Priming a Black Berkey or Berkey Phoenix gravity element takes about 30 to 60 seconds per filter under a kitchen faucet and is required before first use. The same procedure applies whether the element is going straight into a system or into long-term storage. Priming pushes water through the microscopic pores of the filter media to clear trapped air, and skipping this step results in extremely slow or no flow. This guide covers the faucet-button priming method, the pump-based alternative for when no faucet pressure is available, the storage procedure for backup filters, and the 2-year prorated warranty timing that makes priming-before-storage important.
Quick answer: Attach the tan priming button to the element stem, press the wide end firmly against a running cold-water faucet, and hold for 30 to 60 seconds until water beads sweat through the entire exterior wall of the filter. The element is then primed. For storage, complete the priming, dry the element thoroughly (typically 2 to 3 weeks of air drying), then seal in a zip-lock or vacuum bag until needed.
Why Priming Is Required
Black Berkey and Berkey Phoenix gravity elements use a dense matrix of more than six different media types to form millions of microscopic pores. New elements arrive dry, and surface tension at those pores blocks water from passing through. Priming forces water into the element under faucet pressure, which clears the trapped air, opens the full pore network, and rinses out any residual manufacturing dust. The result is a filter that flows at its designed rate from the first use.
Re-priming is also necessary after cleaning a filter with a Scotch-Brite pad, after extended dry storage, and any time flow rate drops noticeably below normal. The same procedure works in all three cases.
What You Need Before Starting
Verify that each gravity element box contains a black rubber washer and a wing nut attached to the element stem, plus the tan rubber priming button. The priming button is thicker than the element washer and has a smaller center hole. The priming button is the standard tool included with every gravity element and every Berkey system. A pump-style Black Berkey Primer is also available and sold separately for users without faucet pressure or with small sinks.
Priming Procedure (Faucet Method)
The faucet method is the fastest priming option and works for both Black Berkey and Berkey Phoenix elements. Total time is about 1 minute per element.
Confirm the black rubber washer and wing nut are secured to the threaded stem of the element. These stay on during priming.
Press the tan priming button onto the stem of the gravity element with the small end of the button facing the element body.
Hold the element stem between your fingers and press the wide end of the priming button firmly against the cold-water faucet spout to form a seal.
While holding the priming button against the faucet, turn on the cold water gently. Use a low but steady stream. If the priming button bulges or inflates, the pressure is too high; reduce flow.
Continue running water through the element for 30 to 60 seconds. Water fills the interior cavity, saturates the media, and begins to sweat out through the entire exterior wall of the filter in fine beads.
Once the full exterior of the element is sweating beads of water, turn off the faucet. The element is primed and ready for installation or storage.
Repeat for each remaining element.
If only part of the filter is sweating, keep priming. The entire exterior wall should bead with water before stopping. Patchy sweating indicates parts of the pore network are still air-locked.
Priming Without Faucet Pressure
For travel, emergency use, or any situation without running tap water, the Black Berkey Primer (a hand-powered bulb pump sold separately) creates the pressure gradient needed to prime an element. The pump can also be used to back-flush filters in normal use to clear accumulated debris from the pores and restore flow rate.
If no primer pump is available, gravity elements can be partially primed by submerging the elements stem-side up in the lower chamber filled with water, weighting them down to keep them submerged, and allowing the media to absorb water passively. This method primes the elements roughly 50 percent and is slower than faucet priming, but it produces useful flow until a proper prime can be completed.
How To Prime Your Black Berkey Filters (Video)
Priming Before Storage (Why It Matters)
Black Berkey Elements carry a 2-year prorated manufacturer warranty that begins on the date of receipt, not the date the elements are first used. Storing a sealed backup set untested for 3 years means any manufacturing defect discovered at that point falls outside the warranty window. Priming a backup set on arrival lets you test the elements with the red food coloring dye test, confirm there are no defects, and then store the elements with confidence that they were validated while still under warranty.
Berkey Phoenix Elements follow the same priming process. The Phoenix Elements are the current in-stock gravity element while Black Berkey production is on hold, and both elements are stored using the same dry-out procedure below.
Storage Procedure (After Priming)
The single most important storage rule: gravity elements must be fully dry before sealing. Any residual moisture in the media can support mold growth during long-term storage.
Use a dry cloth to wipe excess water from the exterior of each element.
Lay the elements out on a clean dry cloth in a warm, well-ventilated area with sun exposure if possible. A window sill works well.
Turn the elements at least once a day to ensure even drying on all sides.
Allow approximately 2 to 3 weeks for the elements to fully dry. Cooler or less ventilated areas may require longer.
Once fully dry, place each element in a zip-lock bag or vacuum-sealed bag to protect from airborne moisture and contaminants. The activated carbon media is sensitive enough that sealed storage prevents premature media exhaustion from airborne pollutants over time.
Store the sealed bags in a cool, dry location away from chemicals, paints, or strong odors.
Shelf life of properly stored elements is indefinite. A primed, fully dried, and sealed gravity element remains usable until you need it. When returning to service, re-prime the element under a faucet and run one full break-in fill cycle through the system before drinking.
Priming and Storage Quick Reference
Spec
Value
Priming time per element
30 to 60 seconds
Visual confirmation of prime
Beads of water sweating across entire exterior wall
Water type for priming
Cold tap water; gentle steady flow
Re-priming triggers
After cleaning, after dry storage, when flow slows noticeably
Dry-out time before storage
1 to 2 weeks in warm, ventilated area
Storage seal
Zip-lock or vacuum bag, dry location
Shelf life when sealed
Indefinite
Black Berkey warranty
2-year prorated from date of receipt
Replacement Gravity Elements and Priming Accessories
Authorized dealer pricing on Berkey Phoenix Elements, the Black Berkey Primer pump, and the full Filter Priming Kit.
How long does it take to prime a Black Berkey or Phoenix element?
Each element takes about 30 to 60 seconds under a faucet. A full set of two elements takes roughly 2 minutes total. The element is primed when the entire exterior wall is sweating beads of water.
Do I need to prime new filters if I am storing them as a backup set?
Yes. The Black Berkey 2-year prorated warranty starts on the date of receipt, not the date of first use. Priming a backup set on arrival lets you test for defects with the red food coloring dye test while the elements are still under warranty. After testing, dry the elements fully and seal them for storage.
Can I prime Black Berkey and Berkey Phoenix elements the same way?
Yes. The priming procedure is identical for both Black Berkey and Berkey Phoenix gravity elements. The Phoenix Element is a direct drop-in replacement and uses the same tan priming button, the same faucet method, and the same pump-primer compatibility.
What if I cannot get the filter to sweat beads of water?
Reduce the water pressure to a slower, steadier stream so it has time to push through the dense media instead of escaping around the priming button seal. Make sure the priming button is pressed firmly against the faucet to maintain the seal. If only part of the filter is sweating, keep priming until the entire exterior wall is beaded.
How do I prime filters when there is no running water?
The Black Berkey Primer is a hand-powered bulb pump sold separately that creates the pressure needed without faucet access. As a fallback, gravity elements can be partially primed by submerging them stem-side up in a chamber of water with a weight on top. The submersion method primes the elements roughly 50 percent and is slower but produces useful flow until a proper prime can be completed.
How long can I store Black Berkey or Phoenix elements?
Properly primed, fully dried, and sealed gravity elements have an indefinite shelf life. The activated carbon media is sensitive enough that sealed storage matters; an unsealed element in an environment with airborne pollutants can lose some media capacity over time.
Do I need to re-prime after a long storage period?
