How to Replace an InstaPure IF-20 Water Filter

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Things You'll Need

  • Filter wrench

  • Sink with a fresh water supply

  • Petroleum jelly

  • Rag

  • New filter

You'll get better-tasting water when an IF-20 water filter is replaced.

An InstaPure IF-20 water filter uses an IR-20 filtering cartridge that fits inside of the filter canister. The IR-20 cartridge is no longer being manufactured, and it has been replaced with a Pentek P-5 cartridge. They are available at hardware stores and many department stores, and will readily retrofit to the IF-20 filter canister. They have a rated capability of filtering 30,000 gallons of water, and should be changed at 6 month intervals.

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Step 1

Turn off the water supply to the filter canister. That can be done by either turning off a valve on top of the water filter canister, or turning off the main water supply in the house.

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Step 2

Attach a filter wrench to the canister and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it.

Step 3

Grasp the canister as it unscrews and detaches from the top portion of the filter. When it comes off, the actual filter inside will come off with it.

Step 4

Pull out the old filter and discard it. Carefully remove the O-ring from the threads of the canister. Wipe it off with a rag to clean any dirt, debris or hard-water buildup, and place it off to the side.

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Step 5

Rinse out the canister at a different sink to remove any sediment or debris on the canister's bottom. When finished, carefully push the O-ring back onto the threads of the canister.

Step 6

Place a new filter inside of the canister.

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Step 7

Liberally cover both the threads and the O-ring with petroleum jelly. That will ensure ease of assembly and a water-tight seal. Hand-screw the canister onto the tip portion of the filter. Tighten it securely with the filter wrench.

Step 8

Turn the water back on and check the canister for leaks.

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