Scrub the Black Berkey Elements with a 3M Scotch Brite pad or any similarly abrasive sponge. We recommend doing this for about 2-4 minutes under cool running water to remove any buildup from the surface of the filters. After the filters have been scrubbed the filters reprime and reinstall them.
With time, you will notice a decrease in the filter's effectiveness on the water taste. You can then recharge it by simply boiling it for ten minutes. The boiling washes out the impurities and frees the charcoal up to absorb some more.
We recommend scrubbing the black filters every 3-6 months and washing the chambers monthly.
The black substance that can come out of water filters is typically activated carbon or carbon dust. Activated carbon is commonly used in water filtration systems due to its ability to adsorb impurities, chemicals, and odors from water.
The Black® Purification elements are self-sterilizing, which prevents any bacterial growth inside the filter. To clean the stainless steel housing, wash both the upper and lower chambers with warm water and a few drops of plain bleach that doesn't contain any artificial scents or additives.
Simply remove the filters when the flow rate becomes sluggish, clean them by brushing with a Scotch Brite pad under running water, then re-prime the filters and reinstall them back into your Berkey system to continue removing contaminants in your water.
The pair of elements in all Berkey® systems (except the Go Berkey®, which has only one) will filter and purify approximately 22,700 liters of water before needing to be changed. That's about 10 years of use for two Black Berkey® filters used in a system for a family of four, each consuming 1.5 liters of water per day.
To keep your home water treatment system operating efficiently and prevent the build-up of some really nasty bacteria, you'll need to change and disinfect your water filter every three months.
Whether black or gray, any dark discoloration entails a dirty furnace filter and should be cleaned. On top of particle pollution, combustion can turn regular build-up into black soot and saturate the entire furnace filter. Pet dander, dirt, and dust don't cause black soot per se, but enough buildup can lead to it.
We recommend replacing your Black Berkey Filters every 3,000 gallons (6,000 per pair of filters). Filters may require replacement sooner based upon the quality of influent water. In some rare cases, the Black Berkey Filters can last over ten years when properly cared for and when clean, high-quality water is used.
Caution: Do not spray vinegar on Black Berkey® filters or PF-2 filters. To clean the tanks, you can use lukewarm water with a little mild washing-up liquid and scrub gently with a sponge. In case of known contamination, add a few drops of bleach to a container of warm water and clean your tanks with it.
If the red food coloring does not appear in any of the cups, your purification system is working properly. If the water in any of the containers is red or has a pinkish tinge, the filter in question is defective or exhausted or the seal is not properly secured.
Hydrogen Peroxide or Vinegar
To help sanitise and deodorise, some use dilute hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar instead of lemon juice. Let the carbon soak for an hour before rinsing. Avoid bleach solutions, as they degrade the carbon.
The presence of a lingering odor in the recirculated air is the first sign in knowing that it's time to regenerate the filter. The most modern hoods have integrated systems with filter saturation indicators, signaling when they need to be cleaned or replaced.
Prepare a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water and soak the filter for 20 minutes to disinfect and remove impurities. After soaking, rinse the filter thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Insert the filter back into its housing, ensuring it is securely in place.
Your system can be sanitized with two to three tablespoons of unscented household bleach or non-bleach Sani-System sanitizer, which is proven to kill 99.99% of harmful bacteria.
Just keep in mind that there are only so many times you can clean and reuse your filter before its efficiency and filtration capacity decrease. After a certain period, you will have to replace it, irrespective of how much and how thoroughly you clean it.
If you leave the system unused for 3 - 4 days, it is recommended that any water left in the lower chamber be discarded as well as the new water that is purified in the first minute of re-use.
With prices ranging from $35 for a 22-ounce water bottle to $630 for a six-gallon countertop system, Berkey products are considerably more expensive than the water filter pitchers so many of us use in our homes. This is because they're made of stainless steel and other high-quality materials.
Disassemble Your System: Start by emptying out the upper chamber, carefully removing the Black Berkey elements, and then taking apart the lower chamber. Clean Components: Use lukewarm water a spigot brush, a scrub pad, and a soft microfiber cloth to gently clean the Berkey parts and elements.
It's perfectly normal. Rinse the filters a few times by holding it against the faucet and letting water flow through for a minute or two. It's best to clean these filters once in a while by running water on them and scrubbing them off with a Scotch Brite pad. Also, store your water in glass containers, not plastic.
When and How Often to Clean Your Berkey Filter. We recommending cleaning the chambers and spigot monthly. The Black Berkey Filters should be scrubbed every 3-6 months or when the flow rate is noticeably slower.