Yes. Dry storage causes the pores to fully air out, so re-priming under a faucet is required before installing the elements back into a system. After re-priming, run one full break-in fill cycle through the system and discard that first batch before drinking.
How long should the gravity elements air-dry before sealing for storage?
Allow approximately 1 to 2 weeks of air drying in a warm, well-ventilated area, turning the elements at least once a day. Cooler or less ventilated areas may take longer. The elements must be fully dry before sealing to prevent any chance of mold growth in storage.
Can I use hot water to prime faster?
No. Use cold tap water only. Hot water can damage the integrity of the filter media. A gentle, steady cold stream is the correct method.
Do I leave the wing nut and washer on the element while priming?
Yes for the faucet button method. The black washer and wing nut stay on the element stem during priming because the tan priming button seats over them. For the Prime Rite faucet attachment or the hand-powered Black Berkey Primer pump, the wing nut and washer are removed first because those tools connect directly to the stem.
Dan is the owner and operator of Big Berkey Water Filters. Prior to Berkey, Dan was an asset manager for a major telecommunications company. He graduated from Rutgers with an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering, followed by an MBA in finance from Rutgers as well. Dan enjoys biohacking, exercising, meditation, beach life, and spending time with family and friends.
Hi Dan, I purchased my Berkey as an emergency backup but am wondering how to prime the filters if the emergency results in no running water?
Dan DeBaun2025-04-21 14:04:32
Hi Sam -
To prime a Berkey water filter without water pressure, you can use the Black Berkey Primer pump or the soaking method. The primer pump allows you to manually create pressure, while soaking helps saturate the filters. Using the Black Berkey Primer:
Attach the priming button to the filter stem. Connect the primer pump to the filter stem. Pump the primer to force water through the filter. Continue pumping until you see a steady water stream.
Soaking Method:
Place the filters in a container with the stem facing up. Add enough water to submerge the filters. Weigh the filters down with a mug or glass. Let the filters soak for at least 8 hours. Check if the filters sink. If they do, they are primed. If not, continue soaking
Thanks Dan
Brett Bronst2024-06-13 14:10:47
Hi Dan. I just purchased a used Big Berkey, and the water flow out of the spout/spigot is very slow. I was told it could be an issue with the spigot and it needs to be replaced, or I need to clean and re-prime the filters. I do not have the original rubber priming button that came with the filters. Is there a different way I can prime the filters without the button?
Dan DeBaun2024-06-13 17:41:56
Hi Brett -
If the water is coming slow out of the spigot and you have a good amount of water in that lower chamber, then you may have a vacuum happening. Try placing a tooth pick at the seam where the 2 chambers meet to allow for some more air flow into that lower chamber and see if that solves your issue.
Thanks Dan
Dr sonia2023-10-16 04:03:00
I didn't use the berkey for 18 months. It was empty but the filters were already screwed in as we were using it before. Now after 18 months are the carbon filters safe to use?
Dan DeBaun2023-10-16 21:32:25
Hi Sonia -
Yes, the filters are still safe to use. They may need to re-primed if the water is not flowing through them fully.
Thanks Dan
Kelsey2023-06-18 18:39:25
Hi :) I’m needing to reprime my black elements about every 3 wks because they slow down so much. Also there’s an invisible slippery slime on the bottom of each filter when I go to wash them. Am I doing something incorrectly?
Dan DeBaun2023-06-22 16:21:38
Hi Kelsey -
It sounds like you have very high iron/rust in your water. This is most likely what is clogging the filters so quickly, so you may need to keep up this routine maintenance to remove that slime from the filters.
Thanks Dan
TJ Funfsinn2023-03-22 01:57:32
Can the black filter element be damaged if too much pressure is used during priming? I think I may have used too high of a pressure, the water I get through the new filters doesn't taste the same as through my old filters. And if seems to be filtering the water too fast.
Dan DeBaun2023-03-29 01:13:52
Hi TJ -
This is unlikely, but to be sure, you can run a red food coloring test on the filters and it they fail, you know they may have been damaged.
Hi there - we forgot to prime the filters and filled up the upper chamber, it only filtered through half way. Now trying to prime the filters and they don’t seem to be beading. Should I let them dry then prime and re install?
Dan DeBaun2022-11-15 15:31:02
Hi Domingo -
No, you do not need to let them dry unless you're unable to see the beading. Please try the re-priming process again.
Thanks Dan
karen jennings2022-03-23 11:42:10
I never received a tan priming button and have had difficulty in prming my filters. How can I order a prmining button?
Dan DeBaun2022-03-24 20:55:21
Hi Karen -
Please contact our customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com and a rep will send one out to you.
Thanks Dan
Kimberly Hanson2021-07-13 21:03:50
I lost my priming washer and I can’t get the priming pump to work properly. What am I doing wrong?
Dan DeBaun2021-07-15 15:32:47
Hi Kimberly -
It's tough to answer that question without more details provided. Please contact our customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com or call at 877-992-3753 and a rep can assist you with your issue.
Thanks Dan
Ann2019-10-06 06:27:23
Hi - I haven’t used my Berkey in two years so I cleaned the outside of the filters with a ScottBrite pad and now trying to prime them but no matter how long I hold them under the faucet, the filters don’t bead (I’ve held them under the water for 5 - 8 minutes). Is there something I’m doing wrong?
Dan2019-10-08 14:54:03
Hi Ann -
The scubbing may have forced forced more material into the filter pores, thus clogged then. This article covers the peeler method that can be used as a last resort to help unclog those filters.
I just primed one of the black Berkey filters (one of 2) and the water is flowing through like crazy... it's basically pouring through the nipple. Is this normal? The other one hasn't been primed in a long time and the water is dripping through that one.
Dan2019-09-19 16:17:23
Hi Sean -
The filters have a tolerance range which is acceptable. The way to tell if there is an issue with the filters, is to perform a red food coloring test on the filters to make sure they are still performing as designed.
Generally, how many days can a filter go at rest before it needs to be re-primed? I recently read a tip from Berkey via email, stating that I must fill it to the top every day, or it will need to be re-primed. Sometimes I go out of town for a weekend, or to events that provide my water, so I don't use the whole batch. It seems above that a week or two is okay? Please let me know.
Dan2018-08-30 17:29:53
Hi Nancy -
You will only need to re-prime the filter if they are clogged and the cleaning of them does not help them flow again. Otherwise, you would not need to be concerned with re-priming.
Thanks Dan
Lori2018-08-15 01:03:33
I just tried to set up my filter for the first time , watched all the videos and can't get my filters to prime please help thanks Lori
Dan2018-08-16 15:34:19
Hi Lori -
You want a slow steady stream into the filter. You do need too much water pressure, just enough so that it fills the filter up and provides enough resistance so that it pushes out through the pores.
Thanks Dan
Lori2018-07-22 22:04:15
Can I put a lemon or squirt just lemon juice from a fresh lemon in the top canister of the Berkey water filter. Could that help keep it fresh and clean?
Thanks,
Lori
Dan2018-07-25 14:09:39
Hi Lori -
This is not something we have tested for an interaction with the filters, so do not know for sure. What we do know is that this should not help the water stay any fresher or cleaner than just the straight purification process itself. A water stabilizer is what's used for this sort of desire. We have a product that does this but is intended for long-term water storage:
I accidentally primed my Berkey filters with some water that had a pretty strong sulfur smell. It seems as if the filters now have that in them and the water that comes through them has the same smell/taste. Is there a way to resolve this? I tried repriming them, but it still seems like the water is not pure.
Thanks! Billy
Dan2018-07-21 15:18:26
Hi Billy -
This is fine. The filters can reduce the sulfur smell, but may not eliminate it completely. If you run a few more full system batches through the filters, any leftover residue/smell will wash out.
