The Berkey water filter is a gravity-fed water purifier that uses a series of filters to remove contaminants from water. It is a popular choice for people who want to have access to clean, safe drinking water without having to rely on a municipal water supply or bottled water. However, before you can use your Berkey filter, you need to prime it. Priming the filter is a simple process that will remove any air bubbles from the filter cartridges and ensure that the filter is working properly.
To prime your Berkey filter, you will need:
* A clean, empty container
* A pitcher of water
* Your Berkey filter
Once you have gathered your supplies, follow these steps to prime your Berkey filter:
1. Rinse the filter elements under running water for 5 minutes to remove any loose carbon fines.
2. Place the filter elements into the upper chamber of the Berkey filter.
3. Fill the upper chamber with water.
4. Allow the water to filter through the filter elements into the lower chamber.
5. Discard the first two batches of filtered water. These batches may contain activated carbon fines.
6. Your Berkey filter is now primed and ready to use.
Materials Needed
Berkey Filter System
The Berkey Filter System is a gravity-fed water purifier that uses a series of filters to remove contaminants from water. The system comes with two or more black Berkey filters, which are the main filters that remove contaminants. The system also comes with a fluoride filter, which is optional and can be used to remove fluoride from water.
Fresh Water
You will need fresh water to prime the Berkey Filter System. The water should be from a clean source, such as a tap or a well.
Measuring Cup
You will need a measuring cup to measure the amount of water you use to prime the Berkey Filter System.
Ceramic Filter Sticks
A set of two or more ceramic filter sticks are required for the Berkey Filter System. These sticks are made of diatomaceous earth, which is a porous material that traps contaminants.
2 Black Berkey Filters
The two black Berkey filters are the main filters that remove contaminants from water. They are made of activated carbon and coconut shell, which are both effective at removing a wide range of contaminants.
2 Spacers
The spacers are placed between the black Berkey filters and the fluoride filter. They help to keep the filters in place and ensure that the water flows through the filters evenly.
1 Fluoride Filter (Optional)
The fluoride filter is an optional filter that can be used to remove fluoride from water. It is made of activated alumina, which is a material that is effective at removing fluoride.
1 Priming Filter
The priming filter is a small filter that is used to prime the black Berkey filters. It is made of the same material as the black Berkey filters, but it is smaller and has a different shape.
Lubricant
A food-grade lubricant, such as petroleum jelly or vegetable oil, is needed to lubricate the O-rings on the black Berkey filters.
Faucet
A faucet is required to connect the Berkey Filter System to a water source.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Berkey Filter System | 1 |
| Fresh Water | 2 gallons |
| Measuring Cup | 1 |
| Ceramic Filter Sticks | 2 or more |
| Black Berkey Filters | 2 |
| Spacers | 2 |
| Fluoride Filter (Optional) | 1 |
| Priming Filter | 1 |
| Lubricant | A small amount |
| Faucet | 1 |
Cleaning the Components
Priming your Berkey filter requires cleaning its components, including the filter elements, top and bottom chamber, spigot, and base. Follow these steps for thorough cleaning:
Filter Elements
Cleaning the Black Berkey Elements
- Rinse: Hold the filter under running tap water for 10-15 minutes.
- Soak: Fill a large container with water and add 2-3 tablespoons of chlorine bleach. Submerge the elements for 1 hour.
- Rinse again: Thoroughly rinse the elements with tap water for another 10-15 minutes.
- Debris removal: Use a soft brush or sponge to remove any remaining debris from the elements.
Cleaning the Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements
- Rinse: Rinse the elements under running tap water for 5 minutes.
- Soak: Fill a separate container with water and add 2 cups of white vinegar. Submerge the elements for 1 hour.
- Neutralize: Fill a third container with water and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Submerge the elements for 30 minutes to neutralize the vinegar.
- Rinse again: Rinse the elements thoroughly with tap water for 5 minutes.
- Debris removal: As with the Black Berkey elements, remove any remaining debris.
| Element | Rinse Time (First) | Soak Time | Rinse Time (Second) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Berkey | 10-15 minutes | 1 hour | 10-15 minutes |
| Fluoride Reduction | 5 minutes | 1 hour | 5 minutes |
Soaking the Filter Elements
The next step in priming your Berkey filter is to soak the filter elements. This will help to remove any air bubbles from the elements and ensure that they are properly saturated with water. To soak the elements, follow these steps:
1.
Fill a clean sink or basin with cold water.
2.
Place the filter elements in the water and let them soak for 30 minutes.
3.
After 30 minutes, remove the elements from the water and shake them vigorously to remove any excess water. Note: If you’re priming the Black Berkey Purification Elements, soak them for 24 hours instead of 30 minutes.
4.
The key to properly priming the Black Berkey Purification Elements is to submerge the black filters completely underwater. If not fully submerged, the filters may not function properly and may not be able to filter out contaminants. Make sure that the entire filter is underwater, and let it soak for a full 24 hours to ensure optimal performance.
5.
Once the elements have been soaked, they are ready to be installed in the Berkey filter system.
Assembling the Filter
Begin by carefully removing all components from the packaging. You will need the lower chamber, upper chamber, filter elements, washers, wing nuts, spigot, and priming cap. Identify the top of the lower chamber as it is slightly wider than the bottom. Place the lower chamber on a sturdy surface.
| Prime Cap | Upper Chamber | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the priming cap into the hole at the top of the upper chamber. | Flip the upper chamber upside down and place it on top of the lower chamber, aligning the tabs. |
| 2 | Secure the upper chamber by tightening the wing nuts onto the bolts protruding from the lower chamber. | Fill the upper chamber with cold water, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top. |
3. Insert the black filter elements into the upper chamber. Each filter element has a rubber washer on both ends. Ensure that the washers are properly seated in the slots on the upper and lower chambers.
