When setting up your Berkey water filter system for the first time, there are certain essential tasks you need to perform correctly in order for it to function optimally – priming and testing are two such tasks that must be carried out successfully.
Install the black Berkey elements into their respective chambers with their flow arrows pointing upward (see photo above). Secure fluoride filters to the stem of each of the black filters by turning 8 full rotations around their stem.
1. Prime Your Filters
No matter if it is your first Berkey water filter or simply being stored for some time, priming should always be performed to remove any air that might remain inside and ensure smooth passage for water through them.
For this step, fill your Berkey with water before inserting each black purification element with its stem facing down into its respective chamber. When properly primed, these elements should settle to the bottom of their respective chamber and purge all air from them.
Use either the straw method or invest in one of Berkey’s priming bulbs to simplify this step – either will only take minutes!
2. Test Your Filters
Before using your filters, it is a good idea to perform a test on their operation and ensure proper functioning. Doing this may help identify any potential issues before they escalate; for instance if slow water flow or leaks appear this could indicate that purification elements have become clogged up and should be cleaned.
Your assembled top Berkey chamber should be placed upside-down on a counter with its threaded ends of its black filters poking upward. Attach each fluoride filter securely to one of these stems by turning eight full revolutions (any more may cause damage to its filter). Repeat for each black filter.
3. Install Your Filters
Before installing filters, ensure they have been completely rid of air by placing them in a bucket filled with pure water (or 16 drops of bleach) for several minutes to ensure they have been primed properly and are ready for installation. This will guarantee optimal results when setting them up later.
Once your filters have been properly purge of air, simply screw them into the lower chamber’s top edge. Attach and tighten spigot if applicable before tightening nut to secure.
To effectively clean your Berkey chambers, spigot, and filters you will require a non-scratch cleaning pad to effectively scrub away minerals, smudges, or germs before thoroughly rinsing off everything afterwards.
4. Clean Your Filters
After some time has passed, your filters will require cleaning. Doing this should be easy: rinse them under running water and scrub their interior using a brush before leaving them to dry completely before reuse.
Optionally, but optionally helpful when testing whether your filters are properly positioned is to add some red food colouring into the top tank’s water and stir well; if its colour changes to clear, your filters have been successfully installed.
If you have purchased the PF-2 Fluoride Filters, they must be attached securely to the stems of your Black Berkey Elements and rotated until their arrow points upward. This will enable water flow into the upper chamber correctly.
5. Test Your Water
The Berkey Water filter system is simple and straightforward to set up – simply add water! Everything needed is included!
Each Berkey is constructed of high-grade stainless steel for optimal strength. This means it can withstand multiple falls and bumps without suffering damage; additionally, its plastic components are very resistant to breaking easily.
Always ensure the lower reservoir and spigot are cleaned at least once every month, either using vinegar or regular soap and water. Also make sure that every three to six months you clean PF-2 fluoride filters using the Red Food Dye Test as described above to determine whether they require cleaning or priming.
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