Filter System Allowing Charcoal and Contaminates To Pass

[Rob G]

Hi All - I have a 10 year old, APEC, whole house water filter that has suddenly started to allow (what I believe) is charcoal sediment through the system. There are faint outlines that form black streaks in the area where the water flushes from the top to the toilet bowl. I cleaned the toilet when I first noticed the outlines and they back within a day or so. So its definitely not mildew as mildew takes longer to build up. They lessen slightly with the water in the flush. In the bowl itself you can see a soft gray stain where the water sits that is only noticeable when flushing. That stain fills the entire toilet bowl under the water line. Again, cleaned that and it was back within a day or so. My water quality, which usually sits at 10 is up to 147 so something is getting past the filter system. Any ideas? I have no leaks, the carbon is less than a year old and the filter is less than a year old in the smaller blue container. The carbon is good for at least 5 years and the filter up to 3 years. We have never had this issue in the past even as the filters and charcoal aged. Perhaps someone has dealt with this and its an age related issue to a specific part? Thanks in advance for any thoughts or help anyone can provide. I will be calling the company tomorrow but wanted to ask here first as the collective is smarter than the few.