Berkey Water Filters - Frequently Asked Questions

Crown Berkey - Storage capacity of 23L. Recommended for large groups at home like families over 6 + people, churches, hospitals, outdoor activities & restaurants

Berkey Light - Storage capacity 12.5L. Recommended for 3-5 people

Q2. How do I assemble my Berkey Water Filter?

See the video below for instructions on how to set up your Berkey Water Filter

Q3. How do I prime and install the Black Purification Elements?

Priming the Black Purification Elements before use is essential. See the video below for simple guide on how you can do this.

Q4. How long do the Black Purification Elements last?

1 Black Purification Element has a life span of 11,356 litres

2 Black Purification Elements have a life span of 22,712 litres

Usually replacement is suggested after 7-11 years The filters need to be cleaned every 12 months.

Q5. How do I clean the Black Purification Elements?

Step 1: empty and disassemble the Black Berkey® Purification Elements from the Berkey unit

Step 2: Use a cleaning pad similar to a Scotch Brite Pad or a stiff toothbrush and gently scrub the outside of the Black Berkey® Purification Elements under cool running water

Step 3: Re-prime the filters

Step 4: Reassemble the Black Berkey® Purification Elements into the Berkey unit.

Q6. Black Berkey™ Purification Elements Test Results

Find a list of test results here

Q7. How do the Black Berkey Elements handle beneficial minerals in the water?

The technology utilized in the Black Berkey™ purification elements is designed not to remove ionic minerals from the water. The elements are however, designed to remove sedimentary minerals. Additionally, in order to reduce heavy metals, there are several types of media used in the proprietary formulation that have a specific affinity for heavy metals. The best part is that the media used in the Black Berkey™ elements is designed to not remove beneficial minerals. Because the media formulation does not have an affinity for beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium, these minerals should pass right on through the elements.

Q8. How fast will my tap water be filtered?

The system will purify up to 13.3 litres per hour with 2 x Black Berkey filters inside (or 26.6 Litres per hour with 4 x Black Berkey filters inside).

In real terms, this equates to approximately 1 glass of water per minute.

Q9. How do I prime and install the PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements?

See the video below for simple guide on how to prime and install the PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction elements

Q10. How long do the PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements last?

The Berkey Fluoride Filters have a recommend usage of 12 months or 3800 litres before replacement is recommended.

Q11. The water in the upper chamber of my Berkey system does not drain all the way. Is this normal?

Yes it is normal as this is a gravity filters and there will always be a little water left in upper chamber, and not unusual for the last 1.3 cm. to 2.5 cm. of water to remain in the upper chamber. By design the water must pass through very fine micro pores within the elements in order to pass from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.

During each cycle the water left from the previous cycle mixes with the water from the current cycle and is then purified. There is no need to be concerned about the excess water during normal use. Should you however discontinue using your filter for a period of time such as during a vacation, it would be best to empty both chambers before departing and leave them upside down to dry on the dish rack.

Q12. What should I do to maintain my Berkey system?

Wash lower box / chamber every month with soapy dishwater. (This is NOT necessary but good to keep the unit clean). It's ok too to wash the whole unit every 6-12 months when the filters are cleaned too.
In areas with hard water, where calcium scale may build up on spigot & chambers after long and heavy use. To remove that, soak parts in vinegar or a mix of vinegar and water for about 15-20 minutes. Wipe away calcium scale with a dishwasher pad or soft brush then wash with soapy dishwater and rinse the whole Berkey System with warm water (Not hot water).

Q13. How do I use the Black Berkey Primer?

See the video for a step by step guide on using the Black Berkey Primer

Q14. What warranty do the Berkey Water Filter's have?

Warranty Categories:

NMCL Limited Warranty: 6 months
NMCL Limited Warranty: 1 Year
NMCL Limited Pro-rated Warranty: 2 Years

Specific Products:

Black Berkey^® Purification Elements and Berkey Earth^® DE Filter Elements:
The Black Berkey^® Purification Elements and the Berkey Earth^® DE Elements are covered under a two year limited prorated warranty, calculated in six month intervals. Warranty period begins from the date of receipt of the product by the original purchaser on the original invoice.

0-6 months - free of charge
7-12 months - 25% of current RRP to be paid by customer
13-18 months - 50% of current RRP to be paid by customer
19-24 months - 75% of current RRP to be paid by customer

Berkey PF-2^™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters and Berkey^® Accessories:
The Berkey PF-2^™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters and all Berkey^® accessories are covered under a six-month warranty. The warranty period begins from the date of receipt of the product by the original purchaser on the original invoice.

Berkey^® System Housing:
Berkey^® System upper and lower chambers including lids, excluding Blemished orders, are covered under a one-year warranty. The warranty period begins from the date of receipt of the product by the original purchaser on the original invoice.

If you have a question that isn't discussed above please contact us here.

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Berkey Water Filters - Frequently Asked Questions

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