Frequently asked questions Berkey water filters
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Berkey products here. These are also supplemented from time to time. All answers are based all information from the manufacturer's knowledge base, additionally supplemented by our own experiences.
Use
The top tray of your Berkey water filter should be completely flushed (a small layer will remain) in about 2 hours. The better the priming succeeded, the faster the flow rate will be. So if it takes longer than 2 hours, we recommend priming again. When priming for the first time, the priming is not expected to have been successful and there is still too much air in the Black Berkey filter elements. In case of already longer use, this is a sign to prime again.
In fact, priming causes the air to leave the filters again, which means they will start running again faster. You can use the Priming Button, the Black Berkey Primer Whether the blue Primer Rite use. See also the instructional videos.
Is it your first time using the Berkey water filter? Then the following is equally important:
- the filtration rate will increase somewhat in the first 12 to 24 hours.
Should the speed remain low and therefore should any water remain in the upper container, after more than 2 hours. Then take contact with us and we will be happy to help you.
It is quite normal for a few centimetres of water to remain in the upper tray. This is because the Black Berkey filter elements stand on a rim and, of course, no water can pass through this rim. In addition, if there is only a little water left in the upper tray, the water pressure is very low, so the water can no longer pass through it. This applies when the water is still just slightly above the edge of the filter element.
You can dispose of the remaining water, if necessary, when you go to refill the top tray of your Berkey water filter.
You can! This is because no Black Berkey filter element is the same, they are all unique. As a result, one filter element may run through faster, than another. The differences occur during production (baking process) and you often see that the filters that come in the same box are more or less the same, but this does not have to be the case. So it is otherwise not a problem and not something to worry about.
Should you experience a noticeable difference in the filter speed of the Black Berkey filters, this is a signal to priming again. Before cleaning, try to solve this by priming the Black Berkey filter elements again. Cleaning should not be done too often and when using tap water, once every 6 months is sufficient. Should priming not yield any filter speed gains, it is time to clean. But after cleaning, you should then prim again.
In fact, priming causes the air to leave the filters again, and so they start to run through again faster. In fact, after using them for a while, the air slowly takes over in the filters again. You can use the Priming Button, the Black Berkey Primer Whether the blue Primer Rite use. See also the instructional videos.
If you do need to clean the filters, see the instructions under the heading "Cleaning, maintenance and storage".
There is then a so-called Airlock. In that case, the trays are so perfect on top of each other that no air can get in. It is difficult to predict in advance when this will occur, because sometimes they close too perfectly.
There are two ways to solve this problem:
Option 1. Make use of the Anti-Airlock Clip. If you ordered a Berkey water filter from the summer of 2022, you have already received it. In fact, this clip is included in the Priming Starter Kit, which came free with a Berkey water filter from summer 2022. Should you not have the Priming Starter Kit, you can order the Anti-Airlock Clip separately from us, click here.
You place the clip on the edge of the lower tray, with the rounded side facing outwards. You then put the upper container back on. Now enough air will be able to reach it, no vacuum will be created and the water will just come out properly.
Option 2. You can also try rotating the upper tray in different positions to see if it fits differently and lets air through. Another solution is to 'roll' the lower tray:
- Carefully remove any Black Berkey filter elements from the system and set the top tray aside.
- If already installed, remove the tap from the lower tray.
- Lay a towel on a smooth, hard surface. Lay the bottom tray on its side on the towel with the towel firmly in place.
- Apply light pressure on the side of the lower tray with both hands; roll the chamber back and forth on the hard surface. Focus your attention on the upper part of the lower bin. This will slightly reshape the lower chamber and allow good airflow between the upper and lower bin.
Should you opt for rolling, it might not be solved after one try, but then you could try again.
It is good to know that a Berkey water filter does not remove limescale completely from the water. Larger amounts are reduced and synthetic lime is removed. However, a Berkey retains good minerals (which belong naturally in water and are good for humans) in the water. And lime (calcium) is one of them. So you keep the mineral lime in the water, and this can still cause some scale. In short, a Berkey water filter is not there to remove lime from the water.
