The Tier1 WP5BB97P is a 5-micron pleated sediment replacement cartridge designed as a compatible alternative to the Pentek/Pentair WP5BB97P. It measures 9-7/8" x 4-1/2" (Big Blue size) and is engineered to fit standard Big Blue whole house filter housings, including Pentek, Culligan, American Plumber, and similar 10" Big Blue systems. It’s ideal for point-of-entry (POE) applications where high flow and sediment reduction are required.

The Tier1 WP5BB97P has a nominal 5-micron rating and uses a pleated polyester media to capture sediment, dirt, sand, silt, rust, and scale particles from your incoming water supply. The pleated design provides a larger surface area than standard spun or melt-blown cartridges, which extends filter life and maintains strong flow rates. It does not reduce chlorine, taste, or odor — for those, pair it with a carbon cartridge in a dual-stage setup.

Tier1 recommends replacing the WP5BB97P every 6 months under typical household use, though actual life depends on your incoming water quality and daily usage. Homes on well water or with high sediment levels may need to replace it every 3 months, while homes on clean municipal water may stretch closer to 6–9 months. A noticeable drop in water pressure throughout the house is the clearest sign the cartridge has reached capacity and should be changed.

While the pleated polyester media on the WP5BB97P can be gently rinsed to remove surface sediment and extend service life in light-duty applications, Tier1 recommends replacing the cartridge rather than reusing it long-term. Rinsing may temporarily restore flow, but it cannot remove fine particles trapped deep in the pleats, and reusing an exhausted cartridge can reduce filtration performance and strain your plumbing system.

The Tier1 WP5BB97P supports flow rates up to approximately 20 GPM in a properly sized Big Blue housing, making it well-suited for whole house sediment filtration. It operates within a temperature range of 40°F to 125°F (4.4°C to 51.7°C) and a maximum pressure of 125 psi. For best results, install it in a 4.5" x 10" Big Blue housing with a pressure gauge so you can monitor pressure drop and know exactly when replacement is needed.