Thanks Dan
Jan Nesset2018-04-28 19:26:57
We plan to use our Royal Berkey at our remote cabin. We would use it for 3 months per year (June-Aug) and then leave it for 9 months until we return. Can we leave the black filters to freeze over the winter or should we bring them back to the city with us for drying and storage each fall?
Dan2018-05-02 15:31:26
Hi Jan -
No, the filters cannot be freezed once use has begun. If there is any water inside the filters, the freezing will cause expansion and thus crack the internal integrity of the filter.
Thanks Dan
Dan2018-05-02 15:34:04
Hi Jan -
No, the filters cannot be frozen once they have begun use. If there is any water inside the filters, the freezing will cause expansion and thus crack the internal integrity of the filter.
Thanks Dan
Brends2018-03-31 12:26:48
Can the white arsenic filters be sterilized or reprimed and reused. How do I know when they should be replaced. Thanks
Dan2018-04-02 15:28:07
Hi Brends -
Are these the older white ceramic filters, or the newer Berkey earth ceramic filters?
Thanks Dan
Justin2018-01-31 05:15:46
We didn’t store our filters correctly. We left it on the counter with moisture inside for 6 months. What are the possible consequences ?
Dan2018-01-31 15:52:12
Hi Justin -
They should be fine. The filters are self-sterilizing, so there should not be a concern. For piece of mind, you can run a red food coloring test on the filters to test that they are still working/filtering as designed.
Thanks Dan
eri2017-10-10 04:42:57
I plan to purchase a travel berkey to use outside of US. Would priming the filters with faucet water that is likely contaminated be an issue?
Thanks
Dan2017-10-10 14:30:32
Hi Eri -
The filters are self-sterilizing, so they would not be contaminated from this.
Thanks Dan
Christine2017-09-26 10:23:19
Just wondering what might be a normal 1st batch flow rate for the water. Not sure if I properly primed. Water seemed to go around and on outside of filter while priming! I slowly filled with a small stream..and let it fill more with running water..but hence could not see beading on outside. The filters were heavy, when installing, but this am, there is still at least 2 inches of water in top chamber. I did read where it could just be the weight of water? I guess worried that I didn't forcefully let water prime through filters? Thanks!
Dan2017-09-26 15:05:33
Hi Christine -
Yes, there will always be 1-3 inches left in the upper chamber that will not get filtered through until more water is added into that upper chamber. It sounds like your system is breaking in on schedule.
Thanks Dan
kathy Pascazio2016-10-10 01:03:50
Hi Dan, I have a plastic Berkley Light I bought in 2012. I used it for the first time during Hurricane Matthew. I have four filters and two arsenic/flouride filters, I believe for every black filter I should only use one arsenic/flouride filter right? I need to order two more arsenic/flouride filters right?
My other question is when I screwed the primed white arsenic/flouride filters into the black filters and added water to the top and it filtered through both filters, it came out cloudy almost whitish, but I poured out the first batch and second batch, the third batch was clear. Did I prime the white filters correctly? Another question how long can the water that is still full in the bottom of the container stay in there. After this is done I will probably let the filters dry out for storage. Thank you Dan
Dan2016-10-12 02:13:47
Hi Kathy -
Yes, the upper chamber filters must match the lower chamber filters. The whitish is the fluoride filter dust wash-out, and once clear, you are good to go for usage. If you do not utilize any of the water in the lower chamber for more than 3 days, then we recommend to dump and start with a fresh batch. Otherwise, daily usage would not require this.
Thanks Dan
Andrea Featherston2016-05-11 16:48:20
How do I prime a filter if I do not have water under pressure? I bought the filters as an emergency back up, but after reading all this priming information is there a way to get the filters operating if I do not have a hose or faucet. And then am I contaminating my filter if I use " non-household" water?
Dan2016-05-12 14:42:07
Hi Andrea -
You can use the <a href="https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/black-berkey-primer.html" rel="nofollow">black berkey primer found here</a>. This uses air to prime the filters thus you would not be contaminating the filters.
Thanks Dan
John2016-04-12 03:19:03
I am a bit confused WHY the filters need to be dried out for storage if they are properly wrapped or vacuum packed. I am wanting to order a kit with Black &amp; Flouride filters and would rather not go thru the hassle of repriming the ones I am currently using if I store them for future emergency. Can you please explain why the drying is needed? As the only user of a Big Berkey, it is often a couple weeks between refilling. I know the bottom tank is not sealed airtight, is there any concern in drinking the water that was filtered 2 or 3 weeks earlier? What should the drip rate be when Big Berkey is filled with only the black filters in place? Should both filters be dripping at same rate? (ATT 1 filter is 2ce as fast as the other. Remind me: Is there any SILVER used in the Black filter or any other you carry?
Dan2016-04-13 00:13:57
Hi John -
For ones currently in operation, drying before storage is not essential as the black berkeys are self-sterylizing. However, the reason we recommend drying them out is that mold can grow on the outside of the filters so there's a chance that when you went to use them in an emergency, you may need to clean mold off of them at this point in time.
For brand new filters, it is more important to prime and then store. This way you can prime, and then run a red food coloring test up front to make sure there are no filter issues prior to storage. God forbid you have have a bad filter, you do not want to discover this during an emergency, nor when it's out of warranty. Hope this helps.
Thanks Dan
joan laplante2016-04-06 12:38:49
I am going away for 6 months. can I just leave my system with 2 filters as is, or do I have to remove the filters and dry them?
Dan2016-04-06 17:10:58
Hi Joan -
You can leave them in your system, but we're recommend a full system cleaning prior to beginning use. The filters are self-sterlyzing, so whether they're dry or wet, they will be ok during that time period.
Thanks Dan
Paul2016-03-30 23:26:12
Hi, I see that you recommend priming extra filters before storage. How would priming be able to demonstrate if the filter is broken? Thanks
Dan2016-03-31 17:11:23
Hi Paul -
The priming before storing is so that in case of an emergency your filters are quickly ready to go, and you wouldn't have to worry about the priming process. If by broken, you mean the filters being defective, then you would want to perform a red food coloring test on these filters also for testing that they are working to design specs.
Thanks Dan
ru kwong2016-03-24 23:10:02
Because of a family situation,I left my travel berkey empty for 18 months, but I did not remove the elements. I just came back and opened the top, and there is still some condensation on the lid and sides. It is still okay to use?
Dan2016-03-28 17:25:06
Hi RU -
Yes, this is fine. Just clean your chambers with soap and water before beginning filtration again.
Thanks Dan
michayla2016-01-23 15:53:49
We only we allowed to dry our berkey filters for 2 days before our move. Do we just leave it in its container, wrap the berkey in bubble wrap, and put in a box? It should only be in a box for 4-5 days in the truck but they are far from dry. Thanks!
Dan2016-01-24 18:22:57
Hi Michayla -
Yes, the system should be fine under those circumstances.
Thanks Dan
Richard2015-05-05 04:02:34
I have to unexpectedly leave my home for several months. I have to do that in a few days, so there will be no chance of taking weeks to dry out the filters properly. Do you have any advice as to what I should do? I have both the black Berky and the fluoride filters.
Dan2015-05-05 12:46:31
Hi Richard -
It's not a problem Richard. You can just leave them in your system. When you return clean the outside and re-prime them and you'll be good to go. The interior of the filter is self-sterilizing, so you'll be ok.
