Utilizing catalytic granular activated carbon, this non-backwashing whole house carbon water filter will purify all the water throughout your entire home. This system will reduce dirt, sediment, chlorine, chloramines, hydrogen sulfide, bad taste, and odor from all of your family’s water. Ideal for smaller homes or cabins with up to 3 showers.
This great system will benefit every member of your family, every day. Showering in chlorine-free water will make a noticeable difference in your hair and skin.
Your Complete Non-Backwashing Whole House Carbon Water Filter System Includes:
- Structural Polyglass Tank w Molded Tank Head
- Filtration Media: Catalytic Carbon
- (2) 20″ Standard Size Heavy Duty Filter Housings (Blue or Clear)
- (2) Mounting Brackets with 8 Screws for Filter Housings
- (1) Filter Housing Wrench
- (3) Harmsco Industrial Quality WB-20-5W Pleated 5 Micron 20″ Sediment Prefilter
- (3) Harmsco Industrial Quality WB-20-1W Pleated 1 Micron 20″ Sediment Postfilter
System Sizing and Flow Options
Choose the configuration based on your home’s peak water demand, meaning how many fixtures may run at the same time.
| Configuration | Recommended flow | Media amount | Maximum capacity | Tank size | Dimensions | Shipping weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FT-1-GAC-20 | 4 to 5 GPM | 1.0 cu. ft. / 30 lbs. carbon | 150,000 gallons | 35 in. H x 9 in. D | 39 in. H x 20 in. W x 9 in. D | 62 lbs. |
| FT-1.5-GAC-20 | 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-20 | 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. |
Compatibility Checks Before Ordering
Before buying, confirm:
- Your home’s peak flow demand matches the selected GPM range
- You have space for the selected tank and two 20-inch filter housings
- Your plumbing can connect to 3/4 inch FNPT ports or can be adapted properly
- You have room to remove the 20-inch housings for cartridge changes
- You want a non-backwashing cartridge-supported carbon system, not an automatic backwashing tank system
- If bacterial protection is needed, plan for a UV sterilizer after proper filtration
Installation Guidance
- Choose an installation location on the main water line after the shutoff valve and before water branches throughout the home.
- Confirm there is enough wall space for two 20-inch filter housings and enough floor space for the carbon tank.
- Shut off water and depressurize the plumbing system.
- Mount the sediment prefilter housing before the carbon tank.
- Install the catalytic carbon tank in the correct flow direction.
- Mount the sediment postfilter housing after the carbon tank.
- Connect plumbing to the 3/4 inch FNPT ports using the correct fittings and supports.
- Turn water on slowly and check all housings, fittings, 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 every 2 to 3 years in most residential applications
- Housings and O-rings: inspect during every cartridge change
- System check: inspect fittings, brackets, 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 capacity is reached
- The carbon bed reaches the expected 2-to-3-year service life
- Water quality goals are no longer being met
Common Questions on Non-Backwashing Whole House Carbon 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: 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 relies on sediment pre- and post-filters and periodic carbon media replacement.
Q: Does a non-backwashing whole house carbon water filter 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 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 do I choose between the 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 cu. ft. options?
A: Choose based on peak flow demand. Use 1.0 cu. ft. for 4 to 5 GPM, 1.5 cu. ft. for 5 to 7 GPM, and 2.0 cu. ft. for 8 to 10 GPM.
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 the carbon media last?
A: Carbon bed life is typically 2 to 3 years in most residential applications, depending on water quality and usage.


Additional Systems to Consider:
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Whole House system assembly instructions included with this system.



















