A Berkey water filter is an easy, portable system with powerful gravity filtration capabilities, providing powerful gravity filtration for purification. However, for optimal performance it must be properly set up so as to operate at its full potential.
Start by taking these steps: first remove the upper chamber lid. Second, un-install each Black Berkey purification element by unscrewing their rubber washer.
1. Unpacking
Unpack and lay out the Berkey water filter from its packaging on a flat surface. As there are numerous components to assemble, it is crucial that your hands are thoroughly washed prior to beginning in order to prevent contamination of any components that need assembly.
Before installing Black Berkey Purification Elements into the upper chamber, they must first be primed. Each element should be submerged in water before pressing down on its stem with either your hand or cloth to prime them properly.
Once your filters have been primed, secure them into their slots in the upper chamber with screws and tighten the wing nut – repeat this process for each Black Berkey element in your system. If using PF-2 fluoride filters as part of your system, be sure to prime these as well before attaching them to their stems on Black Berkey elements and placing in lower chamber.
2. Installing the Spigot
Once your spigot is installed, you can begin using your Berkey water filter! Be sure to allow plenty of time for water to fully filter through its purification elements; in addition, discarding your first batch may contain loose charcoal fines which need removing before continuing filtration.
Seasoning Black Berkey purification elements is an essential step to ensure maximum performance. Simply fill each filter with clean, cold water for several minutes in order to season them properly.
Assemble the Black Berkey filters by attaching PF-2 fluoride filters to their stems, and plug any extra holes with rubber blocking plugs provided (they look like solid rubber plugs). Finally, screw in all Black Berkey elements.
3. Installing the Filter Elements
No matter which Berkey model you own, certain steps must be taken to properly set up its filters. Priming and running a red dye test are both key elements to make sure everything works efficiently.
Install the Black Berkey purification elements into the upper chamber with their stems facing downward and make sure that they are aligned and seated properly to form a tight seal. Next, install and tighten securely the spigot in its designated spot on the lower chamber to prevent leaks; loose spigot installation could result in slow or even blocked water flow; it is essential that looseness or corrosion caused by contamination or improper filter storage is checked out as soon as possible in order to ensure maximum efficiency from your filter system.
4. Installing the Lid
Once the spigot has been properly installed and the lower chamber and Black Berkey Purification Elements have been placed correctly in the upper chamber, the final step should be installing and fastening the lid securely to both buckets – this ensures a tight seal for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
If you have the optional PF-2 fluoride filters, attach them now by unscrewing their threaded ends from black filters. Remember to only turn them 8 full rotations so as not to damage the filter.
Before using black elements for the first time, it is recommended to season them. This process removes any manufacturing dust from their surface and can help prevent premature wear; especially important in areas with hard water.
5. Add Water
Once the spigot and lid have been secured, it is time to add water. Fill up the upper chamber to its capacity before letting any surplus flow down into the lower chamber.
Before adding water, test the spigot to ensure it doesn’t leak. To do this, tightening its metal nut should feel secure but not so tight that turning is difficult.
Submerge each Black Berkey element in water before attaching its stem with an PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Filter to observe results, using large glass water glasses or transparent jars as visual displays of progress. Repeat this priming process for each element until all are full of water and their respective priming processes complete.
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