If water leaks from the tap connection, it is most likely due to the tap not being fitted properly. Therefore, empty the lower container and dismantle the tap. Then check that all parts are in the right place. It is important to have 1 rubber ring on the outside and 1 rubber ring on the inside. Then replace the tap and tighten the nut (on the inside) until you can't do any more. Then hold the nut on the inside and start turning the tap on the outside. You notice that it then tightens even more. You do this until you can't go any further. If the tap is not straight, do the following: let go of the nut on the inside and only turn the tap on the outside until it is straight. It will then turn as a whole. If you have accidentally turned it too far, do NOT turn it back. You will loosen it again. If you have turned too far, turn again in its entirety until it is in the right position again.
If all goes well, the tap will now no longer leak at the connection.
If water gets between the upper and lower trays of your Berkey water filter, it means that the lower tray is too full. This occurs when the upper container is refilled while the lower container is not yet empty. This is because filtering then continues and the lower container will overflow. This then comes out between the two tanks.
It is best to fill the top tank completely when filling it for the first time. Let this water run through. When you notice that the lower tank is almost empty (via the sight glass tap or via the pressure of the water), fill the upper tank completely again. You can do this because the upper tank is slightly smaller than the lower tank and, in addition, the upper tank contains the filters, which thus take up space. So the lower tank has excess capacity compared to the upper tank. So by doing it this way, you avoid the water leakage between the two tanks.
The Black Berkey filter elements are designed to remove heavy metals, but will not remove mineral salts added by a water softener. This is because a water softener adds mineral salts to water to make it softer. The salt used to soften water is not extracted by a Black Berkey filter element and even causes the element to clog. You can still use a Berkey water filter if it is possible to bypass the water softener. Most water softeners have a bypass valve or a way to get water before it passes through the softener. Therefore, we strongly recommend using that water instead of running softened water through your Black Berkey filter elements.
Material
There are three different types of blocking plugs:
- Black blocker plugs are standard with all Berkey Light water filters and some stainless steel models. The black plugs are made of FDA-approved Buna rubber.
- Off-white blocking plugs (rubber cork) can be supplied with the Berkey Light models and some stainless steel models. The off-white plugs are made of food-grade M18 pure gum rubber.
- White blocking plugs (bolt and nut) are used in some stainless steel models. These come with a nut, a screw and two transparent washers. The nut and screw are made of polypropylene. The washers are made of food-grade silicone.
Keep in mind that the water in the lower chamber of your water filter will not touch any of the blocking plugs. This is because the water is filtered before it reaches the lower chamber.
Yes, the base of a Black Berkey filter element is BPA-free.
Cleaning, maintenance and storage
Black Berkey filter elements do not necessarily need to be cleaned every time you clean the Berkey water filter housing (lower and upper container). However, this may vary depending on the area and water source. In some areas of the world, the water is much dirtier than in others and it will be necessary to clean the elements more often; possibly even more than cleaning the rest of the system requires. If your water is muddy or very dirty, we recommend pre-filtering the water by running it through some kind of cloth, e.g.: shirt, sheet, bandana, etc. before filling the Berkey water filter with it. Although not necessary, this keeps the element cleaning schedule low by trapping dirt that may clog the pores of your Black Berkey filter elements.
When is it time to clean your filters?
- Cleaning the elements should be done when you experience a drastic reduction in flow rate.
- You can also consider cleaning the elements periodically. For example, every 6 months (CAUTION!!! Never more often than once every 6 months, if you do not experience a reduction in flow rate). The advantage of this is that you will therefore not experience a slow flow rate. Cleaning elements on a regular schedule is at your own discretion. This is a suggestion, not an obligation.
How do you clean the filters?
- Empty your Berkey water filter and disassemble the Black Berkey filter elements.
- Using a scouring pad or a hard brush, gently scrub the outside of the Black Berkey filter elements under cold running water.
