--- product_id: 3678622 title: "Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Carbon Block Replacement Cartridge with Bonded Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) Filter, 20\" x 4.5\", 5" brand: "pentek" price: "B/.349" currency: PAB in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Pentek" url: https://www.desertcart.com.pa/products/3678622-pentair-pentek-ep-20bb-big-blue-carbon-water-filter-20 store_origin: PA region: Panama --- # 44,000 gallon capacity High porosity carbon block Fits all 20" Big Blue housings Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Carbon Block Replacement Cartridge with Bonded Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) Filter, 20" x 4.5", 5 **Brand:** pentek **Price:** B/.349 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 💧 Elevate your water game with the ultimate whole-house carbon filter! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Carbon Block Replacement Cartridge with Bonded Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) Filter, 20" x 4.5", 5 by pentek - **How much does it cost?** B/.349 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.pa](https://www.desertcart.com.pa/products/3678622-pentair-pentek-ep-20bb-big-blue-carbon-water-filter-20) ## Best For - pentek enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted pentek brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Maximized Filter Longevity:** High porosity design prevents clogging, extending filter life and performance. - • **NSF Certified Peace of Mind:** Backed by rigorous testing for safety and reliability you can trust. - • **Massive 44,000 Gallon Capacity:** Set it and forget it—premium filtration for a full year of pure water. - • **Unmatched Chlorine & Odor Reduction:** Experience cleaner, fresher water that elevates your home’s vibe. - • **Universal 20" Big Blue Compatibility:** Seamlessly upgrade any heavy-duty filtration system without hassle. ## Overview The Pentair Pentek EP-20BB is a 20-inch whole house carbon block water filter cartridge featuring bonded powdered activated carbon for superior chlorine taste and odor reduction. Designed to fit all standard 20" Big Blue housings, it boasts a high porosity structure to prevent clogging and maximize adsorption capacity. NSF certified and capable of filtering up to 44,000 gallons, this cartridge ensures a full year of clean, fresh water for residential and commercial use. ## Description The Pentair Pentek EP-20BB is a 20-inch bonded carbon block cartridge for whole-house, point-of-entry filtration. Its bonded powdered activated carbon (PAC) block reduces bad taste and odor along with chlorine taste and odor for fresher water at every tap.A high-porosity design uses more of the carbon before the block loads up, holding a low pressure drop of 2.0 psi at 4 gpm. A polyolefin bilaminate pre-filter wraps the block to trap sediment that typically clogs carbon cartridges, extending useful life. The cartridge carries a nominal 5 micron rating based on 85% or greater particle removal.Measuring 20" x 4.5", the EP-20BB fits all 20-inch Big Blue and other heavy-duty housings and replaces any 20" x 4.5" carbon cartridge. Rated to 180°F, it is tested and certified by NSF International to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for material requirements and delivers more than 44,000 gallons of chlorine taste and odor reduction at 4 gpm. Replace when taste or odor returns or flow drops. Review: Gets the job done - I get municipal drinking water with 1-2ppm of of chlorine (as much as a public pool) and 22 grains of hardness (more than 2x what's considered "extremely hard"). When I had a water softener installed in my house, I also had a Pentek 20" Big Blue Housing installed before softener. I wanted the carbon filter for a few reasons: 1) Keep chlorine out of the shower and bath, out of my family's lungs and off of our skin 2) Keep chlorine out of the washing machine where it bleaches our clothing 3) Protect the resin in the water softener, which should double it's life 4) Protect the plumbing (PEX pipes, rubber in fixtures, etc...) from chlorine 5) Remove the small amount of sediment that is in the city water which collects in valves and fixtures I previously used the Pentek RFC20-BB Radial-Flow Granular Activated Carbon Cartridge . In comparison, this filter is less expensive, has a finer sediment filter (5 micron vs. 25 micron) and it's rated for up to 180F. Also, carbon block filters don't have the same channeling issues as GAC filters, which become less effective at higher flow rates. However, compared to the RFC20-BB this filter can't handle as much water (only 40,000 Gal. vs. 70,000 Gal.) and has a bigger pressure drop (5.5 psi @ 5 gpm vs. 0.9 psi @ 4 gpm). Neither of those were a big concern for me. We use less than 1,000 gal/week so the capacity easily exceeds the 6 month replacement cycle. As for water pressure, I get a solid 60+ psi coming into my house and even a 10 psi drop is