Carbon Replacement Whole House Filters

Carbon filters reduce chlorine taste and odor, along with some chemicals, by trapping them on the surface of activated carbon. This collection carries whole-house carbon cartridges in sizes from 10 x 2.5 to 20 x 4.5 inches, led by Pentek and joined by American Plumber, 3M Aqua-Pure, Watts, GE SmartWater, Aries, KX Technologies MatrikX, and US Water Filters.

The main choice is between two types of carbon:

Carbon block (such as Pentek's EP, CBC, and FloPlus lines) is compressed solid carbon. It filters more finely and keeps water in contact with the carbon longer, making it the better pick for taste, odor, and chemical reduction.
Granular activated carbon (GAC), such as Pentek's GAC line, uses loose carbon granules. It allows higher flow rates with less pressure drop, but filters more coarsely, so it's often used in high-flow whole-house setups.

Once you've chosen a type, match your housing size and check the part number on your current cartridge. Carbon works best behind a sediment pre-filter, which keeps particles from clogging the carbon and extends its life. See our Sediment Whole House Filters for a matching pre-filter.

Most whole-house carbon cartridges last 3–12 months, depending on size, water use, and chlorine levels.

Not sure which carbon filter you need? Call 1-800-277-3458.