- Prime the filters again. If you are not familiar with this process, check out our instructional videos.
- Reinstall the Black Berkey filter elements in the Berkey water filter.
- Finally, fill your Berkey water filter and, if necessary, perform a red dye test as described in the instructional videos, to ensure that the Black Berkey filter elements are still effective.
If you used your elements:
The method of storage depends on the time the Black Berkey filter elements are not used:
If the filters are not used for 4 to 15 days and you want to avoid re-priming, remove the filters from the water filter, place them in a sealable bag or container and place the filters in the front of the fridge to prevent freezing. This will keep the filters largely saturated (wet), so re-priming is usually not necessary. If the filters work slower than normal for any reason, prime them again until the outer wall of the filter starts sweating water droplets for 10 seconds.
For long-term storage, we recommend drying the filters and storing them closed. It is important that they are bone-dry before long-term storage to avoid possible bacterial growth. One option for drying your filters is to leave them on a windowsill for one to three days and let them air dry. We also offer a tool to help with both priming and drying (purging). It involves the Black Berkey Primer. The advantage of drying (purging) with Black Berkey Primer the Black Berkey filter elements is that they dry very quickly. Once the filters are cork dry, place them in a storage bag such as a large, sealable bag. The elements are extremely powerful and can absorb odours and smoke from the air. By sealing them in a bag, they cannot absorb odours from the air. When you are ready to use the filters again, clean them by scrubbing the outside with a scouring pad or a hard brush. Then re-prime the filters manually or with the Black Berkey Primer before replacing them in the water filter.
In theory, the shelf life of Black Berkey filter elements is unlimited.
**Please note that the above storage methods only apply to the Black Berkey filter elements.
If you have never used the elements before:
If the elements are unopened and they are still in their original packaging, make sure not to store them in a room with strong odours (such as a laundry room or garage). The elements have carbon as one of their components, so it is possible that they absorb odours from the room in which they are stored. For example, if they are stored in a laundry room, it is possible that they will pick up the smell of strongly scented items such as washing powder.
** If you also store the upper and lower chambers of your Berkey system, it is best to empty both chambers before storing them. Water that stands still for a long time promotes the growth and production of bacteria. We recommend washing your Berkey system with soapy water before letting it dry.
Tests and results
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 10 water filtration systems for their ability to remove 25 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as "PFAS") in tap water. During EWG's tests, the Berkey water filter (implemented with Black Berkey filter elements) removed PFAS to undetectable levels, placing the system in the "Best overall" category.
The Berkey water filter was also praised for its large capacity compared to other water filters tested, and "exceptionally long filter life" (each pair of authentic Black Berkey filter elements can filter up to about 22,700 litres (11,350 litres each) of tap water before replacement is recommended). CBS News Philadelphia produced a news report on EWG's tests, mentioning the Berkey water filter. You can watch this here. CBS Colorado also mentioned the Berkey water filter in a TV news segment about EWG's test, which you can view here.
EWG's water filter test results were released a week after the United States Geological Survey (USGS) their studies published showing that the drinking water of almost half of US households contains at least one type of PFAS. PFAS have been in use since at least the 1950s and have been linked to a wide range of human health problems, including certain types of cancer and developmental, metabolic, immune disorders and more. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" due to the fact that they take a very long time to degrade in the environment.
To protect against PFAS in your drinking water, make sure you have a final barrier system. So consider a Berkey water filter equipped with the powerful Black Berkey filter elements that have been independently tested by accredited laboratories to remove perfluorinated chemicals to below detectable levels.
Read more:
- EWG: News release | Guide to PFAS Water Filters
- CBS Colorado: Which Water Filters Can Block PFAs
- CBS News Philadelphia: Environmental Group Tests to Find the Best Water Filters for Removing PFAS
– New Study: 'Forever Chemicals' Found in Nearly Half of U.S. Tap Water
– Do Black Berkey® Elements Remove PFAS and Other PFCs in Drinking Water?
