Do you hate the taste of city water? I think it tastes like a swimming pool. I had heard wonderful things about the Berkey water filter, so I bought one and LOVE it! It does require minimal maintenance. Here is how to clean a Berkey Water Filter.
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Berkey to the Rescue!
Having enjoyed the luxury of well water for much of my life when I lived with my parents, I was unaware of the dramatic difference there could be in water. I hated the tap water at our house once I moved out and got married. The water tasted like a swimming pool. In fact, it even smelled like chlorine. Gross! I refused to drink it unless the circumstances were dire.
When I would go home to visit my parents, I took every empty water bottle, cup and jug that I could find. After my most recent trip I came home with 11 gallons of well water. Or as my husband calls it, “special water.” I would ration myself so that I had enough to get me through until the next visit. That was normally a few months out.
I heard Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone rave about her Berkey water filter. There was also had a friend at church raving about hers. I did a bit of research and finally took the plunge. I ordered the Travel Berkey, which is perfect for just the two of us.
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About the Berkey Water Filter
The Berkey water filter purifies the water according to military standards. It is purer than most water sold at stores. Each black filter will purify 3000 gallons of water. The filters can be cleaned which extends the life of them. The cost per gallon is about 2 cents, which is amazing compared to other water filters.
Berkey water filters remove bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals. Although it does remove the bad stuff, it does leave the healthy minerals in the water. All of this is done through the black filters and PF2s (white) filters. The white filters help to reduce fluoride and arsenic.
The Berkey water filters do not require electricity. This means that they can be used off grid or during a power outage. My favorite part is that it doesn’t take up an outlet in my kitchen. Those are precious real estate!
Because of the amazing filtration these filters provide, they have been upgraded to classifying as water purifiers. That means that the water coming out is good and clean.
Testing the Berkey Water Filters
While the Berkey is being cleaned, it is always a good idea to test your filters to make sure they don’t need to be replaced. I like to do this before cleaning the filter. Remove the white PF2 filters and empty both chambers before starting the red dye test.
Now put a glass jar in the bottom chamber under each black filter stem. If you have two filters you need 2 jars.
Next fill the top chamber with water. Add 1 teaspoon of artificial red dye for each gallon of water. It must be artificial red dye or this won’t work. The Berkey is designed to filter out the artificial dye. The dye must be red and it must be artificial.
Wait 5 to 10 minutes before checking the jars. If the water in the jar is red or pinkish, then the filter above it is not effectively filtering your water anymore. You should go ahead and replace that defective filter. If the water is clear then you are good to keep drinking. Empty the top chamber, remove the jars, and continue the cleaning process.
This test only needs to be done every six months. I just do it as I remember.
How to Clean a Berkey Water Filter
I clean my Berkey about once a month. There are only two of us and the water doesn’t normally sit in the chambers very long. If the water sits for a longer period of time or you go through a lot of it, then it may require more frequent cleanings.
To start out, empty the water out of both the upper and lower chambers. Next I take the filters off of the Berkey. They simply unscrew. I sit them in the other sink basin because they will leak water. Now I can up the chambers. I use some lemon castile soap and a scrubby sponge to clean out the inside of both chambers. We have hard water, so there is often a build up inside. If you keep on top of the monthly cleaning, then it isn’t too bad. There have been stubborn spots on the bottom where the water sits all the time. Allowing vinegar to sit in the chamber for a few minutes seemed to loosen things up enough that I could scrub them clean. Rinse everything thoroughly before letting it sit on a towel.
Next up are the white filters. The white PF2 filters just get a quick rub with a soap sponge. They get slimy, but don’t need much scrubbing. I rinse them off and run some water through the holes.
Then the black filters get a turn. I use a toothbrush to get these clean. Without soap, I gently scrub the black filters. Once they are well scrubbed, rinse them off.
Now it is time to reassemble your clean Berkey water filter!
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Water taste really bad if stored in plastic containers after a few months.Does a Berkey eliminate the taste?
I don’t typically store water in plastic bottles very long, so I can’t speak to that specifically. I do know that it removes other tastes though. As long as I’ve got both the black and white filters on it, I can’t taste anything except pure water.