20″ x 4.5″ 10 Micron Carbon Block Filter, Pentek Big Blue, EPM Series

Description

The EPM-20BB Pentek Big Blue 20″ x 4.5″ 10-micron carbon block filter from the EPM Series is designed to reduce chlorine taste and odor while also providing nominal 10-micron sediment filtration. It is built with a high-porosity carbon block design to help maintain lower pressure drop and improve carbon utilization, and it includes an integrated prefilter wrap to help reduce premature plugging from sediment.

Model number: EPM-20BB

Part number: 155783-43

UPC: 051678783436

Media type: carbon block cartridge with Endurawrap prefilter (polyolefin bilaminate prefilter wrap)

Certification: NSF 42 Certified (chlorine taste and odor reduction)

Cartridge Size and Housing Compatibility: 20″ x 4.5″ 10 Micron Carbon Block Filter, Pentek Big Blue

• Cartridge size: 20 inch x 4.5 inch Big Blue style (maximum dimensions listed as 20 inch x 4-5/8 inch)
• Housing compatibility: fits 20-inch Big Blue full-flow housings designed for 20-inch x 4.5-inch cartridges

What is the 20″ x 4.5″ 10 Micron Carbon Block Filter, Pentek Big Blue used For?
Common use cases include:

• Whole house chlorine taste and odor reduction for city water applications
• Point-of-entry carbon filtration where higher flow is needed
• Pretreatment before sensitive downstream equipment where chlorine reduction is required
• Residential, food service, commercial, and industrial applications where Big Blue capacity and full-flow performance are preferred

Performance Specifications (Manufacturer Testing)

• Nominal filtration rating: 10 micron
• Initial pressure drop: 4.0 psid at 4.0 GPM
• Chlorine capacity: greater than 30,000 gallons at 4.0 GPM
• Notes: performance figures are based on manufacturer’s internal testing

What’s included

• (1) Pentek EPM-20BB carbon block cartridge
  Cartridges sold individually. Case quantity: 4.

Install difficulty: easy

Standard housing cartridge replacement. For application and fit confirmation, match housing size and use case before ordering.

Installation Guidance: 20″ x 4.5″ 10 Micron Carbon Block Filter, Pentek Big Blue

1. Shut off water to the housing and relieve pressure using the housing pressure relief button if present.
2. Place a towel or pan under the housing to catch water.
3. Remove the housing sump using a housing wrench if needed.
4. Remove the old cartridge and clean the sump and O-ring groove.
5. Inspect the housing O-ring and replace if worn, flattened, or nicked.
6. Insert the new EPM-20BB cartridge and confirm it seats properly.
7. Reinstall the sump and hand-tighten. Do not overtighten.
8. Turn water on slowly and check for leaks.
9. Flush until water runs clear and carbon fines are gone, then recheck for leaks.

Replacement Triggers

Replace the cartridge when:

• Chlorine taste or odor returns
• Flow drops noticeably at fixtures
• Differential pressure increases across the housing (if monitored)
• You reach your planned service interval based on usage and water conditions

Maintenance Schedule

• Inspect housing and fittings during each cartridge change
• Replace the housing O-ring as needed to prevent leaks
• Keep a consistent replacement routine if chlorine taste and odor reduction is the primary goal

Common Questions on Carbon Block Filters

Q: What does the EPM-20BB carbon block cartridge reduce?
A: It is designed to reduce chlorine taste and odor and provide nominal 10-micron sediment filtration.

Q: What housings does this cartridge fit?
A: It fits 20-inch Big Blue full-flow housings designed for 20-inch x 4.5-inch cartridges.

Q: What does 10 micron mean on a carbon block cartridge?
A: It refers to nominal particle filtration around 10 microns, which helps capture sediment while the carbon block handles chlorine taste and odor reduction.

Q: Will this help with the chlorine smell in showers and laundry?
A: Yes, whole house carbon filtration is commonly used to reduce chlorine taste and odor throughout the home when installed at the main line.

Q: How long will this cartridge last?
A: Life depends on chlorine levels and household usage. Replace when taste and odor return, flow drops, or your planned service interval is reached.

Q: Will this cartridge remove hardness minerals or soften water?
A: No. Carbon filtration targets chlorine taste and odor, and certain organics. Hardness minerals are addressed with water softening or scale-focused treatment.

Q: Does the prefilter wrap matter?
A: Yes. The integrated wrap helps trap sediment that can plug carbon blocks early, extending the useful life and maintaining flow.

Match your 20-inch Big Blue housing with the EPM-20BB carbon block cartridge to keep chlorine taste and odor under control with full-flow performance.

* Based on manufacturer’s internal testing.