This non-backwashing whole house carbon water filter improves water quality throughout the home using catalytic granular activated carbon plus sediment pre- and post-filtration. It is designed to reduce chlorine, chloramines, hydrogen sulfide, bad taste, odor, sediment, and certain chemical contaminants before water reaches showers, sinks, laundry, appliances, and drinking water fixtures.
This system is ideal for smaller homes, cabins, and residential applications with up to 3 showers where a non-backwashing system with replaceable sediment cartridges is preferred.
Available configurations
- 1.5 cu. ft. media option: FT-1.5-GAC-1-BB
- 2.0 cu. ft. media option: FT-2-GAC-1-BB
Port size: 1-inch FNPT connections
Media type: Catalytic granular activated carbon
Housing type: 10-inch x 4.5 inch full-flow/Big Blue size heavy-duty filter housings
What is a Non-Backwashing Whole House Carbon Water Filter Used For?
- Whole house chlorine taste and odor reduction
- Chloramine reduction for city water applications
- Hydrogen sulfide reduction for sulfur or rotten-egg odor concerns
- Sediment reduction, including prefilter and postfilter cartridges
- Better tasting water for beverages, ice, cooking, and brushing teeth
- Chlorine-reduced water for showers, baths, and everyday household use
- Smaller homes or cabins that need 5 to 10 GPM flow support
What it reduces
- Chlorine taste and odor
- Chloramines
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Dirt, rust, and sediment
- Certain chemical contaminants
- General taste and odor concerns throughout the home
System sizing and flow options
| Configuration | Recommended flow | Media amount | Maximum capacity | Tank size | Dimensions | Shipping weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FT-1.5-GAC-1-BB | 5 to 7 GPM | 1.5 cu. ft. / 45 lbs. carbon | 225,000 gallons | 48 in. H x 9 in. D | 52 in. H x 24 in. W x 9 in. D | 82 lbs. |
| FT-2-GAC-1-BB | 8 to 10 GPM | 2.0 cu. ft. / 60 lbs. carbon | 300,000 gallons | 54 in. H x 10 in. D | 58 in. H x 26 in. W x 10 in. D | 108 lbs. |
How to choose the right size
Choose the 1.5 cu. ft. system if your home typically needs 5 to 7 GPM and has moderate whole house demand. Choose the 2.0 cu. ft. system if your home needs 8 to 10 GPM, has higher peak use, or may run multiple fixtures at the same time.
Peak flow matters more than household size alone. If you often run showers, laundry, dishwasher, and sinks at the same time, choose the system that matches the highest flow you expect during busy use.
Compatibility checks before ordering
Before buying, confirm:
- Your plumbing can connect to 1-inch FNPT ports or be properly adapted
- Your home’s peak flow demand matches the selected 5 to 7 GPM or 8 to 10 GPM option
- You have enough space for the selected tank and two 10-inch full-flow housings
- You have clearance below both housings for cartridge changes
- You want a non-backwashing system, not an automatic backwashing carbon filter
- You have or plan to purchase the recommended 1-inch installation kit if needed
- If microbial protection is needed, add a UV sterilizer after proper filtration
Recommended add-ons
- 1-inch whole house installation kit, sold separately
- UV sterilizer if bacterial or microbial protection is needed
- Reverse osmosis system if you want dedicated under-sink drinking water purification
Install difficulty: Moderate
This is a main-line whole house installation with a carbon tank plus sediment pre- and post-filter housings. Many experienced DIY customers can install it with the right fittings, but a plumber or installer is recommended if you are not comfortable cutting into the main water line, mounting the housings, supporting the plumbing, or checking for leaks.
Installation for a Non-Backwashing Whole House Carbon Water Filter
- Choose an installation location on the main water line after the main shutoff and before water branches throughout the home.
- Confirm there is enough space for the carbon tank, two 10-inch full-flow housings, and cartridge service clearance.
- Shut off water and depressurize the plumbing system.
- Mount the 5 micron sediment prefilter housing before the carbon tank.
- Install the catalytic carbon tank in the correct flow direction.
- Mount the 1 micron sediment postfilter housing after the carbon tank.
- Connect the system using 1-inch FNPT connections and properly supported plumbing.
- Turn water on slowly and check all housings, fittings, brackets, and tank connections for leaks.
- Flush the system according to the included assembly instructions before normal use.
- Recheck for leaks after startup and again later the same day.
Maintenance Schedule
- Sediment prefilter: replace every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if flow drops or sediment load is heavy
- Sediment postfilter: replace every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if flow drops or water clarity changes
- Carbon bed: replace about every 3 years in most residential applications
- Filter housing O-rings: inspect during every cartridge change and replace if flattened, cracked, or leaking
- System inspection: check fittings, brackets, housings, and tank area every 6 to 12 months
Replacement Triggers
Replace sediment filters when:
- Flow drops noticeably
- Pressure drop increases across the housings
- Cartridges show heavy discoloration or visible loading
- Sediment appears downstream
- Your planned 6 to 12-month service interval is reached
Replace the carbon media when:
- Chlorine, chloramine, sulfur odor, or chemical taste returns
- Maximum gallon capacity is reached
- The carbon bed reaches the expected 3-year residential service life
- Water quality goals are no longer being met
Common Questions on Non-Backwashing Whole House Carbon Water Filters
Q: What is a non-backwashing whole house carbon filter?
A: It is a whole house carbon filtration system that uses a carbon media tank and replaceable sediment cartridges without an automatic backwash valve.
Q: Who is a non-backwashing whole house carbon water filter system best for?
A: It is best for smaller homes or cabins with up to 3 showers and flow needs between 5 and 10 GPM, depending on the selected media size.
Q: What does a non-backwashing whole house carbon water filter reduce?
A: It reduces chlorine taste and odor, chloramines, hydrogen sulfide, sediment, and certain chemical contaminants.
Q: What is the difference between a non-backwashing and a backwashing carbon filter?
A: A backwashing carbon filter automatically rinses the media bed. This non-backwashing system uses sediment pre- and post-filters and requires periodic replacement of the carbon media.
Q: Does this system soften water?
A: No. Carbon filtration does not remove hardness minerals. If scale or hard water spotting is the concern, a water softener or scale-focused treatment may be needed.
Q: Does a non-backwashing whole house carbon water filter remove bacteria?
A: No. Carbon filtration is not a disinfection method. If bacterial protection is needed, add a UV sterilizer after proper prefiltration.
Q: How often do I replace the sediment filters?
A: Typical sediment filter life is 6 to 12 months, but heavy sediment or high usage may require earlier replacement.
Q: How long does carbon media last?
A: Carbon bed life is about 3 years in most residential applications, depending on water quality and usage.
Q: What are the connection sizes?
A: The system uses 1-inch FNPT connections.
Additional Systems to Consider:
$249.00 - $279.00
Whole House system assembly instructions included with this system.
Your Complete Non-Backwashing Whole House Carbon Water Filter System Includes:
- Structural Polyglass Tank w Molded Tank Head
- Filtration Media: Catalytic Carbon
- (2) 10″ x 4.5″ Full-Flow/BB Size Heavy Duty Filter Housings
- (2) Mounting Brackets with 8 Screws for Filter Housings
- (1) Filter Housing Wrench
- (3) Harmsco Industrial Quality WB-HB-10-5W Pleated 5 Micron 20″ Sediment Prefilter
- (3) Harmsco Industrial Quality WB-HB-10-1W Pleated 1 Micron 20″ Sediment Postfilter
Accessories included with this system.
