How should I store my Black Berkey filter elements and how long will they last?

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.