Universal fit filter

In an exemplary embodiment the replaceable filter 120 comprises a subassembly including a closed outer cylindrical filter 122 having a top 117 a bottom 119, and a side wall defining a chamber 121 therein. There is next a first end cap 129 fixed to the filter top 117. The first end cap 129 includes a first outlet port 127 having a wall section 128 being coupled at one end to the first outlet port 127 and extends into said chamber 121 and sized to encompass the water outlet flange 104 and the guide flange 108. The replaceable filter 120 also has a second end cap 131, substantially equal to the first end cap 129, fixed to said filter bottom 119. The second end cap 131 also includes a second outlet port 125 having a wall section 130 being coupled at one end to the second outlet port 125 and extending into the filter chamber 121. The second end cap wall 130 is sized to encompass the guide flange 108 and alternatively the water outlet flange 104. Next, a first compression gasket 124 is glued to or otherwise fixed to the outer surface of the first end cap 129. The first gasket 124 is arranged to make a water tight seal with the water outlet seal surface 106 and the guide flange seal surface 110 of the filter housing 100. A second compression gasket 126 is fixed to the outer surface of the second end cap 131. The second gasket 126 is adapted to make a water tight seal with the guide flange seal surface 110 and alternatively with the water outlet seal surface 106 of the filter housing 100. The filter cartridge 120 further may be installed within the filter housing 100 in any one of two orientations including the filter top side 117 up and alternatively the filter bottom side 119 up.