Berkey Filters & Systems FAQ
FAQ
Which Berkey System is right for me?
Due to the lower chamber being FREE of chlorinated water, regular cleanings are required. If you complete a full filtered cycle of water every day, then we recommend the lower chamber being rinsed with warm to hot water once per month.
We don’t recommend the recycling of the Black Berkey Elements, PF-2s or PF-4s. The shells of the Berkey® PF-2™ and PF-4™ are made of Polypropylene, which is Recycle Code 5. Uses of Polypro (for short) include catsup bottles, yogurt containers, margarine tubs & medicine bottles. However, there is no recycle code for the Berkey PF™ elements. As we understand it, a recycle code cannot be assigned since the element is sealed and contains material inside for arsenic & fluoride reduction. To recycle, one would have to cut the element open and remove the material before recycling the plastic shell.
The same issue applies to the Black Berkey Elements. The complex matrix of materials involved in the manufacture of the BB9 elements does not allow the elements to be easily classified by a single recycle code. In addition, with both of these types of elements, there is no way of knowing what contaminants are in the media after use.
How often should I clean the Black Berkey Elements?
If you are using potable water only, the Black Berkey elements should only need to be cleaned once or twice per year. Remove the elements, light scrub with Scotch Bright pads under cool tap water and then re-prime the elements.
Black Berkey Elements Test Results
A complete list of test results by clicking link below
http://berkeywaterkb.com/black-berkey-purification-elements-test-results/
Do the Black Berkey elements remove pharmaceuticals from the water?Our elements are effective in removing or dramatically reducing drug pollutants from our drinking water
What is the difference between Berkey Earth Filters and the Black Berkey Elements? We carry two classes of filters;
- Purification Class- Black Berkey Elements (BEST) meet and exceed NSF Standards with a reduction of contaminants up to 99.9999999%
- Filtration Class- Berkey Earth Filters (GOOD) exceed other filtration class filters with a reduction of contaminants up to 99.9%
Berkey Earth Filters are more economical and are about 34% cheaper in price then the purification elements. however water filtration is much slower then the Black Berkey Elements .Watch this video for a comparison of the 2 filters.
How much Chlorine or Chloramines do the Black Berkey Elements remove? & how much Fluoride is removed with the PF-2 & PF-4 filters? The Berkey System will remove greater then 99.9 % of free chlorine or chloramines. The Fluoride filtration elements will remove between 90% and 99.75% of this contaminant. Results can vary depending on the PH of the water.
Do the Black Berkey Elements have silver in them? Yes, silver is used as an antimicrobial to self-sterilize the Black Berkey® elements. Testing was conducted both internally and by Analytical Services, Inc. to insure that the silver used does not leach into the purified water.
How do i transport my Berkey system? Prior to transporting or moving any Berkey® system, the Black Berkey Elements must first be removed. Failure to remove the elements from the system can result in broken stems. Place the elements in secure and water-tight packaging. The top and bottom of the stainless steel systems nest within each other for easy transport (remove spigot from lower chamber). Please note: Failure to remove the elements from the system can result in broken stems. This is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
A small amount of water remains in the upper chamber, is this normal? Yes it is normal and not unusual for the last 1.3 cm. to 2.5 cm. of water to remain in the upper chamber.
How can I tell if my Black Berkey Elements are working correctly? (Red Dye Test)
- This article contains information about the red food dye test
- Video on how to do check Elements with Red food coloring
Why are some Berkey Water Systems not available for sale in in California and Iowa? (click here)