Thanks Dan
Laura 2014-12-05 03:17:29
Hi Dan, I see you mentioned that one or two weeks leaving the Berkey tank empty and dry without removing the filters inside while away is okay. I will be gone for one month; can I do the same and leave the tank empty and dry with the filters (1 set black on top and 1 set pf-2 on bottom) attached? Do I need to do anything special with the filters (such as cleaning them) when I return? Many thanks for your reply. Love the Berkey system.
Dan2014-12-05 23:30:17
Hi Laura -
Yes, you can do the same. You do not have to do anything special unless they become clogged due to dried up debris stuck in the filters. In this case you would clean and reprime.
Thanks Dan
Matthew2014-07-13 03:56:42
I'm leaving town for 7 days. I have a royal with 2 black &amp; 2 fluoride filters Can I just leave them without water for a week? By the time I get your reply it will be after I'm back. Do I need to clean them or get them ready again? I plan to drain them just as though I'm drinking the water. (I don't plan to over turn it to empty it or dry it.) Thanks.
Dan2014-07-16 00:42:10
Hi Matthew -
You do not need to do anything special. We would just be sure to start with a fresh batch when you get back.
Thanks Dan
Laura2014-06-22 20:59:10
We are moving and our household items will be packed for a week before we receive them. I don't have time to dry out the filters I am thinking since it is less than 3 weeks away. Is there a way to wet pack them? Could I just wrap them in plastic food storage bags? Will they mold?
Dan2014-06-23 18:20:39
Hi Laura -
A few days for drying out would be fine. Mold should not be a problem.
Thanks Dan
Stefanie2014-06-14 20:18:24
I used gel food coloring to test the berkey and it runs through. Is it because I am using the gel type? Did this ruin the filter? Thanks!
Dan2014-06-23 18:17:49
Hi Stefanie -
It can be gel, but it must be red food coloring.
Thanks Dan
carmen2014-01-21 19:29:18
If I order two more of the black filters to go with the two I have when I got my Berkey Light Water Filter, will I receive another primer washer? I received my Berkey Light this past August when I was out of town and my husband doesn't know what he did with the primer washer - a major problem when I need to clean the filters and prime them again. I can't get enough water pressure through the filters to prime them properly. Is it possible to purchase a primer washer separately? Thank you. Carmen
Dan2014-01-21 21:30:19
Hi Carmen -
Yes, the filters come with priming buttons. You can also contact us at customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com and we'll send you a spare.
Thanks Dan
Craig Fertig2013-10-09 20:56:37
Hi Dan,
I have a Big Berkey at work and a Royal Berkey at home. There is a water softener at home which I've since disconnected. I'm assuming that is what has contaminated the Royal Berkey, the whole thing is coated with a white crystalline structure and the filtered water has a film on top and leaves residue on the bottm of the glass when dried.
Are you aware of any issues using the Berkey's with water softeners? Will it ruin the fluoride filters?
Thanks, Craig
Coy2013-04-11 03:17:06
I don't like the idea of letting my filters lay out in the open air for 3-4 weeks to dry. Could I decrease drying time by placing them in an oven on very low heat and with the door cracked open (similar to how I dehydrate fruit)? If so, what is the recommended temperature and time?
Dan2013-04-11 14:05:47
Hi Coy -
This is not something that we've tested before, so we'd be reluctant to recommend it, as we always want to be careful not to affect the binding integrity of the media. Letting your filters dry out in the open air will not be harmful to them or cause any issues, just would require a little patience.
Thanks Dan
Brent2013-01-15 23:39:46
If the Big Berkey is placed into storage, do the upper and lower chambers 'nest' together so they take up less space on the shelf? Also, I see that the filters need to be kept above freezing. Is there a similar requirement for the rest of the unit?
Dan2013-01-17 16:23:01
Hi Brent -
Yes, they nest together for storage at 13" in height and only the black berkey filters are sensitive to freezing temperatures.
Thanks Dan
Justin2012-12-18 06:35:55
Hi Dan, Like Kathy above, I'd also like to know what the shelf life is on these filters.
Thanks Justin
Dan2012-12-19 17:34:02
Hi Justin -
The life is indefinite as long as you store the filters above freezing and below 110 degrees F.
Thanks Dan
Elvin Wissmann2011-11-17 19:55:19
Thanks for the post. I wondered if you would consider using writing from guest posters any time?
Dan2011-11-18 16:49:15
Hi Elvin -
Yes, we do permit that. Please contact us at customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com concerning your interests.
Thanks Dan
Gary2011-10-18 19:18:28
Just wanted to praise your customer service - had a defective black berkey that had been improperly glued in the manufacturing process. One e-mail and you had a replacement on the way. Thank you very much. Does underscore the need to check the filters before long term storage.
Kathy Townley2011-09-18 21:35:35
...one more question...how does the black berkey filtered water measure up against "distilled water"? We use distilled water for preparation of a nasal sinus rinse, and wondering if the filtered water could be used everyday or in an emergency? Thanks, kathy
Kathy Townley2011-09-15 21:42:22
Thanks Dan. What is the shelf life of the black berkeys after they are primed, dried, and stored?
Kathy Townley2011-09-14 01:43:57
Purchased 2 additional black berkey filters for future use. Just read above that priming is suggested, and then air drying before storage. Should the filters be tested using the red food coloring before drying and storage? Thanks.
Dan2011-09-14 16:51:04
Hi Kathy -
This is a good idea to make sure you have no issues with your black berkeys up front, but not necessary.
Thanks Dan
Cathy2011-08-16 00:57:14
In the instructions we are told to wear protective gloves. Why?
Dan2011-08-16 20:10:29
Hi Cathy -
This is to prevent any possibility of contaminating the filters. However, if your using this in your home, these gloves are not necessarily needed.
Thanks Dan
Zach2011-06-28 01:53:15
Hi Dan, My wife and I are also going out of town soon. If it is only for a week or two, why do we need to empty the system before we go?
Dan2011-06-29 14:12:49
Yes Zach, i would just dump the water out of the Berkey system so when you return, you can start clean by adding a new batch of water into the upper chamber for filtering.
Theo2011-05-30 17:12:13
We are leaving on a 1-2 week trip and will leave our Big Berkey at the house. Is there anything special we need to do prior or after the trip to our filters and the water in the reservior?
Dan2011-06-01 17:21:20
Hi Theo -
Just empty the berkey water filter and dry it out. Once you come back home, add water again to the upper chamber of the berkey, and let it start filtering again.
Thanks Dan
Sheri2011-05-23 16:13:22
We bought the Imperial and the filtering is going very slowly. I try to keep the upper chamber full, but it may filter only half and even that takes several hours. We did order 2 more filters and hope to be filtering on 4 soon. Is the slow filtering normal? There are 9 of us in the family and we have large groups over and have been running out of water, even when keeping the top full.
Dan2011-05-23 17:44:46
Hi Sheri -
Your filters may not be fully primed. Plase make sure you see a beading happen across the full length of the filter when priming. Also, another option is to clean the outside of the elements. Some tips are for cleaning the filters are discussed in this <a href="https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/wordpress/berkey-water-filter/anns-helpful-hints-for-berkey-water-filter-systems/" rel="nofollow">berkey water filter tips article</a>.
Thanks Dan
Sarah2011-05-04 23:50:46
Thank you for this document. You have already answered two of the three questions I came to have answered regarding storing and priming filters. Now, on to the third: We purchased the Royal Berkey to have in case of disaster. Do you have any recommendations on external filters/screens that can be used to clean surface water before it is introduced to the Berkey? We know that it must be done to keep the black filters from collecting too much material too quickly. We also understand the other purification techniques regarding iodine or chlorine.
Dan2011-05-07 17:42:10
Hi Sarah -
This is not required, but if you'd like, many customers use a coffee filter as a pre-filter.
