Choosing a Big Blue Filter: Lets Talk Housing Dimensions

Okay, so, I wanted to set up a whole-house water filtration system, and I heard a lot about these “Big Blue” filter housings. I decided to take the plunge and get one for myself, but, boy, was I in for a surprise when it came to figuring out the right size.

Choosing the Right Size

First things first, I had to decide between a 10-inch and a 20-inch housing. They also got these different inlet/outlet sizes – 3/4″, 1″, and 1 1/2″. It’s like, what do all these numbers even mean for a regular guy like me?

• Size Matters: I read somewhere that for an average home like mine, a 20″ housing is usually the way to go. But then, some folks with bigger houses or higher water usage might need the 1 1/2″ ports and a higher flow rate, like 25 gallons per minute.
• Manual to the Rescue: I tried to find my water filter system’s owner’s manual, but let’s be honest, who keeps those things? I ended up just measuring my old filter. Took it out, measured it, and bam, I had the dimensions.

Micron Mystery

Then came the whole micron thing. The smaller the micron rating, the more gunk it catches, right? But, that also means it gets clogged up faster and needs more frequent flushing. I started with a 50-micron filter, figuring I could always go finer later.

• Starting Point: I figured 50 microns was a good starting point. If the water still looked a bit murky, I could always switch to a smaller micron filter later.

Installation Adventure

When the Big Blue housing arrived, it looked huge! I mean, I knew it was called “Big Blue,” but still. I found a spot in my basement near the main water line. The cap’s got these “IN” and “OUT” markings, which was helpful.

• Finding the Right Spot: I had to clear out some space in my basement. It’s not like I had a designated “water filter housing” area, you know? I chose a place near the main water inlet, right after the pressure regulator. I thought about all this and realized it was pretty good.
• Mounting Mayhem: The housing came with a bracket, but I had to get some screws and stuff. It wasn’t rocket science, but let’s just say my toolbox got a good workout.

Lessons Learned

So, after all that, did I become a water filtration expert? Not really. But I did learn a lot about filter sizes, microns, and how to sweat a little while doing some DIY plumbing. The water tastes better, and I feel pretty good about tackling this project. Plus, now I can bore my friends with my newfound knowledge about Big Blue filter housings!

• Size: I could determine that my house needed a 20-inch housing with 1″ inlet/outlet.
• Micron: I started with 50 microns and it works pretty well.
• Installation: I successfully installed it in my basement near the main water line.

If you’re thinking about getting one of these Big Blue things, just do your homework, measure twice, and don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty. It’s worth it!