow

Order the Franklin FWHL water filter housing online from Cleanflow Utility Supply Company for shipment across Canada and the United States. Free shipping on orders over $199.

For help selecting the correct whole house water filter housing or compatible cartridge, contact Cleanflow. Email info@cleanflow.ca for returns or exchanges within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size filter fits a Franklin FWHL housing?

Use a nominal 4.5-inch OD Big Blue-style cartridge that matches the housing length. FWHL-10 models use 10-inch cartridges, while FWHL-20 models use 20-inch cartridges. Confirm the cartridge dimensions before ordering.

Should I choose a 10-inch or 20-inch Big Blue housing?

Choose the length that matches your cartridge and available space. A 20-inch cartridge can hold more media, but its flow and service life still depend on the cartridge, water quality and water use.

What is the difference between the black and clear models?

Black models use polypropylene and are listed with NSF 42 certification. Clear models use polycarbonate and allow visual inspection of the housing interior, but Franklin does not list them as NSF certified.

Does the housing determine which contaminants are removed?

No. The housing holds the cartridge and directs water through it. Contaminant reduction, flow and replacement frequency depend on the cartridge selected and the incoming water conditions.