Thanks Dan
Joseph2011-03-01 02:13:15
What if I need to prime the filter in an emergency situation and I have no water pressure or no faucet. Are there other ways to prime it?
Dan2011-03-01 16:39:26
Hi Joseph -
Yes, there is a way to prime the berkey filters without water pressure, and instructions on how to do so are included with the black berkey elements themselves. We will post a blog covering this in the near future.
Chris2010-11-15 17:49:09
Ok, I have had to reprime the filters again as they were going far too slowly, however, i put the pf-2 on for full 7 1/2 revolutions instead of 8 to see if that worked, i dnt know if thats whats caused this effect but - the one filter is still dripping out at a passable rate (probably normal?) however, the other one is squirting more and just coming out constantly as opposed to dripping - although its still coming out in a fine line, im wondering if its too quick? as the other one is just dripping moderately at an ok pace, i know i keep asking alot of daft questions at times, but i'm making sure i get it right properly and that im doing the right thing. i have tried the water in a cup though and it does taste better now than it did before - it was alittle flat when i first drank from the filter but now re-doing/priming both black and pf-2, the water looks fairly clear (i put it next to tap water to distinguish the difference, and the tap water had lots of bits, and was like fizzy/gasey bubbles dominant at times while t he filtered water had just a few little small tiny bubbles and looked clean), and no water does come out the top of the screwing fixtures so maybe im concerned over nothing?.
Chris2010-11-11 15:43:32
just need to comfirm tho - is it normal to take several minutes to fill a cup full in equivalence when using both black and pf-2 together? unless i need to unclog them. i dnt think theyre used to water pressure just yet with it being 2nd time fill-up, took over 24hrs to get the first filling and about a similar speed now. apologies for all these questions! i'm aliitle inquisitive in my old age :)
Chris2010-11-11 15:25:13
Hey dan, thanks for the update. It sounds like I'm ready to have nice water after all these years :) (aswell as half the natural herb chemist of products to go with the water for natural health, that aren't pharmaceutical approved!). The 2nd half of the filtering was very slow tho but then i understand that the fluoride removers could well half the pace. Im wondering whether to just do another filter process then drink the 3rd fill up - to ensure best results.
It is nice to finally see a high end filter in the home though that removes most things and "actually retains the minerals in the water" (i have heard most products eradicate those) time to embrace health again!
Dan2010-11-11 15:52:36
Yes Chris, I would finish out one more flush then begin drinking. And yes, it's normal for the 2nd half of the container to filter much slower than the first half, again because it is directly proportional to gravity pressure which drops as the water volume drops in that upper chamber. You'll be able to adjust for this as you get used to the Berkey system. For example, when you only have 1/3 of the lower chamber left full, you can almost fill the upper chamber all the way to the top because you'll know that the first half will filter quickly through and the the 2nd half will be slower, allowing time for you to drink from the lower chamber to open up space additional space in the meantime. This is assuming you want your lower chamber as full as possible. While it may seem a little confusing now, this will become second nature to you as you become accustomed to the Berkey filter.
Thanks Dan
Chris2010-11-10 20:20:33
Actually it is just over an inch up from the bottom of the upper chamber that the water has remained. its about 2 drips per hour lol. im anxious to comsume the "holy" water that has about 86 less contaminents in (by about 90-99%?)
Chris2010-11-10 19:55:37
Do I get the impression that I might have gone wrong with the process? about 2 inches up from the bottom of the "upper chamber" the water has stalled and isnt coming out anymore. I did the priming though, i didnt quite press it against the tap tho when i let the water go, so maybe the bubbles might still be present in the last 1 1/2" of the black filters. I am using the pf-2 also. Have only filled up once for the trial to get it all working soo far. Hopefully get the fill up twice then use on the 3rd time round for clean drinking,
Dan2010-11-11 14:17:02
Hi Chris -
The water will not filter below the last 1-2 inches of the filters simply due to the lack of water pressure. This is normal and it sounds like your filters are working as designed.
Thanks Dan DeBaun
Stephanie2010-06-12 19:42:31
We have a Royal Berkey with two black filtering elements. We moved and the movers just packed our Berkey in with other items (plactic cups, sippie cups, etc...) We did not prepare it in any way nor have the filters dried out. There is still moisture inside of the top chamber. Do we need to do anything other than clean the stainless steel chambers out? Do the black berkey elements need to be reprimed or cleaned? Thank you!
Dan2010-06-15 13:12:54
Hi Stephanie -
You can clean your chambers with some soap and water, and they'll be fine. For your black berkey filters, you can gently scrub them with a scotch brite pad under running water to remove any residue. You can then set your berkey water filter system back up and run you first batch of water through. The filters should run as they usually do, and if they do not, then you can re-prime them. This is not usually required, but can make a difference in opening up the pores if they have gotten clogged by residue or blocked during the scrubbing process.
Gary2010-06-09 17:53:22
I primed the Black berkey filter but, the water is bitter or taste like it is coming out of a garden water hose. Do I need to re-prime them? The water coming out of the flouide filter taste fine. I thought it was the water filter and I re-primed those. I threw away my brown prime button if I need to reprime the black berkey filter I can buy a gasket or something that works. I have drank about 5-8 gallons already.
Thanks
Dan2010-06-15 13:19:59
Hi Gary -
It's possible you may have a defective black berkey filter. We recommend that you perform a red food coloring test to verify. This link shows the process.
Please make sure you place a separate cup or glass underneath each black berkey filter to isolate the one that may be defective. If red food coloring makes it though the filter, then you've identified the defective one. Please contact us, and we'll have that replaced for you immediately.
Kevin2010-02-11 06:10:18
If you prime a Berkey element and then dry it for storage, will it need to be re-primed later on? Or can they just be installed when the time comes?
Dan2010-02-11 13:48:16
Hi Kevin - They will able to be installed when needed and should not need re-priming. However, if the filters run for some time without water flowing through, you can re-prime as a last resort.
By
Dan DeBaun
Out of stockRegular price From $408.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per
Out of stockRegular price From $451.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per
Hi Dan, I purchased my Berkey as an emergency backup but am wondering how to prime the filters if the emergency results in no running water?
Hi Sam -
To prime a Berkey water filter without water pressure, you can use the Black Berkey Primer pump or the soaking method. The primer pump allows you to manually create pressure, while soaking helps saturate the filters.
Using the Black Berkey Primer:
Attach the priming button to the filter stem.
Connect the primer pump to the filter stem.
Pump the primer to force water through the filter.
Continue pumping until you see a steady water stream.
Soaking Method:
Place the filters in a container with the stem facing up.
Add enough water to submerge the filters.
Weigh the filters down with a mug or glass.
Let the filters soak for at least 8 hours.
Check if the filters sink. If they do, they are primed. If not, continue soaking
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan. I just purchased a used Big Berkey, and the water flow out of the spout/spigot is very slow. I was told it could be an issue with the spigot and it needs to be replaced, or I need to clean and re-prime the filters. I do not have the original rubber priming button that came with the filters. Is there a different way I can prime the filters without the button?
Hi Brett -
If the water is coming slow out of the spigot and you have a good amount of water in that lower chamber, then you may have a vacuum happening. Try placing a tooth pick at the seam where the 2 chambers meet to allow for some more air flow into that lower chamber and see if that solves your issue.
Thanks
Dan
I didn't use the berkey for 18 months. It was empty but the filters were already screwed in as we were using it before. Now after 18 months are the carbon filters safe to use?
Hi Sonia -
Yes, the filters are still safe to use. They may need to re-primed if the water is not flowing through them fully.
