Description
The Pentek EP-10 is a 10-inch carbon block water filter designed to reduce chlorine taste and odor while also providing nominal 5-micron filtration. It fits standard 10-inch x 2.5-inch housings and is commonly used in under-sink systems, drinking water filters, and small point-of-use filtration setups that require better taste, odor control, and sediment reduction.
Model number: EP-10
Part number: 155531-43
UPC: 051678531433
Gallon capacity: Chlorine capacity greater than 6,000 gallons at 1.0 GPM, based on manufacturer’s internal testing
Micron rating: 5-micron nominal
Media type: Carbon block cartridge with Endurawrap polyolefin bilaminate prefilter
Verified certification language: NSF 42 Certified
Specification for Cartridge Size and Housing Compatibility
- Cartridge size: 10 inch x 2.5 inch standard
- Maximum dimensions: 9-3/4 inch x 2-7/8 inch
- Fits standard 10-inch housings that accept 10 inch x 2.5 inch cartridges
- Not designed for Big Blue housings
- Initial pressure drop: 3.4 psid at 1.0 GPM
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Case quantity: 12
What is the Pentek EP-10” Carbon Block Water Filter Used For?
- Chlorine taste and odor reduction in drinking water
- Under-sink filtration systems using standard 10-inch cartridges
- Point-of-use drinking water filtration
- Sediment and particulate reduction where 5 micron nominal filtration is appropriate
- Residential, food service, commercial, and light industrial applications using compatible housings
How the Pentek EP-10” Carbon Block Cartridge works
The EP-10 uses a carbon block design to reduce chlorine taste and odor while helping capture fine sediment. Its high-porosity carbon block helps maintain lower pressure drop and better carbon utilization, while the Endurawrap prefilter layer helps trap sediment that can prematurely plug the carbon block.
What’s included
- (1) Pentek EP-10 carbon block cartridge
Cartridges sold individually. Case quantity: 12.
Install difficulty: Easy
Standard cartridge replacement in a compatible 10-inch housing.
Installation: Pentek EP-10” Carbon Block Water Filter Cartridge
- Shut off water to the filter housing and relieve pressure.
- Place a towel or pan under the housing to catch water.
- Remove the housing sump using a housing wrench if needed.
- Remove the old cartridge and clean the sump.
- Inspect the O-ring and replace it if worn, flattened, cracked, or nicked.
- Insert the new EP-10 cartridge and confirm it is seated correctly.
- Reinstall the sump and hand-tighten. Do not overtighten.
- Turn the water on slowly and check for leaks.
- Flush the cartridge until water runs clear and carbon fines are gone.
- Recheck for leaks after a few minutes and again later the same day.
Replacement Triggers
Replace the cartridge when:
- Chlorine taste or odor returns
- Flow drops noticeably at the filtered faucet or line
- Differential pressure increases across the housing, if monitored
- You reach the rated capacity or your planned service interval
Maintenance Schedule
- Replace based on usage, water quality, and chlorine level
- Inspect the housing O-ring during each cartridge change
- Keep a spare cartridge available if this filter supports drinking water or food service use
- Use sediment prefiltration if your water carries heavy particulate that could shorten carbon life
FAQs on the Pentek EP-10” Carbon Block Water Filter Cartridge
Q: What does the Pentek EP-10 reduce?
A: It reduces chlorine taste and odor and provides nominal 5-micron filtration for fine sediment and particulate.
Q: What housing does the EP-10 fit?
A: It fits standard 10-inch housings that accept 10 inch x 2.5 inch cartridges.
Q: Is the EP-10 a Big Blue cartridge?
A: No. The EP-10 is a standard 10-inch x 2.5-inch cartridge, not a Big Blue cartridge.
Q: How long does the EP-10 last?
A: Capacity is listed at greater than 6,000 gallons at 1.0 GPM, but actual life depends on chlorine level, sediment load, water usage, and flow rate.
Q: What does 5 micron mean?
A: It means the cartridge provides nominal filtration for particles around 5 microns, helping reduce fine sediment, while the carbon block reduces chlorine taste and odor.
Q: Will this cartridge improve the taste of drinking water?
A: Yes. It is commonly used to improve the taste and odor of drinking water affected by chlorine.
Q: Will this cartridge remove hardness minerals?
A: No. Carbon block cartridges do not soften water. Hardness requires a water softener or scale-focused treatment.
Q: When should I replace the EP-10?
A: Replace it when chlorine taste or odor returns, flow drops, pressure drop rises, or the rated capacity or service interval is reached.
Q: Can I use this before another filtration stage?
A: Yes. It can be used in compatible systems as a carbon block stage, but heavy sediment should usually be handled by a sediment prefilter first.
Replace your standard 10-inch cartridge with the Pentek EP-10 to reduce chlorine taste and odor, improve drinking water quality, and keep point-of-use filtration performing reliably.
Model Maximum Dimensions Nominal µm Rating*Initial ΔP @ Flow*Chlorine Capacity @ Flow*
| EP-10 | 9-3/4″ × 2-7/8″ | 5 µm | 3.4 psid @ 1.0 GPM | >6,000 gal @ 1.0 GPM |
| EP-20 | 20″ × 2-7/8″ | 5 µm | 3.4 psid @ 2.0 GPM | >12,000 gal @ 2.0 GPM |
| EP-BB | 9-3/4″ × 4-5/8″ | 5 µm | 4.3 psid @ 2.0 GPM | >22,000 gal @ 2.0 GPM |
| EP-20BB | 20″ × 4-5/8″ | 5 µm | 5.5 psid @ 5.0 GPM | >40,000 gal @ 4.0 GPM |
* Based on manufacturer’s internal testing.
