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 set up 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 had heard Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone rave about her Berkey water filter. Then a friend at church was raving about hers. After a bit of research, I finally took the plunge. I ordered the Travel Berkey, which is perfect for just the two of us. If you want my entire Berkey review check out this post.
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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.
For my honest review of the Berkey water filter check out this post!
Testing the Berkey Water Filters
While you are setting up your Berkey, you can test the black filters to make sure they are working. It is not a necessary step and I don’t do it when putting in new filters. It is a good idea to test your filters every 6 months or so 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. If you want to learn more about cleaning a Berkey water filter check out this post!
How to Prime the Black Berkey Water Filters
- Attach the primer to the stem of the filter.
- Submerge the filter in water. I find that a half gallon mason jar works perfectly for this.
- Squeeze the pump until water starts coming out of the elbow. This can take awhile. If you don’t have a primer see the notes.
Notes
You will have to continue filling up the jar with water while you do this.
I highly suggest doing the priming in the sink.
If you do not have a primer, use a squeezy water bottle. Put the tan priming button near the end of the stem. Then push the water bottle tip into the priming button and stem to create a somewhat tight stem. Squeeze water into the filter until it beads up with water.
How Prime the White Berkey Water Filters
- While the blue caps are in place, wash the outside of the white filters. There is no need to remove the wrappers.
- Put the tan priming button on the top hole. Make sure the water flow arrow is going from top to bottom.
- Push the button against the faucet or that handy dandy water bottle.
- Allow the cold water to run through the runs clear for two minutes, whichever is longer.
- Flip over the filter and do the same thing with the water flowing the other way.
How to Set up the Berkey Water Filter
- After you have primed the black filters, it is time to attach them to the top silver basin (the one with holes in the bottom). Put the rubber gasket on the stem and push it through the hole. Use a black wing nut to secure it in place. Be careful not to over tighten the nut. Do this with all of the black filters.
- Next comes the primed white filters. These are optional. If you don’t have them, skip this step. Turn the top basin upside down so that you have easy access to the black stems. Be careful not to over tighten these either. It says something like 8 turns in the official directions, but I just go until they feel secure.
- Now you are going to attach the spigot to the bottom basin. Put the spigot in the hole. Then place the rubber gasket on the inside followed by the nut. I tighten this down pretty tight to avoid leaking. If it does leak you can always fix it by dumping the water. I had to do it once or twice myself.
- Next you will attach the knob to the lid using the long screw. Super simple.
- Now comes the easy part. Set the top basin on the bottom basin. The white filters will hang into the bottom basin.
- Finally, fill the top basin with cold water. Now you just have to wait. I suggest double checking the spigot. I often forget to close it. Then I come back to a puddle of water on the floor.
- When the bottom basin starts to fill up, you can start enjoying the fresh taste of pure water!
Check out this post to learn how to clean your 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.
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