Thanks
Dan
Hi :) I’m needing to reprime my black elements about every 3 wks because they slow down so much. Also there’s an invisible slippery slime on the bottom of each filter when I go to wash them. Am I doing something incorrectly?
Hi Kelsey -
It sounds like you have very high iron/rust in your water. This is most likely what is clogging the filters so quickly, so you may need to keep up this routine maintenance to remove that slime from the filters.
Thanks
Dan
Can the black filter element be damaged if too much pressure is used during priming? I think I may have used too high of a pressure, the water I get through the new filters doesn't taste the same as through my old filters. And if seems to be filtering the water too fast.
Hi TJ -
This is unlikely, but to be sure, you can run a red food coloring test on the filters and it they fail, you know they may have been damaged.
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/berkey-water-filter/the-black-berkey-red-food-coloring-test
Thanks
Dan
Hi there - we forgot to prime the filters and filled up the upper chamber, it only filtered through half way. Now trying to prime the filters and they don’t seem to be beading. Should I let them dry then prime and re install?
Hi Domingo -
No, you do not need to let them dry unless you're unable to see the beading. Please try the re-priming process again.
Thanks
Dan
I never received a tan priming button and have had difficulty in prming my filters. How can I order a prmining button?
Hi Karen -
Please contact our customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com and a rep will send one out to you.
Thanks
Dan
I lost my priming washer and I can’t get the priming pump to work properly. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Kimberly -
It's tough to answer that question without more details provided. Please contact our customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com or call at 877-992-3753 and a rep can assist you with your issue.
Thanks
Dan
Hi - I haven’t used my Berkey in two years so I cleaned the outside of the filters with a ScottBrite pad and now trying to prime them but no matter how long I hold them under the faucet, the filters don’t bead (I’ve held them under the water for 5 - 8 minutes). Is there something I’m doing wrong?
Hi Ann -
The scubbing may have forced forced more material into the filter pores, thus clogged then. This article covers the peeler method that can be used as a last resort to help unclog those filters.
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/berkey-water-filter/anns-helpful-hints-for-berkey-water-filter-systems/
Thanks
Dan
I just primed one of the black Berkey filters (one of 2) and the water is flowing through like crazy... it's basically pouring through the nipple. Is this normal? The other one hasn't been primed in a long time and the water is dripping through that one.
Hi Sean -
The filters have a tolerance range which is acceptable. The way to tell if there is an issue with the filters, is to perform a red food coloring test on the filters to make sure they are still performing as designed.
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/berkey-water-filter/the-black-berkey-red-food-coloring-test
Thanks
Dan
My husband set up our Berkey without priming. We filled it up with water and are about to drain it. Is it too late to prime?
Hi Thi -
No, you can still prime the filters at any time if the flow rate is not up to par.
Thanks
Dan
I left my filters out to dry for a full 5 weeks, do I need to be concerned or do anything before re-priming and using?
Hi Jenny -
No, they should be fine. However, you may need to re-prime them if the drying out has clogged them.
Thanks
Dan
I have mold on both my Berkey filters from being in storage. I was not able to dry them out sufficiently before moving. How do I clean them?
Here you go Elizabeth -
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/berkey-water-filter/anns-helpful-hints-for-berkey-water-filter-systems/
Thanks
Dan
Generally, how many days can a filter go at rest before it needs to be re-primed? I recently read a tip from Berkey via email, stating that I must fill it to the top every day, or it will need to be re-primed. Sometimes I go out of town for a weekend, or to events that provide my water, so I don't use the whole batch. It seems above that a week or two is okay? Please let me know.
Hi Nancy -
You will only need to re-prime the filter if they are clogged and the cleaning of them does not help them flow again. Otherwise, you would not need to be concerned with re-priming.
Thanks
Dan
I just tried to set up my filter for the first time , watched all the videos and can't get my filters to prime please help
thanks Lori
Hi Lori -
You want a slow steady stream into the filter. You do need too much water pressure, just enough so that it fills the filter up and provides enough resistance so that it pushes out through the pores.
Thanks
Dan
Can I put a lemon or squirt just lemon juice from a fresh lemon in the top canister of the Berkey water filter. Could that help keep it fresh and clean?
Thanks,
Lori
Hi Lori -
This is not something we have tested for an interaction with the filters, so do not know for sure. What we do know is that this should not help the water stay any fresher or cleaner than just the straight purification process itself. A water stabilizer is what's used for this sort of desire. We have a product that does this but is intended for long-term water storage:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/berkey-biofilm-drops.html
Thanks
Dan
I accidentally primed my Berkey filters with some water that had a pretty strong sulfur smell. It seems as if the filters now have that in them and the water that comes through them has the same smell/taste. Is there a way to resolve this? I tried repriming them, but it still seems like the water is not pure.
Thanks!
Billy
Hi Billy -
This is fine. The filters can reduce the sulfur smell, but may not eliminate it completely. If you run a few more full system batches through the filters, any leftover residue/smell will wash out.
Thanks
Dan
We plan to use our Royal Berkey at our remote cabin. We would use it for 3 months per year (June-Aug) and then leave it for 9 months until we return. Can we leave the black filters to freeze over the winter or should we bring them back to the city with us for drying and storage each fall?
Hi Jan -
No, the filters cannot be freezed once use has begun. If there is any water inside the filters, the freezing will cause expansion and thus crack the internal integrity of the filter.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Jan -
No, the filters cannot be frozen once they have begun use. If there is any water inside the filters, the freezing will cause expansion and thus crack the internal integrity of the filter.
Thanks
Dan
Can the white arsenic filters be sterilized or reprimed and reused. How do I know when they should be replaced. Thanks
Hi Brends -
Are these the older white ceramic filters, or the newer Berkey earth ceramic filters?
Thanks
Dan
We didn’t store our filters correctly. We left it on the counter with moisture inside for 6 months. What are the possible consequences ?
Hi Justin -
They should be fine. The filters are self-sterilizing, so there should not be a concern. For piece of mind, you can run a red food coloring test on the filters to test that they are still working/filtering as designed.
Thanks
Dan
I plan to purchase a travel berkey to use outside of US. Would priming the filters with faucet water that is likely contaminated be an issue?
Thanks
Hi Eri -
The filters are self-sterilizing, so they would not be contaminated from this.
Thanks
Dan
Just wondering what might be a normal 1st batch flow rate for the water. Not sure if I properly primed. Water seemed to go around and on outside of filter while priming! I slowly filled with a small stream..and let it fill more with running water..but hence could not see beading on outside. The filters were heavy, when installing, but this am, there is still at least 2 inches of water in top chamber. I did read where it could just be the weight of water? I guess worried that I didn't forcefully let water prime through filters? Thanks!
Hi Christine -
Yes, there will always be 1-3 inches left in the upper chamber that will not get filtered through until more water is added into that upper chamber. It sounds like your system is breaking in on schedule.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan,
I have a plastic Berkley Light I bought in 2012. I used it for the first time during Hurricane Matthew. I have four filters and two arsenic/flouride filters, I believe for every black filter I should only use one arsenic/flouride filter right? I need to order two more arsenic/flouride filters right?
My other question is when I screwed the primed white arsenic/flouride filters into the black filters and added water to the top and it filtered through both filters, it came out cloudy almost whitish, but I poured out the first batch and second batch, the third batch was clear. Did I prime the white filters correctly? Another question how long can the water that is still full in the bottom of the container stay in there.
After this is done I will probably let the filters dry out for storage.
Thank you Dan
Hi Kathy -
Yes, the upper chamber filters must match the lower chamber filters. The whitish is the fluoride filter dust wash-out, and once clear, you are good to go for usage. If you do not utilize any of the water in the lower chamber for more than 3 days, then we recommend to dump and start with a fresh batch. Otherwise, daily usage would not require this.