– Black Berkey® Elements: The Final Barrier against PFOA and Other PFCs in Drinking Water
For all laboratory test results of the Berkey water filter: click here. You will be directed to the manufacturer's knowledge base, where all the results are listed together on one page. These are all the tests carried out with the Black Berkey filter elements, and so these are the filter elements of the Berkey water filter.
In addition, this page also contains the test report of the Berkey Fluoride & Arsenic (PF-2) filter elements.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN ADVANCE
The red food dye test is only for checking that your Berkey water filter is fitted correctly, i.e. no water other than from the stems of the Black Berkey filter elements and the filters are not exhausted. Berkey Water Systems does not have independent test results showing by what percentage the red food colouring is filtered out. So they cannot officially claim that this contamination is reduced. So if the instructions below are not followed and a higher concentration of red dye is administered, for example, it is likely that it will not be reduced by 100% per cent. So, it is important to follow the instructions below properly and that mainly involves the amount of red dye and performing the test no more often than twice a year.
The Black Berkey filter elements are powerful enough to remove red food colouring from water. By performing a red dye test, you can be sure that your Berkey water filter system is working properly.
GUIDELINES
- We recommend carrying out this test on first use and every six months thereafter (after cleaning) to ensure that the Black Berkey filter elements are working properly.
- The red dye test is intended only for the Black Berkey filter elements and NOT for other filter elements (e.g. the Fluoride & Arsenic filters) that do not filter out the dye. This test is also not recommended for the Sport Berkey drinking bottle.
- Make sure the dye is RED. Red food colouring (unlike the other colours) contains no minerals, so the element recognises it as a contaminant. In addition, do not use a natural red dye (like beet juice, for example), this too is not recognised as a contaminant. The idea is to take a synthetic red dye.
- The red dye test should be performed after the Black Berkey filter elements have been primed.
CARRY OUT THE TEST
NOTE: check out our instructional videos for a video of performing the red dye test.
1. Start with an empty water filter system (upper and lower basin) and remove any Fluoride & Arsenic filters (if installed). The Fluoride & Arsenic filters must be removed before performing a red dye test to retain entitlement to the six-month guarantee on the Fluoride & Arsenic filters.
2. Place only the top tray (with the Black Berkey filter elements installed) on glasses of similar size (i.e. the stems of the filters stick out into the glass). This is useful to immediately see which filter passes and fails the test.
3. Fill the top container with water and add 1 teaspoon of red dye for every 4 litres of water.
4. Drain (filter) the water to the lower chamber.
5. Check the result in the glasses. If the red dye is completely removed, your Berkey water filter is working properly.
6. If the water in any of the glasses is red or has a pink hue, that particular filter may be faulty or exhausted. See below.
IF RED COLOUR IS OBSERVED IN THE WATER, CHECK THE FOLLOWING:
1. Are the wing nuts tight? Do not tighten the wing nuts with tools; they should be tightened by hand until you feel resistance, then it is enough. If the wing nuts are too tight, this can cause damage to the threads of the handle and/or grooves of the wing nut. This may affect the seal. Should this have occurred, please contact us.
2. Are you using natural red food colouring or colouring with another colour? Non-natural red food colouring is the only type recommended for this test.
3. Is the black ring of the Black Berkey filter elements also in the upper tray and is the wing nut tightened at the bottom? If the black ring is on the outside of the lower tray (i.e. directly at the wing nut), this is not a good seal. This therefore causes the test to fail. Place the black washer on the inside of the upper bin and perform the test again.
4. Do the blocking plugs seal the unused holes properly (if applicable)? Are the blocking plugs firmly installed so that the hole is actually sealed? For blocking plugs with bolt and nut, there should be a sealing ring on both sides (i.e. not on one side). If the plugs leak, this will cause the test to fail. Install the blocking plugs more firmly and perform the test again.
