Replace the carbon media in your whole-house water filter

This short video shows you how to change the activated carbon media in you whole-house water filter. I'll show you what tools to use, the process, and tips to speed the process. These instructions will work for a Pelican models PSE1800 or PSE2000 but should work for other carbon filters. This is a must watch video for anyone installing a whole-house water filter.

[@raim6670]

Damn, you kept your word and legit made the filter video five years later. You're a one of a kind man.

[@KrisKasprzak]

Thanks.

[@aregee7121]

Great Video, Kris. Please make a video on how you will manage your Pelican system now that Pentair has abandoned parts, customer service. Thanks.

[@markostertag1101]

Has something happened in the water filter industry? I noticed that the filter I used to buy went from $79 to $179 in just over two years. I know inflation is hitting everywhere but that’s more than a 100% increase… wondering if there is more to it.

[@t.shaune8816]

Great video - gave me confidence to replace the carbon in my home smart water solution.

[@KrisKasprzak]

Glad it helped

[@blythkd9017]

Good video, very detailed and specific. Only thing I would caution folks on is the teflon tape. It's not needed and if you get any of it in the O-rings, it will likely cause a leak. If you're really concerned about the plastic nuts binding, some of the lube that goes on the O-rings would be a better solution, or just Vaseline.

[@toyman91]

Kris you do great work and it looks easy. Thanks

[@jamesconnolly9541]

... Be vcvccccc. Bv. No. Ccccbbbcvc. Vcvvvvbbb n. B by vvvvvvvvvo ovcoco. Bob. Xxx vvcxxxc. Bv xCAxZ bbcbccccb. Cxxxxxxxxxxx CA

[@jameslyons6196]

Great video Kris, could you hint as to where you got this funnel and pipe kit from because my carbon came alone in a box.

[@KrisKasprzak]

I got all my stuff from pelican water back when they were in business. Maybe US water systems has parts?

[@jameslyons6196]

@@KrisKasprzak Kris thank you, I'll try that to see what they have.

[@fpskywalker]

Great tutorial. Where can i buy those hose adapters?

[@KrisKasprzak]

Mine came with the kit, and I think when I got the carbon media replacement it came with a another one

[@fpskywalker]

@@KrisKasprzak Ah gotcha. Thanks for the quick reply Kris.

[@linbut7241]

Can I replace the carbon media in my countertop pitcher filter from Everydrop? The replacement filter has been discontinued. Ugh! Where do I buy the carbon media?

[@jefferychow1099]

I know this is an old video but do you see any downside to presoaking the new media in a separate vessel, before installing it? That way you don't have to spend 48 hours in bypass mode.

[@KrisKasprzak]

If it is in a sanitary bucket and covered, it’s probably OK to do that. However, I am not sure I see the point you’re 48 hours without filtration, one way or the other

[@jefferychow1099]

@@KrisKasprzak thx for the input. I only ask because I'm lazy and didn't want to empty the tank more than I needed to 🤣

[@lundyracing]

@@jefferychow1099you leave the tank disconnected but the water still in service. You are able to do that as it’s in bypass mode.

[@kellyo.mcgregor1697]

Great video. I have a Rainsoft EC4 system. I'm wondering how much carbon does it hold. Thanks

[@MrFlash2021]

Did you ever figure it out and replace it yourself?

[@kellyo.mcgregor1697]

​@@MrFlash2021I sure did. Had some friends help me dump out the old and put in the new media. My brother-in-law figured out how to reset the computer. He's a water treatment specialist. Thank for following up. Much appreciated. 🙏

[@yauck1]

Do you know how many pounds of carbon media I should put in to a pelican PC1000 (I guess the PSE2000 in your case)? Thanks.

[@KrisKasprzak]

I believe it is 1/2 cubic foot. I see Pentair (Pelican) no longer sells media--rats. I see Coconut Shell Activated Granular Carbon Charcoal Media - 1/2 Cubic Ft for about $65. That description is similar to what I've used before. I'll probably be using that in 2025 when I replace the media again.

[@larryvandenbosch6871]

The newer models us KDF. This replacement show only carbon. Do you know if you can also use KDF in the Pelican along with the carbon?

[@kevinfalzon]

Can you do one for water softer?

