Installation: Clearplus WH1B+ Whole House 5 Micron Sediment Filter Package Instruction Manual

Overview

The WH1B+ Whole House 5 Micron Sediment Filter Package is designed to reduce sediment in a home’s incoming water supply. It helps improve water clarity, taste, and odor while reducing sediment buildup that can damage plumbing fixtures and clog downstream water-treatment equipment.

This whole-house sediment filter is suitable for well-water and municipal-water applications. It is also commonly installed as a pre-filter before a whole-house ultraviolet sterilizer with flow requirements of up to 10 gallons per minute.

The system uses a heavy-duty Big Blue housing and a dual-gradient polypropylene cartridge. Larger particles are captured in the outer filter layer before water reaches the finer inner layer, helping maintain flow while extending cartridge service life.

Package Contents

• One heavy-duty Pentek Big Blue 10-inch filter housing with 1-inch NPT connections and a pressure-release button
• One stainless steel mounting bracket with lag bolts and washers
• One Pentek DGD-5005 dual-gradient sediment cartridge
• One spanner wrench

Specifications

• Product: WH1B+ Whole House 5 Micron Sediment Filter Package
• Filter cartridge: Pentek DGD-5005
• Nominal filtration rating: 5 microns
• Cartridge gradient: 50-micron outer layer and 5-micron inner core
• Housing size: 10-inch Big Blue style
• Housing material: Polypropylene
• Housing O-ring: Buna-N
• Inlet and outlet: 1-inch female NPT
• Maximum recommended flow: 10 gallons per minute (37 LPM)
• Housing pressure drop: 1 PSI at 15 gallons per minute (0.1 bar at 57 LPM)
• Filter pressure drop: Less than 1 PSI at 10 gallons per minute (less than 0.1 bar at 37 LPM)
• Recommended operating temperature: 40–100°F (4.4–37°C)
• Maximum recommended pressure: 100 PSI (6.9 bar)
• Replacement cartridge: Pentek DGD-5005

How the Filter Works

The Pentek DGD-5005 uses a dual-gradient, 100% polypropylene construction. Its coarser outer layer captures larger sediment first, while the denser inner section retains finer particles down to the cartridge’s 5-micron rating.

This layered design distributes sediment throughout more of the cartridge instead of loading the surface immediately. The result is greater dirt-holding capacity, reduced pressure loss, and potentially longer cartridge life than a similar-sized single-density sediment filter.

The blue sump holds the cartridge, while the black housing cap connects to the home’s water line. A central standpipe inside the sump helps position the cartridge correctly. The pressure-release button allows trapped pressure to escape before servicing.

Safety

• Professional plumbing installation is recommended. Any installation must comply with applicable local plumbing and building codes.
• Do not exceed 100 PSI. Install a pressure regulator upstream if the water supply may exceed this limit; a setting of 75 PSI or lower is recommended.
• Do not expose the housing or cartridge to freezing temperatures. Frozen water can cause severe damage.
• Do not use the system with microbiologically unsafe or unknown-quality water unless suitable disinfection is provided before or after filtration.
• Use extreme care when soldering near an assembled plastic filter housing. Whenever possible, complete soldered connections before connecting the plumbing to the housing.
• If metal plumbing is used as an electrical grounding path, install approved grounding clamps and a properly sized jumper around the plastic housing. Consult a qualified electrician or plumber if grounding requirements are uncertain.
• Use suitable eye and hand protection when servicing the cartridge or disinfecting the housing with bleach.

Setup and Installation

Prepare the Plumbing

Plan to install two shut-off valves with suitable unions on the inlet and outlet sides of the housing. Threaded, compression, or sweat connections may be used as appropriate for the existing plumbing. Apply plumber’s cement or Teflon tape to threaded fittings. Additional adapters may be necessary because the housing uses 1-inch female NPT ports.

Older homes with galvanized piping generally require threaded fittings. Select an installation point that is easy to reach for cartridge replacement and maintenance. The recommended location is on the main cold-water line after the pressure tank or water meter.

Install the Housing

1. Turn off the main water supply and open the highest and lowest fixtures in the home to drain the plumbing.
2. Choose the cutting point in the main water line and place a bucket and rags below the work area.
3. Use a pipe cutter to remove a section of pipe large enough for the shut-off valves, unions, adapters, and housing cap. Start with a smaller cut if uncertain; the opening can be enlarged during final assembly.
4. Assemble the inlet valve, outlet valve, adapters, and housing according to the plumbing layout. Seal threaded joints with suitable plumber’s cement or Teflon tape.
5. Fasten the stainless steel bracket to the black housing cap using the supplied lag bolts and washers.
6. Secure the bracket to the wall with anchors suitable for the wall material. The filled housing is heavy, so the mounting must be firmly supported.
7. Leave enough room below the cap for the blue sump and at least 3 additional inches of clearance for removal and servicing.