Thanks
Dan
How do I prime a filter if I do not have water under pressure? I bought the filters as an emergency back up, but after reading all this priming information is there a way to get the filters operating if I do not have a hose or faucet. And then am I contaminating my filter if I use " non-household" water?
Hi Andrea -
You can use the <a href="https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/black-berkey-primer.html" rel="nofollow">black berkey primer found here</a>. This uses air to prime the filters thus you would not be contaminating the filters.
Thanks
Dan
I am a bit confused WHY the filters need to be dried out for storage if they are properly wrapped or vacuum packed. I am wanting to order a kit with Black &amp; Flouride filters and would rather not go thru the hassle of repriming the ones I am currently using if I store them for future emergency. Can you please explain why the drying is needed?
As the only user of a Big Berkey, it is often a couple weeks between refilling. I know the bottom tank is not sealed airtight, is there any concern in drinking the water that was filtered 2 or 3 weeks earlier?
What should the drip rate be when Big Berkey is filled with only the black filters in place? Should both filters be dripping at same rate? (ATT 1 filter is 2ce as fast as the other.
Remind me: Is there any SILVER used in the Black filter or any other you carry?
Hi John -
For ones currently in operation, drying before storage is not essential as the black berkeys are self-sterylizing. However, the reason we recommend drying them out is that mold can grow on the outside of the filters so there's a chance that when you went to use them in an emergency, you may need to clean mold off of them at this point in time.
For brand new filters, it is more important to prime and then store. This way you can prime, and then run a red food coloring test up front to make sure there are no filter issues prior to storage. God forbid you have have a bad filter, you do not want to discover this during an emergency, nor when it's out of warranty. Hope this helps.
Thanks
Dan
I am going away for 6 months. can I just leave my system with 2 filters as is, or do I have to remove the filters and dry them?
Hi Joan -
You can leave them in your system, but we're recommend a full system cleaning prior to beginning use. The filters are self-sterlyzing, so whether they're dry or wet, they will be ok during that time period.
Thanks
Dan
Hi, I see that you recommend priming extra filters before storage. How would priming be able to demonstrate if the filter is broken? Thanks
Hi Paul -
The priming before storing is so that in case of an emergency your filters are quickly ready to go, and you wouldn't have to worry about the priming process. If by broken, you mean the filters being defective, then you would want to perform a red food coloring test on these filters also for testing that they are working to design specs.
Thanks
Dan
Because of a family situation,I left my travel berkey empty for 18 months, but I did not remove the elements. I just came back and opened the top, and there is still some condensation on the lid and sides. It is still okay to use?
Hi RU -
Yes, this is fine. Just clean your chambers with soap and water before beginning filtration again.
Thanks
Dan
We only we allowed to dry our berkey filters for 2 days before our move. Do we just leave it in its container, wrap the berkey in bubble wrap, and put in a box? It should only be in a box for 4-5 days in the truck but they are far from dry. Thanks!
Hi Michayla -
Yes, the system should be fine under those circumstances.
Thanks
Dan
I have to unexpectedly leave my home for several months. I have to do that in a few days, so there will be no chance of taking weeks to dry out the filters properly. Do you have any advice as to what I should do? I have both the black Berky and the fluoride filters.
Hi Richard -
It's not a problem Richard. You can just leave them in your system. When you return clean the outside and re-prime them and you'll be good to go. The interior of the filter is self-sterilizing, so you'll be ok.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan,
I see you mentioned that one or two weeks leaving the Berkey tank empty and dry without removing the filters inside while away is okay. I will be gone for one month; can I do the same and leave the tank empty and dry with the filters (1 set black on top and 1 set pf-2 on bottom) attached? Do I need to do anything special with the filters (such as cleaning them) when I return? Many thanks for your reply. Love the Berkey system.
Hi Laura -
Yes, you can do the same. You do not have to do anything special unless they become clogged due to dried up debris stuck in the filters. In this case you would clean and reprime.
Thanks
Dan
I'm leaving town for 7 days.
I have a royal with 2 black &amp; 2 fluoride filters
Can I just leave them without water for a week?
By the time I get your reply it will be after I'm back. Do I need to clean them or get them ready again?
I plan to drain them just as though I'm drinking the water. (I don't plan to over turn it to empty it or dry it.)
Thanks.
Hi Matthew -
You do not need to do anything special. We would just be sure to start with a fresh batch when you get back.
Thanks
Dan
We are moving and our household items will be packed for a week before we receive them. I don't have time to dry out the filters I am thinking since it is less than 3 weeks away. Is there a way to wet pack them? Could I just wrap them in plastic food storage bags? Will they mold?
Hi Laura -
A few days for drying out would be fine. Mold should not be a problem.
Thanks
Dan
I used gel food coloring to test the berkey and it runs through. Is it because I am using the gel type? Did this ruin the filter? Thanks!
Hi Stefanie -
It can be gel, but it must be red food coloring.
Thanks
Dan
If I order two more of the black filters to go with the two I have when I got my Berkey Light Water Filter, will I receive another primer washer? I received my Berkey Light this past August when I was out of town and my husband doesn't know what he did with the primer washer - a major problem when I need to clean the filters and prime them again. I can't get enough water pressure through the filters to prime them properly. Is it possible to purchase a primer washer separately? Thank you. Carmen
Hi Carmen -
Yes, the filters come with priming buttons. You can also contact us at customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com and we'll send you a spare.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan,
I have a Big Berkey at work and a Royal Berkey at home. There is a water softener at home which I've since disconnected. I'm assuming that is what has contaminated the Royal Berkey, the whole thing is coated with a white crystalline structure and the filtered water has a film on top and leaves residue on the bottm of the glass when dried.
Are you aware of any issues using the Berkey's with water softeners? Will it ruin the fluoride filters?
Thanks, Craig
I don't like the idea of letting my filters lay out in the open air for 3-4 weeks to dry. Could I decrease drying time by placing them in an oven on very low heat and with the door cracked open (similar to how I dehydrate fruit)? If so, what is the recommended temperature and time?
Hi Coy -
This is not something that we've tested before, so we'd be reluctant to recommend it, as we always want to be careful not to affect the binding integrity of the media. Letting your filters dry out in the open air will not be harmful to them or cause any issues, just would require a little patience.
Thanks
Dan
If the Big Berkey is placed into storage, do the upper and lower chambers 'nest' together so they take up less space on the shelf? Also, I see that the filters need to be kept above freezing. Is there a similar requirement for the rest of the unit?
Hi Brent -
Yes, they nest together for storage at 13" in height and only the black berkey filters are sensitive to freezing temperatures.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan, Like Kathy above, I'd also like to know what the shelf life is on these filters.
Thanks
Justin
Hi Justin -
The life is indefinite as long as you store the filters above freezing and below 110 degrees F.
Thanks
Dan
Thanks for the post. I wondered if you would consider using writing from guest posters any time?
Hi Elvin -
Yes, we do permit that. Please contact us at customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com concerning your interests.
Thanks
Dan
Just wanted to praise your customer service - had a defective black berkey that had been improperly glued in the manufacturing process. One e-mail and you had a replacement on the way. Thank you very much. Does underscore the need to check the filters before long term storage.
...one more question...how does the black berkey filtered water measure up against "distilled water"? We use distilled water for preparation of a nasal sinus rinse, and wondering if the filtered water could be used everyday or in an emergency?
Thanks, kathy
Thanks Dan. What is the shelf life of the black berkeys after they are primed, dried, and stored?
