When and How to Install Berkey Filter Replacements

Would you like to replace your current Berkey water filters or buy a backup set of Black Berkeys for peace of mind? Or maybe you're interested in adding a set of fluoride filters to remove fluoride from your water? The information below will assist you with choosing the best Berkey filter replacement parts, and provides advice on when Berkey filter elements need to be replaced.

Replacing Black Berkey® Purification Elements for Berkey Filter

Each Black Berkey purification element typically has a lifespan of up to 3,000 gallons (6,000 gallons per set of two elements). The good news is that, unlike other filters that use disposable filters that need to be replaced regularly every couple of months, the Berkey filter elements are self-sterilizing and can be recleaned and reused multiple times. Consequently, the filters will last for a few years before they will need to be replaced. Nevertheless, at some point, you will need to shop for Berkey replacement filters.

When it starts taking longer for water to be purified, it is time to clean the filter elements. You can use a ScotchBrite pad to gently brush the elements clean under running water. Once clean you can reinstall them back into your Berkey water filter, which should then start filtering efficiently once more. If the flow rate is still significantly slow, the filters may be due for replacement.

To check whether your black berkey filters are working optimally you can perform a red food coloring test on the filters. You can watch a video here to see how the food coloring test is performed.

Black Berkey Water Filter Replacement

Regardless of whether you are cleaning your filters or replacing them with new ones, the procedure for removing and replacing the filters is the same, and is outlined below: 

• Drain the water from both chambers of your Berkey system.
• Remove the upper chamber and place it upside down onto a work surface.
• Remove the old Black Berkey filter elements or white ceramic filters from the upper chamber by loosening the wing nut and removing the washers that hold the elements securing inside the chamber.
• Before inserting the new Black Berkey replacement filters into the upper chamber, you will need to prime them. -- learn how to prime Black Berkey elements here.
• Put the primed filter elements aside on a clean surface to dry. 
• Clean the stainless steel chambers, lid, spigot and rubber base, as well as the wing-nuts and washers, with warm soapy water and allow to dry before installing the new filter elements.
• Wash your hands before inserting the new Black Berkey filter elements into the upper chamber of your Berkey system.
• Your system is now ready to filter water efficiently for a few more years.

Replacement Filter for Berkey PF-2 Fluoride & Arsenic Filters

If your fluoride and arsenic pose a problem and impact your water quality, you can install a set of PF-2 fluoride and arsenic filters into the lower chamber. These filters screw into the Black Berkey filter elements (fitted above them in the upper chamber of your system). The number of PF-2 filters must equal that of the black berkeys fitted into the upper chamber. A set of 2 PF-2 fluoride and arsenic filters will need to be replaced after 1,000 gallons of water has been filtered or after one year, whichever comes sooner.

Sport Berkey Replacement

A Sport Berkey water filter bottle is capable of filtering 640 refills of municipal or well water and 160 refills of untreated water from any source before it will need to be replaced. If you own a newly designed Sport Berkey that was purchased after October 1st, 2015, you are able to purhase a replacement filter for it. The Sport Berkey has a life of approximately 50 years if you care for it properly. To extend the life of your Sport Berkey, rinse out the bottle with a solution of chlorine and water (a quarter of a teaspoon per half a gallon water) when you are not going to be using it for an extended periods. Leave the bottle with cap off to dry thoroughly. Once dry, reassemble the bottle and store. Do not place in the freezer or microwave and do not use the Sprot Berkey water bottle to filter hot water.

Shower Filter Replacement Parts

A Berkey shower filter inhibits bacterial growth, algae and scale; reduces sediment, foul odors and heavy metals; and will reduce free chlorine in your water by 98%. Removing these contaminants reduces damage to skin and hair, as well as respiratory irritations. The Berkey shower filter will need to be replaced after it has filtered 30,000 gallons of water or after one year, whichever comes sooner, but the lifespan ulitmately depends on the quality of the incoming water. It is a simple process to swap the inline filter cartridge out. No specialized tools other than a pair of pliers or an adjustable pipe wrench. The BPA-free Berkey inline shower filter replacement cartridge only works with the new Berkey Shower Filter. Older shower filters will need to be replaced with the newer version once they are no longer effective.

Cost Effective Water Filtration Solution

Berkey household water filter products have been designed to be both efficient and cost-effective. Being able to reuse and replace filter elements, reduces both wastage and running costs, making good environmental and economic sense.