[@jj4996]

do you ever do anything with the other tank? How long does that one last?

[@KrisKasprzak]

According to the manufacturer, there is no maintenance required on the salt-free conditioner. You will need to replace the media in the curb and filter every five years.

[@THSPDIY]

What stops the media from getting back into the water in your home. I heard a lot of people have black specks in their water after installing one of these. Not this particular unit but ones they sell in Canada.

[@KrisKasprzak]

Great question. at 2:35 there is a screen-type filter at the end of the center tube. I'm guessing that is what prevents particles from entering the water stream. You must soak the media for 48 hours and flush the tank (shown in the vid). Note during the flush (basically run in reverse for around 20 min) you will see the water go from murky to clear as it removes the carbon dust. In my 8 years of owning this i have never had any particles in the water.

[@geoffob2]

Where did you get the hose/tank adapter? I can seem to find one that fits?? Can you send a link?

[@KrisKasprzak]

It came with my filter when I bought it. You might try giving pelican a call maybe they’ll send you one.

[@jpthsd]

since you have Pelican two tank filtration system, one is for water softener (condtioner), one is water filter. Does the system reduce the scales (like spots on the shower glass or faucet)?

[@arvizucamp9880]

I noticed less scaling on dishes a week after installing. 3 yrs later, I took it offline for 2 weeks to check/change media and I noticed a significant difference in the hardness of the water 2 days after it went offline.

[@mikeowens7841]

Do you have the part number for the adapter o-ring kit?

[@arvizucamp9880]

These guys should have it, give 'em a call: www.softenerparts.com

[@kevinfalzon]

Where can I buy that kit ?

[@reidmj]

Do you not need to add gravel before the carbon?

[@KrisKasprzak]

nothing in the MFG's instructions, and there was no gravel in the original setup

[@charl1em0uze89]

Hey Kris, if you really don't want folks to cut the head removing the old O-ring you'd be better off suggesting they use a toothpick. Toothpicks are wooden and don't cut plastic unlike razor blades or any sharp metal tools

[@edwardgreenberg8298]

You make it sound so easy. I guess your filter is in your garage which hellps alot. Mine is in the basement. And getting the water and the carbon out took hours with two guys. What is your trick

[@edwardgreenberg8298]

There does not seem an easy way to get the wet carbon out and it made a mess of my basement. Would be helpful if you gave guidance for filters that are located in the house.

[@KrisKasprzak]

@@edwardgreenberg8298 My filter is in a "basement" as well. It's actually a crawl space with 6' ceiling. What i did was (after disconnecting the piping) 1. at 1:48 slowly tip the filter over letting the water spill into a bucket. This took several pours as my bucket was not that big 2. at 2:19 after the water was out and I could lift the filter I started to pour the carbon into a bucket--same deal, it took several pours 2a. one option after the water is out, carry the filter outside to remove carbon and wash insides--if you can't make a mess where the filter is (I was able to) 3. once the carbon is removed, wash the inside to remove any remaining carbon with water I used a NEW hose, but a NEW bucket with clean water will work 4. then follow the process at 3:18 I hope this helps

[@am5190]

How much carbon is needed is 1 cu ft enough

[@KrisKasprzak]

Not sure how much was in the box.

[@8055boss8055]

So was your whole system down for 2 days?

[@KrisKasprzak]

The filters are off for 2 days, but water was still being supplied to the house. The filters have bypass valves to diver supply water to the house or the filter. Watch at 0:49

[@sissymurphy9620]

If you want a bacteria free hose get one for rv's

[@robertedgemont]

Where did you buy the kit and the carbon?

[@KrisKasprzak]

I got it directly from Pelican

[@juliaferoz9411]

how did u lift that tank full of water and carbon it is very heavy and not make a mess ?

[@KrisKasprzak]

After you unhook the piping at the top slowly lay it on its side to drain the water

[@scottkramer1893]

You forget gravel?

[@KrisKasprzak]

Nope, gravel not used in this unit

[@yuriy6153]

How much carbon needs to? And how often need to replace carbon? Thanks

[@KrisKasprzak]

Depwnds on unit. The amount of carbon was governed by how much came as a replacement. My replacement is every 600,000 gallons