4. Place the white filter elements into the upper chamber, following the same procedure as for the black filters.
5. Install the spigot by threading it into the hole at the bottom of the lower chamber. Ensure that it is tightened securely to prevent leaks.
Priming the Filter
Before using your new Berkey filter, it is important to prime it. This process will help to remove any air bubbles from the filter and ensure that it is working properly.
1. Turn Filter Bottom Upside Down
Turn the filter bottom upside down and remove the wingnuts, screens, washers, and o-rings.
2. Apply Petroleum Jelly
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the top and bottom o-rings.
3. Reassemble the Filter Bottom
Reassemble the filter bottom by placing the o-rings, washers, screens, and wingnuts back in place. Tighten the wingnuts until they are snug, but do not overtighten.
4. Open Black Knob
Open the black knob on the top of the filter to allow water to flow through. The water will initially be cloudy, but this is normal. Run the water for about 5 minutes, or until it runs clear.
5. Fill Upper Chamber
Fill the upper chamber of the filter with water. The water level should reach the bottom of the black knob.
6. Close Black Knob and Wait
Close the black knob and wait for the water to filter through. This may take several hours, depending on the size of the filter.
Once the water has finished filtering, your Berkey filter is ready to use.
Priming Berkey Filter
Materials You’ll Need:
- Berkey filter system
- Fresh, clean water
- Bucket or large container
Step 1: Assemble the Filter
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the Berkey filter system.
Step 2: Fill the Upper Chamber
Fill the upper chamber of the filter with fresh, clean water.
Step 3: Let Water Filter
Allow the water to filter through the system for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Replace the Upper Chamber
After 30 minutes, discard the water from the lower chamber and replace the upper chamber with fresh, clean water.
Step 5: Flush the System
Allow another 30 minutes for the water to filter through the system. Repeat this step 2-3 times to ensure all loose carbon particles are removed.
Step 6: Test the Water
Once the filter has been primed, test the water for clarity and taste. If the water is clear and tastes good, the filter is ready to use.
Step 7: Priming a New Filter Element
If you are replacing an old filter element with a new one, you will need to prime the new element before using it. To do this, follow these steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fill a clean bucket with fresh water. |
| 2 | Submerge the new filter element in the water. |
| 3 | Stir the water for 5 minutes. |
| 4 | Remove the filter element from the water and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. |
| 5 | Reinstall the filter element in the filter system. |
| 6 | Prime the filter system as described above. |
Priming Your Berkey Filter
Priming your Berkey filter is crucial to ensure it functions optimally. Follow these steps for proper priming:
1. Assemble the Berkey System
Connect the lower chamber to the upper chamber(s) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Install the Filters
Insert the black purification elements into the upper chamber(s) and tighten them securely.
3. Fill the Upper Chamber(s)
Fill the upper chamber(s) with cold water up to the fill line.
4. Open the Spigot
Turn the spigot located at the bottom of the lower chamber to the open position.
5. Wait for Water to Flow
Allow the water to flow through the filter(s) and into the lower chamber.
6. Fill the Lower Chamber
Once the water level in the upper chamber(s) has reached the fill line again, close the spigot to fill the lower chamber.
7. Vent the System
Wait for the water in the upper chamber(s) to drain through the filter(s) into the lower chamber. When the water level in the upper chamber(s) reaches the bottom of the purification elements, open the spigot slightly to release any trapped air.
8. Repeat Steps 6-7
Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the water in the lower chamber is clear and free of any air bubbles.
9. Purified Water Ready
Your Berkey filter is now primed and ready to use. The initial 2-3 gallons of water that flows through the filter should be discarded as they contain carbon fines and may have a slight taste or odor. After that, the filtered water is safe to consume.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Lower Chamber Not Filling
Ensure the black purification elements are inserted correctly and tightened securely. Check for any leaks or damage to the components.
Air Bubbles Trapped in Lower Chamber
Follow the venting procedure (step 7) carefully and repeat multiple times if necessary. If bubbles persist, contact customer support.
Water Tastes or Smells Bad
Discard the first 2-3 gallons of filtered water. If the taste or odor persists, check for any impurities in the source water or contact customer support.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Water drips slowly or not at all | Clogged purification elements | Clean or replace purification elements |
| Water cloudy or discolored | Air trapped in filter | Vent the system and repeat priming process |
| Filter leaking | Damaged or incorrectly installed filter | Inspect and replace or reinstall filter as necessary |
| Filter not removing contaminants | Used-up or contaminated filter | Replace purification elements |
How to Prime a Berkey Filter
Priming a Berkey filter is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. It is important to prime your filter before using it for the first time, and it is also a good idea to prime it after changing the filters. When you prime your filter, you are removing the air pockets that may have formed in the filters. This will ensure that the filter is working properly and that you are getting the best possible filtration.
- Fill the upper chamber of your Berkey filter with water. It is best to use lukewarm water.
- Allow the filter to sit for 20 minutes. This will give the water time to soak into the filters.
- After 20 minutes, open the spigot on the lower chamber and let the water flow through the filter. The first few ounces of water may be cloudy. This is normal and will clear up as the filter gets primed.
- Once the water runs clear through the filter, it is ready to use! Simply fill the upper chamber with water and let it filter through.
People Also Ask About How To Prime A Berkey Filter
How often should I prime my Berkey filter?
You should prime your Berkey filter before using it for the first time, and it is also a good idea to prime it after changing the filters.
How long does it take to prime a Berkey filter?
It takes about 20 minutes to prime a Berkey filter.
What is the importance of priming a Berkey filter?
Priming removes the air pockets that may have formed in the filters. This will ensure that the filter is working properly and that you are getting the best possible filtration.