not noticeable. If you already have pressure issues, get RFC20 instead. Review: Still great-tasting after 6 months! - Used this product in a Culligan HF-150A whole house housing - but used it undersink. The whole house filter cartridges are cheaper and filter much faster than the "under sink" marketed products. This filter worked great, fit in the housing, and makes the water taste almost as good as our rainwater system with a 4 stage + UV filtration system at a different house but for a lot less. We don't do a separate sediment step, just this one. I'll update review if filter doesn't do well in the future. Update 1/10/2013 - still have it installed under our sink, hasn't leaked since the day we installed it, and the water has tasted perfectly filtered since then. We have it hooked to the cold side of the kitchen sink so ALL cold water passes through the filter. You can imagine how many gallons have been filtered through it by now and it still is like new. No way an undersink one would've lasted this long. Also, the undersink ones can't pass water very quickly. Since this is a whole-house filter, it easily keeps up with the pressure. You can't even tell a difference from before and after it was installed, and if someone didn't tell you it was there you wouldn't even know. I will probably watch and buy several of these as replacements when they drop in price. ## Features - CLEANER, BETTER-TASTING WATER - Reduces bad taste and odor plus chlorine taste and odor across your whole home, using a bonded powdered activated carbon (PAC) block for noticeably fresher water. - CARBON BLOCK PLUS PRE-FILTER - A polyolefin bilaminate outer wrap traps sediment to extend cartridge life, while the high-porosity design uses more of the carbon at a low pressure drop of 2.0 psi at 4 gpm. - NSF/ANSI 42 CERTIFIED - The EP-20BB is tested and certified by NSF International to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for material requirements, with a nominal 5 micron rating based on 85% or greater particle removal. - FITS ALL 20-INCH BIG BLUE HOUSINGS - Measures 20" x 4.5" and drops into any 20" Big Blue or other heavy-duty housing, replacing any 20" x 4.5" carbon cartridge for whole-house and light commercial use. - 44,000-GALLON CAPACITY - Rated for more than 44,000 gallons of chlorine taste and odor reduction at 4 gpm and temperatures to 180°F. Replace when you notice returning taste or odor or a drop in flow. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B00310Y9KI | | Best Sellers Rank | #14,619 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #101 in Replacement Under-Sink Water Filters | | Brand | Pentek | | Brand Name | Pentek | | Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,077 Reviews | | EU Spare Part Availability Duration | 1 years | | External Testing Certification | NSF, ANSI | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00051678583432 | | Item Dimensions D x W x H | 4.63"D x 4.63"W x 20"H | | Item Type Name | Everpure Full Flow Drinking Water System | | Item Weight | 5.7 pounds | | Manufacturer | Pentair Industries | | Manufacturer Part Number | 155583-43 | | Material | Extruded Carbon Block | | Material Type | Extruded Carbon Block | | Model Number | EP-20BB | | Number of Items | 1 | | Number of Packs | 1 | | Product Benefits | Reduces Chlorine, Removes Odor | | Product Dimensions | 4.63"D x 4.63"W x 20"H | | Set Name | Whole House Water Filter Set | | UPC | 851905131050 700999877941 798527517490 132017513058 163121152147 163120790494 806294984510 115971047135 851905125257 851905125202 182682388031 809390003468 115971035729 051678583432 808112760696 807032972783 | | Unit Count | 1 Count | ## Product Details - **External Testing Certification:** NSF, ANSI - **Item Weight:** 5.65 Pounds - **Material:** Extruded Carbon Block - **Product Benefits:** Reduces Chlorine, Removes Odor - **Product Dimensions:** 4.63"D x 4.63"W x 20"H ## Images ![Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Carbon Block Replacement Cartridge with Bonded Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) Filter, 20" x 4.5", 5 - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/610dgCvwJ4L.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Size, Style** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: where is it made?** A: This product is made in the USA. **Q: when it says "reduces . . . chlorine taste" does this mean it removes chlorine from water or just alters it in some way that you don't taste it?