The Scotsman SC20RC20 is a pack of 20 replacement filters for the Scotsman SC20-A coarse pre-filter system, used by owners and facility managers on commercial ice machine water lines. Each filter captures large particles and sediment before they reach the primary filters, which keeps those filters from clogging early and protects the ice machine. Plan each Scotsman SC20RC20 filter replacement before the filter is overdue, because a loaded filter clogs and restricts flow to the ice machine.
With 20 filters in every SC20RC20 pack, you have replacements on hand for the changes ahead. Below, we'll help you confirm that your coarse pre-filter is the SC20-A, then walk through the replacement start to finish.
Why & When You Should Replace the Filter
Everything the SC20RC20 holds back stays in the filter, so it steadily loads up over time. A loaded filter restricts flow to the ice machine and stops shielding the primary filters, which then clog sooner and leave the machine less protected.
For a regular Scotsman SC20-A coarse filter replacement schedule, replace the SC20RC20 filter every 6 months (or sooner based on water quality, usage, and any noticeable drop in flow). If flow drops noticeably before then, replace it right away. A few practical signs it's time:
- It's been 6 months since the last filter change
- Flow through the system has slowed noticeably
Plan to replace the filter before the 6-month mark if either of these applies:
- Heavier usage — busier ice machines draw more water through the filter, so it collects sediment faster
- Poorer incoming water quality — more sediment and particles in the supply load the filter sooner
Scotsman SC20RC20 Specifications
The Scotsman SC20RC20 is a pack of 20 replacement filters for the Scotsman SC20-A coarse pre-filter system, which sits on the water supply to a commercial ice machine. The filters capture large particles and sediment ahead of the primary filters, and the SC20-A system is rated for a maximum flow of 10 gpm.
Prepare Your Replacement: Compatibility, Materials & Safety
Verify Filter & System Compatibility
The SC20RC20 is the replacement filter pack for the Scotsman SC20-A coarse pre-filter system only. Before ordering, confirm that your unit is the SC20-A. Scotsman also makes the SC10-A, a separate and shorter coarse pre-filter (12.44" tall vs. 22.44" for the SC20-A) that uses the SC10RC40 pack of 40 instead. Scotsman's SSM Plus cartridges (SSMRC1 and SSMRC6) and Aqua Patrol Plus cartridges (APRC1-P) are separate part numbers for different systems and are not interchangeable with the SC20RC20.
🔍 Not sure which pre-filter you have? Check the model on your coarse pre-filter unit, or cross-reference it against the SC20RC20 product page here on BottleFillingStations.com.
🧰 Materials
⚠️ Safety Precautions
Step-by-Step Replacement Guide
Signs Your New Filter Is Not Installed Correctly
If something looks off after a Scotsman SC20RC20 filter replacement, check for these common installation issues first:
- Leaking at the housing or connections — usually means the filter isn't fully seated. Shut off the water, remove the filter, and reinsert it securely.
- Filter doesn't sit securely — usually means it wasn't inserted all the way. With the water off, take it out and reinsert it until it sits firmly in the SC20-A.
- Flow noticeably reduced right after the new filter goes in — check that the water supply is fully reopened, then confirm the filter is seated correctly.
- Air or sputtering that doesn't clear after the flush — some air is normal at first, but if it keeps going, shut off the water and recheck the filter seating (see What to Expect After Installing the New Filter below).
What to Expect After Installing the New Filter
Run water through the system for several minutes after installing the new SC20RC20 filter before judging performance. Here's what's normal during and right after the flush:
- Air in the water — trapped air working its way out of the lines as the flush runs. It should clear as water keeps moving through.
- Normal flow and no leaks — once the flush is done, flow should look normal and the housing and connections should be dry.
If air or weak flow is still showing up well after the flush, shut off the water and recheck the filter seating before restoring flow. If the problem continues, have a licensed plumber or authorized Scotsman service technician take a look. Once the filter is in, the water is back on, the air has cleared, and there are no leaks, the replacement is complete.
Official Installation Reference
For compatible models, operating limits, flow rates, and dimensions, refer to Scotsman's official documentation:
Maintenance Tips for Longer Filter Life
A few simple habits keep each SC20RC20 filter doing its job between replacements:
- Replace on a regular schedule and log each date — track every change against the interval covered in the Why & When section above, and watch flow as well as the calendar.
- Inspect the system periodically — check for leaks or reduced flow between replacements so problems are caught early.
- Stay within the rated operating range — keep water pressure and temperature inside the limits covered in the Prepare section above.
- Use only genuine Scotsman filters — genuine SC20RC20 filters are the ones made for the SC20-A.
- Keep the primary filters protected — a clean pre-filter keeps the primary filters from clogging early and supports steady ice machine operation.
- Don't run the system on unsafe or unknown-quality water without adequate disinfection before or after the unit.
Where to Buy Genuine Scotsman SC20RC20
Genuine Scotsman SC20RC20 filters are made to fit the SC20-A coarse pre-filter system. Counterfeit, aftermarket, or mismatched filters are not made by Scotsman for this unit and may not fit the SC20-A or give the same protection to the primary filters and ice machine.
To help ensure performance, purchase the Scotsman SC20RC20 Filter Pack from a trusted source, such as BottleFillingStations.com or an authorized Scotsman parts distributor.
📦 Stocking up? Each SC20RC20 pack holds 20 filters, so the next replacements are already on hand when a change is due.
🔎 More from Scotsman: Scotsman makes commercial ice machines and the water filtration that protects them. Browse the full Scotsman collection, including ice machines, water filter systems, and replacement cartridges.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
The new SC20RC20 filter is leaking — what's wrong?
The filter most likely isn't fully seated. Shut off the water supply, remove the filter, and reinsert it securely. If the leak continues after that, have a licensed plumber or authorized Scotsman service technician check the system — see Signs Your New Filter Is Not Installed Correctly above for the full recheck.
The old filter is hard to remove.
Don't force it. First confirm the water supply to the system is fully off. If the filter still won't come out, stop and have a licensed plumber or authorized Scotsman service technician handle the removal — see Safety Precautions in the Prepare section above.
Flow is low through the SC20-A.
A clogged filter is the usual cause. If the filter has been in for a while, it has likely loaded up with sediment and is due for replacement — see the Why & When section above. If flow is low right after a new filter goes in, check that the water supply is fully open and the filter is seated correctly — see Signs Your New Filter Is Not Installed Correctly above.
How do I confirm I'm ordering the right filter?
The SC20RC20 is the right filter if your coarse pre-filter unit is the Scotsman SC20-A. Check the model on the unit before ordering — see Compatibility in the Prepare section above for how the SC20-A differs from the SC10-A and from Scotsman's SSM Plus and Aqua Patrol Plus systems.
Related Products
Find the right replacement for other Scotsman filtration on your ice machine lines with these related products, or browse the full Scotsman collection, from ice machines to filtration:
The replacement filter pack for the SC10-A, Scotsman's shorter coarse pre-filter system — 40 filters per pack.
View Product →A single replacement cartridge for Scotsman SSM Plus water filtration systems.
View Product →The same SSM Plus replacement cartridge in a pack of 6, for keeping several changes on hand.
View Product →Conclusion
Replacing the Scotsman SC20RC20 Filter is a short job: shut off the water, replace the filter, flush the system, and check for leaks.
Stick to the replacement schedule covered in the Why & When section above and log every filter change. With 20 filters in each pack, the next replacement is ready when it's due. Regular Scotsman SC20-A coarse filter replacement is a straightforward way to keep the water feeding your ice machine clean and the primary filters protected.