Install and Prime the Cartridge

1. Remove the protective plastic wrapping from the DGD-5005 cartridge.
2. Place the cartridge into the blue sump so the raised center standpipe enters the hole through the cartridge.
3. Check that the Buna-N O-ring is clean and seated evenly in the groove at the top of the sump.
4. Thread the sump onto the black cap and tighten it with the supplied spanner wrench. Do not use excessive force.
5. Open the water supply gradually and inspect every plumbing joint and the cap-to-sump seal for leaks.
6. If the sump seal leaks, shut off the water, confirm that the cartridge is centered and the O-ring is correctly seated, then retighten as needed.
7. Once the installation is leak-free, run cold water from a nearby faucet for 2 minutes to remove air and prime the cartridge.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Replace the filter cartridge every 3–6 months under typical conditions, and never allow more than 12 months to pass between replacements. High sediment levels may require more frequent service. A noticeable reduction in water pressure is a practical indication that the cartridge may be clogged.

Keep a filter replacement log near the system and record each service date. A reminder on the household calendar can help prevent overdue replacements.

The blue housing sump should be replaced every 10 years or sooner if it develops cracks or other damage. Store unused cartridges in a cool, dry location.

Cartridge Replacement Procedure

1. Close the inlet and outlet shut-off valves.
2. Press the red pressure-release button on the housing cap to discharge pressure inside the sump.
3. Unscrew the blue sump with the spanner wrench.
4. Remove the large O-ring carefully and keep it clean. Replace it at least annually, or sooner if it is kinked, cracked, stretched, damaged, or unable to seal after proper tightening.
5. Remove and discard the used cartridge.
6. Wash the sump and cap with dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth or sponge.
7. For disinfection, fill approximately one-third of the housing with water and add about 2 tablespoons of household bleach. Scrub the surfaces while wearing rubber gloves, then rinse all parts thoroughly.
8. If needed, apply food-grade silicone lubricant to the O-ring. Place it level in the groove at the top of the sump.
9. Remove the wrapping from the new DGD-5005 cartridge and position it over the center standpipe.
10. Screw the sump onto the cap and tighten with the spanner wrench without overtightening.
11. Open the water supply slowly so the housing fills gradually. Press the pressure-release button again to remove trapped air.
12. Inspect the housing and plumbing for leaks. If leakage occurs, check the O-ring position before applying additional tightening.
13. Flush a nearby cold-water faucet for 2 minutes.
14. Wait 1 hour, then flush for another 2 minutes before using the filtered water.

Extended Non-Use

After a prolonged period without use, such as a vacation, flush the system thoroughly for at least 5–10 minutes before using the water.

Troubleshooting

• Reduced water pressure: The cartridge may be loaded with sediment. Shut down the system and replace the cartridge if pressure does not recover after normal checks.
• Leak between the cap and sump: Shut off the water, release internal pressure, and inspect the O-ring for dirt, damage, stretching, or incorrect seating. Clean or replace the O-ring, position it evenly in the groove, and tighten the sump carefully.
• Leak at a plumbing connection: Close the shut-off valves and inspect the threaded joint, adapter, union, or valve. Re-seal threaded fittings where necessary and verify that connections are properly aligned.
• Air or cloudy water after replacement: Run cold water for 2 minutes to purge air and prime the cartridge. If the system was unused for an extended period, complete the longer recommended flush.
• Housing damage: Remove the system from service if the sump is cracked or damaged. Replace the sump before restoring operation.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Filters sediment down to a nominal 5-micron level.
• Dual-gradient construction supports higher dirt-holding capacity and lower pressure drop.
• Suitable for well-water and municipal-water sediment pre-filtration.
• Includes the housing, cartridge, mounting bracket, hardware, and spanner wrench.
• Supports flow rates up to 10 gallons per minute.

Cons

• Requires periodic cartridge replacement and housing maintenance.
• Installation may require cutting existing plumbing and adding valves, unions, and adapters.
• The system does not replace disinfection for microbiologically unsafe water.
• A pressure regulator and electrical bonding may be necessary in certain installations.

Final Takeaway

The WH1B+ Whole House 5 Micron Sediment Filter Package provides a practical first stage of whole-house water treatment for reducing sediment before water reaches household plumbing or additional treatment equipment. Correct mounting, pressure control, leak inspection, timely cartridge replacement, and thorough flushing are essential for reliable operation.