** A: No carbon will remove the chlorine may not be 100% but you will definitely tell a difference if chlorine is all your dealing with then no need for a 5mic carbon go just carbon it's cheaper if you ever decide you want a water softener it's best to remove the chlorine first... But a great 1x20 filter **Q: Does it fit inside 10filter housing** A: I assume you are asking if this cartridge fits in the shorter "big blue" filter housing ... While its actually closer to 13"×7" they refer to it by average filter size which is 10"×4.5". That's a really good question since nowhere does it state which housing to use with it. Dimensions shown for this cartridge are 4.6"×4.6"×9.8". Dimensions for the Big Blue® housing are approx 7.25"×7.25"×13" and calling for a filter approximately 4.5"×10". This is the housing and filter combination that I use. The cartridge fits snugly and allows proper water flow in that housing. **Q: Our municipal water in San Francisco is pretty clean, how long before this filter cartridge is recommended for replacement?** A: This cartridge is rated for 6,000 gallons. If kitchen sink only, should provide drinking water for a year. If whole house, run 2 in parralel to get needed flow, the pair might last 3 months. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gets the job done *by D***R on March 16, 2012* I get municipal drinking water with 1-2ppm of of chlorine (as much as a public pool) and 22 grains of hardness (more than 2x what's considered "extremely hard"). When I had a water softener installed in my house, I also had a Pentek 20" Big Blue Housing installed before softener. I wanted the carbon filter for a few reasons: 1) Keep chlorine out of the shower and bath, out of my family's lungs and off of our skin 2) Keep chlorine out of the washing machine where it bleaches our clothing 3) Protect the resin in the water softener, which should double it's life 4) Protect the plumbing (PEX pipes, rubber in fixtures, etc...) from chlorine 5) Remove the small amount of sediment that is in the city water which collects in valves and fixtures I previously used the Pentek RFC20-BB Radial-Flow Granular Activated Carbon Cartridge . In comparison, this filter is less expensive, has a finer sediment filter (5 micron vs. 25 micron) and it's rated for up to 180F. Also, carbon block filters don't have the same channeling issues as GAC filters, which become less effective at higher flow rates. However, compared to the RFC20-BB this filter can't handle as much water (only 40,000 Gal. vs. 70,000 Gal.) and has a bigger pressure drop (5.5 psi @ 5 gpm vs. 0.9 psi @ 4 gpm). Neither of those were a big concern for me. We use less than 1,000 gal/week so the capacity easily exceeds the 6 month replacement cycle. As for water pressure, I get a solid 60+ psi coming into my house and even a 10 psi drop is not noticeable. If you already have pressure issues, get RFC20 instead. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Still great-tasting after 6 months! *by V***T on September 13, 2012* Used this product in a Culligan HF-150A whole house housing - but used it undersink. The whole house filter cartridges are cheaper and filter much faster than the "under sink" marketed products. This filter worked great, fit in the housing, and makes the water taste almost as good as our rainwater system with a 4 stage + UV filtration system at a different house but for a lot less. We don't do a separate sediment step, just this one. I'll update review if filter doesn't do well in the future. Update 1/10/2013 - still have it installed under our sink, hasn't leaked since the day we installed it, and the water has tasted perfectly filtered since then. We have it hooked to the cold side of the kitchen sink so ALL cold water passes through the filter. You can imagine how many gallons have been filtered through it by now and it still is like new. No way an undersink one would've lasted this long. Also, the undersink ones can't pass water very quickly. Since this is a whole-house filter, it easily keeps up with the pressure. You can't even tell a difference from before and after it was installed, and if someone didn't tell you it was there you wouldn't even know. I will probably watch and buy several of these as replacements when they drop in price. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great filters and great price *by A***I on July 12, 2025* These filters were quite similar to the ones installed by Culligan. Quality seems great, it’s easy to install yourself, and the water flow issue was resolved by replacing old filter by this filter brand. ## Frequently Bought Together - Pentair Pentek EP-20BB Big Blue Carbon Water Filter, 20-Inch, Whole House Carbon Block Replacement Cartridge with Bonded Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) Filter, 20" x 4.5", 5 - Captain O-Ring - Replacement 151122 O-Rings Compatible with Pentair Pentek Big Blue Water Filters OEM Size ORing Buna-N (3 Pack) - Pentair Pentek DGD-5005-20 Big Blue Water Filter, 20-Inch Whole House Sediment Filter Cartridge Replacement, Dual-Gradient Density Spun Polypropylene, 20" x 4.5", 5 Micron, Pack of 1, White --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.com.pa/products/3678622-pentair-pentek-ep-20bb-big-blue-carbon-water-filter-20](https://www.desertcart.com.pa/products/3678622-pentair-pentek-ep-20bb-big-blue-carbon-water-filter-20) --- *Product available on Desertcart Panama* *Store origin: PA* *Last updated: 2026-10-11*