5. Are you retesting a filter element that has failed? Make sure you rinse and re-prime this filter element first before retesting. In addition, make sure that all water is out of the bottom container (or glass). If you use the bottom container or a glass to collect water, rinse it completely with clean water first. Now you are ready to repeat the test.
6. If you have done all the above and still fail a filter element for red dye test, please contact us. The Black Berkey filter elements have a two-year warranty (in periods). View the warranty conditions.
NOTE: check out our instructional videos for a video of performing the red dye test.
The Black Berkey filters are made from a patented blend of various ingredients, including, for example, high-quality charred coconut shell. Berkey Water Systems confirms that there is no graphene oxide in the composition of the filter elements.
Moreover, Berkey Water Systems has no test reports available that verify the reduction of graphene oxide by the Black Berkey filters. Without test results, they cannot claim that the filter elements are capable of reducing/removing this contaminant.
A TDS meter does not measure much change between unfiltered water and water filtered with a Berkey. This is normal and the answer has to do with what a TDS meter actually measures. According to tdsmeter.com "Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) the total amount of mobile charged ions, including minerals, salts or metals dissolved in a given volume of water, expressed in units of mg per unit volume of water (mg/L ), also known as parts per million (ppm). TDS is directly related to the purity of water and the quality of water treatment systems and affects everything that consumes, lives in or uses water, organic or inorganic, for good or ill."
This statement is both correct and incorrect. It is correct in what a TDS measurement consists of, which is the "total amount of mobile charged ions, including minerals, salts or metals dissolved in a given volume of water". It is incorrect in its conclusion that TDS is related to water purity and the quality of the water treatment system. If the measure of a water purification system was how close it could bring water to pure H2O, it might be correct. But humans need minerals to live. So useful minerals in your water are actually a good thing. A high-quality water purification system should filter out things that are harmful to your body, but leave behind the useful things like minerals. Black Berkey filter elements are designed to leave healthy and beneficial minerals in the water and extract unwanted heavy metals like lead and mercury, as well as sedimentary minerals like iron oxide and aluminium.
So if you use a TDS meter, you will find that the reading both before and after the water has passed through the Black Berkey filter elements is about the same. And so it is true. The Black Berkey filter elements retain all the beneficial minerals. So, of the things a TDS meter will actually detect, the Black Berkey filter elements will only remove unwanted heavy metals like lead and mercury, as well as sedimentary minerals like iron oxide and aluminium. Therefore, unless you have a significant amount of heavy metals or sedimentary minerals in your water, the TDS value will not change much.
A TDS meter does not measure the amount of biological and chemical contaminants (including e.g. chemicals, drugs, hormones, many pesticides and their residues, bacteria and viruses). Most importantly, don't rely solely on a TDS meter to measure whether your water is good. You can have water with low TDS that contains harmful bacteria. You can have water with a high TDS level that is perfectly safe (e.g. - pure, uncontaminated sea salt water ... although you wouldn't drink it, but that's only because it's mineral salt). So make sure you know what a TDS meter actually measures.
Replacement
The Fluoride and Arsenic filters (PF-2) last up to 3,700 litres of water or 1 year, whichever comes first. Of course, it is very difficult to keep track of the number of litres, so we recommend one year.
Each Black Berkey element filters a maximum of 11,350 litres of water. Of course, it is very difficult to keep track of the number of litres. In addition, there are some other variables that affect it. For instance, it matters what kind of water is filtered (tap water or water from another source) and how the filters are cleaned. Indeed, cleaning (rinsing under a cold tap and scrubbing with a scouring pad) causes the filters to wear out. Thus, one person naturally scrubs harder than another. You know the Black Berkey filters need replacing when the filter speed has decreased significantly. Normally, re-priming or cleaning the filters will ensure a normal filter speed again. So if they need to be replaced, priming and/or cleaning will no longer ensure filter speed gains. Also, the Black Berkey filters will then fail the red dye test (add 2 teaspoons of red synthetic food dye to the top tank of water and let it filter, the water should be completely transparent at the bottom. If not, they fail). It is then time to replace them.
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