Key benefits

• Quick size matching: shop common whole-house cartridge sizes (including standard and “Big Blue” styles).
• Choose by job: options for sediment, carbon block (taste/odour), and anti-scale convenience needs.
• Control flow vs filtration: select a micron rating that suits your water and your household demand.
• Better maintenance planning: clear guidance below to help you replace safely and avoid leaks.

How it works

A whole-house system filters water at the point where it enters your property, before it reaches taps, showers, and appliances. Replacement cartridges generally fall into a few practical types:

• Sediment cartridges are designed to trap particles like grit, rust, sand and visible sediment.
• Activated carbon cartridges are commonly used to improve chlorine taste/odour and reduce “chemical” smell in many mains water supplies.
• Anti-scale options focus on comfort and convenience where scale build-up is a recurring issue (results vary with water chemistry).

Micron rating tip: a higher micron rating generally targets larger particles and can feel better for flow. A finer micron rating can capture smaller particles but may clog sooner in high-sediment water.

What you’ll find in this collection

• Common sizes: standard housings and larger “Big Blue” style cartridges (check your existing cartridge label/measurements to confirm).
• Media choices: polyspun and pleated sediment options, carbon block options, and anti-scale choices.
• Micron options: choose from coarse-to-fine filtration to suit your home’s flow needs and water conditions.

Choose the right replacement cartridge

• 1) Match the size first: remove your current cartridge and match the length and diameter. Common categories include standard 10" x 2.5", larger 10" x 4.5" (“Big Blue”), and 20" x 2.5" housings.
• 2) Decide what you want to improve: visible particles (sediment), chlorine taste/odour (carbon), or scale-related convenience issues (anti-scale).
• 3) Pick a micron rating that suits your flow: if you have frequent clogging, consider stepping up to a coarser pre-filter stage first.
• 4) Consider washable pleated options: these can be convenient in some setups, but they still need regular cleaning and won’t suit every water type.

Simple comparison guide

Installation & maintenance

Safety first: turn off the water supply and relieve pressure before opening the housing. If you’re unsure, use a qualified plumber.

• Check the housing O-ring for wear and reseat it carefully to help prevent leaks.
• Install the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one (follow any arrows/labels).
• Turn water back on slowly and check for leaks.
• Flush the system until the water runs clear (carbon cartridges can release harmless fines at first).

Replacement timing: follow the guidance for your specific cartridge and pay attention to practical signs like reduced flow, taste/odour changes, or visible sediment. Water quality and usage vary across Australia, so there’s no single “perfect” schedule.

Learn more

Need the full setup, not just a cartridge? Explore our whole house filtration systems. For other cartridge types across the store, browse replacement water filter cartridges. If you’re comparing replacement timing across products, see our replacement water filter cartridges guide. Still not sure what you’ve got installed? Contact our team with a photo of your current cartridge and housing.

For general, Australia-wide context on drinking water management (not product performance), you can refer to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (NHMRC) and the overview on Water Quality Australia.

FAQs

• How do I know which whole house cartridge size I need?
  The quickest method is to remove your current cartridge and match the length and diameter. Many cartridges also have the size printed on the label. If you’re stuck, send a photo to our team and we’ll help you narrow it down.
• What does “Big Blue” mean?
  “Big Blue” usually refers to a larger diameter whole-house housing that takes 10" x 4.5" cartridges. The extra size can help with flow and capacity, but you still need to match the exact size your housing accepts.
• Which is better: 5 micron or 20 micron?
  It depends on your goal. Coarser filters (like 20 micron) target larger particles and often feel better for flow. Finer filters (like 5 micron) capture smaller particles but may clog sooner if your water has lots of sediment.
• Will a carbon cartridge fix chlorine taste and smell?
  Activated carbon is commonly used to improve chlorine taste/odour in mains water. Results depend on cartridge type, your water supply, and how close the cartridge is to end of life.
• Can I use these cartridges for tank water?
  Many households use sediment stages to manage visible particles in tank water. If you have specific concerns about water safety, consider testing your water and seek professional advice on the right treatment approach for your system.
• Do I need a plumber to change a whole house cartridge?
  Many homeowners replace cartridges themselves, but you should only do so if you’re comfortable turning off water, relieving pressure, and resealing the housing correctly. If you’re unsure or you notice leaks, use a qualified plumber.

Trust & Support

Awesome Water Filters supports Australian customers with practical, no-pressure product guidance. Checkout is secure, and you can review our delivery and policy information any time on our Shipping | Return | Refund & Warranty page. If you need help matching a cartridge, contact us and include a photo of your current filter and housing.

Last revised: December 2025

External references: NHMRC – Australian Drinking Water Guidelines; Water Quality Australia – Drinking water guidelines overview