Filter Cartridge Alignment Tips & Tricks

Filter Cartridge Alignment Tips & Tricks

From time to time, you will have difficulty installing string wound cartridges. 20” double length cartridges tend to be more problematic than the 10” (9-7/8”) long cartridge. However, both tend to fall to one side and then the other side of the filter bowl making it extremely difficult and very frustrating to get the top hole of the cartridge to align and slip over the top centering post in the filter head.

This is caused by the uneven surface due to the yarn winding. The simplest solution is to switch to a Spun Poly or Pleated Cartridge, both of which have smooth, flat sealing surfaces. This tends to keep the cartridge in the vertical position while reinstalling the filter bowl. While this typically resolves the issue even other types of cartridges can be subject to the same problem.

If you are in a situation where you cannot get the filter cartridge to line up and there is no time to purchase a different cartridge, there is a solution that can save the day.

For Boshart Standard & Stainless Filter Housings:

Insert a short piece, 2.75” to 3" in length, of PVC reinforced braided hose (1/2" I.D. x 3/4" O.D.) inside the alignment post in the filter head with a friction fit. This extends the centering post below the filter head body allowing the cartridge to be aligned before the threads start engaging.

• 14FHK-SB-1007   10" STD BLUE HOUSING KIT
• 14FHK-SB-2007     20" STD BLUE HOUSING KIT
• 14FHK-SC-1007      10" STD CLEAR HOUSING KIT
• 14FHK-SC-2007     20" STD CLEAR HOUSING KIT
• 14HK-SS10-07        10" STAINLESS FILTER HOUSING KIT
• 14HK-SS20-07      20" STAINLESS FILTER HOUSING KIT

For Boshart Slim-Line Filter Housings:

The same concept works however the diameter of the post is smaller. Insert a short piece of ½” PEX pipe 2.75” to 3" in length (5/8" O.D.) inside the alignment post in the Slim-Line filter head with a friction fit. Again, this extends the centering post below the filter head body allowing the cartridge to be aligned before the threads start engaging.

• 14FHK-SLB-1007   10" STD SLIM BLUE HOUSING KIT
• 14FHK-SLB-2007   20" STD SLIM BLUE HOUSING KIT
• 14FHK-SLC-1007   10" STD SLIM CLEAR HOUSING KIT
• 14FHK-SLC-2007   20" STD SLIM CLEAR HOUSING KIT

WARNING:

Make sure that you DO NOT insert the tube too far. Mark the tube at ¾” and do not insert past this mark. If the tube is inserted too far it will block off the outlet flow passage. The tube should not be visible through the outlet. If you have reduced flow after inserting the tube, you know the tube has been pushed to far in and is partially blocking the passageway. Simply remove the filter bowl and pull the tube back to the ¾” mark.

Additional Resources

https://support.boshart.com/how-to-replace-a-whole-house-water-filter-cartridge