Purchased 2 additional black berkey filters for future use. Just read above that priming is suggested, and then air drying before storage. Should the filters be tested using the red food coloring before drying and storage? Thanks.
Hi Kathy -
This is a good idea to make sure you have no issues with your black berkeys up front, but not necessary.
Thanks
Dan
In the instructions we are told to wear protective gloves. Why?
Hi Cathy -
This is to prevent any possibility of contaminating the filters. However, if your using this in your home, these gloves are not necessarily needed.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan,
My wife and I are also going out of town soon. If it is only for a week or two, why do we need to empty the system before we go?
Yes Zach, i would just dump the water out of the Berkey system so when you return, you can start clean by adding a new batch of water into the upper chamber for filtering.
We are leaving on a 1-2 week trip and will leave our Big Berkey at the house. Is there anything special we need to do prior or after the trip to our filters and the water in the reservior?
Hi Theo -
Just empty the berkey water filter and dry it out. Once you come back home, add water again to the upper chamber of the berkey, and let it start filtering again.
Thanks
Dan
We bought the Imperial and the filtering is going very slowly. I try to keep the upper chamber full, but it may filter only half and even that takes several hours. We did order 2 more filters and hope to be filtering on 4 soon. Is the slow filtering normal? There are 9 of us in the family and we have large groups over and have been running out of water, even when keeping the top full.
Hi Sheri -
Your filters may not be fully primed. Plase make sure you see a beading happen across the full length of the filter when priming. Also, another option is to clean the outside of the elements. Some tips are for cleaning the filters are discussed in this <a href="https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/wordpress/berkey-water-filter/anns-helpful-hints-for-berkey-water-filter-systems/" rel="nofollow">berkey water filter tips article</a>.
Thanks
Dan
Thank you for this document. You have already answered two of the three questions I came to have answered regarding storing and priming filters. Now, on to the third: We purchased the Royal Berkey to have in case of disaster. Do you have any recommendations on external filters/screens that can be used to clean surface water before it is introduced to the Berkey? We know that it must be done to keep the black filters from collecting too much material too quickly. We also understand the other purification techniques regarding iodine or chlorine.
Hi Sarah -
This is not required, but if you'd like, many customers use a coffee filter as a pre-filter.
Thanks
Dan
What if I need to prime the filter in an emergency situation and I have no water pressure or no faucet. Are there other ways to prime it?
Hi Joseph -
Yes, there is a way to prime the berkey filters without water pressure, and instructions on how to do so are included with the black berkey elements themselves. We will post a blog covering this in the near future.
Ok, I have had to reprime the filters again as they were going far too slowly, however, i put the pf-2 on for full 7 1/2 revolutions instead of 8 to see if that worked, i dnt know if thats whats caused this effect but - the one filter is still dripping out at a passable rate (probably normal?) however, the other one is squirting more and just coming out constantly as opposed to dripping - although its still coming out in a fine line, im wondering if its too quick? as the other one is just dripping moderately at an ok pace, i know i keep asking alot of daft questions at times, but i'm making sure i get it right properly and that im doing the right thing. i have tried the water in a cup though and it does taste better now than it did before - it was alittle flat when i first drank from the filter but now re-doing/priming both black and pf-2, the water looks fairly clear (i put it next to tap water to distinguish the difference, and the tap water had lots of bits, and was like fizzy/gasey bubbles dominant at times while t he filtered water had just a few little small tiny bubbles and looked clean), and no water does come out the top of the screwing fixtures so maybe im concerned over nothing?.
just need to comfirm tho - is it normal to take several minutes to fill a cup full in equivalence when using both black and pf-2 together? unless i need to unclog them. i dnt think theyre used to water pressure just yet with it being 2nd time fill-up, took over 24hrs to get the first filling and about a similar speed now. apologies for all these questions! i'm aliitle inquisitive in my old age :)
Hey dan, thanks for the update. It sounds like I'm ready to have nice water after all these years :) (aswell as half the natural herb chemist of products to go with the water for natural health, that aren't pharmaceutical approved!). The 2nd half of the filtering was very slow tho but then i understand that the fluoride removers could well half the pace. Im wondering whether to just do another filter process then drink the 3rd fill up - to ensure best results.
It is nice to finally see a high end filter in the home though that removes most things and "actually retains the minerals in the water" (i have heard most products eradicate those) time to embrace health again!
Yes Chris, I would finish out one more flush then begin drinking. And yes, it's normal for the 2nd half of the container to filter much slower than the first half, again because it is directly proportional to gravity pressure which drops as the water volume drops in that upper chamber. You'll be able to adjust for this as you get used to the Berkey system. For example, when you only have 1/3 of the lower chamber left full, you can almost fill the upper chamber all the way to the top because you'll know that the first half will filter quickly through and the the 2nd half will be slower, allowing time for you to drink from the lower chamber to open up space additional space in the meantime. This is assuming you want your lower chamber as full as possible. While it may seem a little confusing now, this will become second nature to you as you become accustomed to the Berkey filter.
Thanks
Dan
Actually it is just over an inch up from the bottom of the upper chamber that the water has remained. its about 2 drips per hour lol. im anxious to comsume the "holy" water that has about 86 less contaminents in (by about 90-99%?)
Do I get the impression that I might have gone wrong with the process? about 2 inches up from the bottom of the "upper chamber" the water has stalled and isnt coming out anymore. I did the priming though, i didnt quite press it against the tap tho when i let the water go, so maybe the bubbles might still be present in the last 1 1/2" of the black filters. I am using the pf-2 also. Have only filled up once for the trial to get it all working soo far. Hopefully get the fill up twice then use on the 3rd time round for clean drinking,
Hi Chris -
The water will not filter below the last 1-2 inches of the filters simply due to the lack of water pressure. This is normal and it sounds like your filters are working as designed.
Thanks
Dan DeBaun
We have a Royal Berkey with two black filtering elements. We moved and the movers just packed our Berkey in with other items (plactic cups, sippie cups, etc...) We did not prepare it in any way nor have the filters dried out. There is still moisture inside of the top chamber. Do we need to do anything other than clean the stainless steel chambers out? Do the black berkey elements need to be reprimed or cleaned? Thank you!
Hi Stephanie -
You can clean your chambers with some soap and water, and they'll be fine. For your black berkey filters, you can gently scrub them with a scotch brite pad under running water to remove any residue. You can then set your berkey water filter system back up and run you first batch of water through. The filters should run as they usually do, and if they do not, then you can re-prime them. This is not usually required, but can make a difference in opening up the pores if they have gotten clogged by residue or blocked during the scrubbing process.
I primed the Black berkey filter but, the water is bitter or taste like it is coming out of a garden water hose. Do I need to re-prime them? The water coming out of the flouide filter taste fine. I thought it was the water filter and I re-primed those. I threw away my brown prime button if I need to reprime the black berkey filter I can buy a gasket or something that works. I have drank about 5-8 gallons already.
Thanks
Hi Gary -
It's possible you may have a defective black berkey filter. We recommend that you perform a red food coloring test to verify. This link shows the process.
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/wordpress/water-filters/the-black-berkey-red-food-coloring-test/
Please make sure you place a separate cup or glass underneath each black berkey filter to isolate the one that may be defective. If red food coloring makes it though the filter, then you've identified the defective one. Please contact us, and we'll have that replaced for you immediately.
If you prime a Berkey element and then dry it for storage, will it need to be re-primed later on? Or can they just be installed when the time comes?
Hi Kevin - They will able to be installed when needed and should not need re-priming. However, if the filters run for some time without water flowing through, you can re-prime as a last resort.
Thanks
Dan