If you recently bought a Berkey Water Filter or need a refresher on how to set it up, this guide will take you through the step-by-step process, including some helpful hacks to save you time troubleshooting later on.
Easily set up your Berkey water filter system with this helpful guide. Learn how to install the rubber ring, knob, and faucet, prime your filters, and perform a red dye test for optimal performance. Enjoy clean and safe drinking water in no time with your properly set up Berkey filter system.
Keep reading to learn how to set up your Berkey filter unit.
Table of Contents
Step-By-Step Guide to Setting Up a Berkey Water Filter
Before installing the filter in your Berkey, it’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent accidental contamination of the parts.
Step 1: Install the Rubber Ring and Anti-Air Lock Clip
The first step is to install the rubber ring on the bottom of the lower chamber, followed by attaching the anti-air lock clip to the top rim, with the flat side on the inside.
Step 2: Attach the Knob to the Lid
Next, attach the knob to the top of the lid, put the washer on the underside of the lid, insert the screw through the hole from the bottom, and finally screw the knob on from the top by hand.
Step 3: Install the Faucet
The third step is to install the faucet. Put one rubber washer on the spigot, next put the faucet stem through the hole in the bottom reservoir, and push the other rubber washer onto the spigot stem from the inside of the chamber. Here, ensure that both rubber washers are flush with the chamber; otherwise, you might have a leak. Finally, screw the hex nut on nice and tight by hand. You can also hold the nut and twist the spigot if that’s easier.
Step 4: Install the Hole Plugs (optional)
If you only have two filters, you need to install the hole plugs in the top chamber. Unscrew the nut and remove one of the rubber washers, insert the plug through the hole from the inside of the chamber, slip the rubber washer back on, and make sure that both washers are flush with the metal. Finally, screw the nut on and hand-tighten.
Step 5: Install the Black Filter Elements
You want to make sure that both of the elements or all four of them or however many you have are primed before installing them. First, put the rubber washer on the filter stem, and next, insert the filter stem through one of the available holes from the inside of the chamber. Finally, screw the wing nut onto the filter. Again, tighten it by hand, but make sure not to over tighten.
Step 6: Fill the Chamber and Perform a Leak Test
At this point, it’s good to fill the chamber with a few inches of cold water to make sure there are no leaks coming from the seals or hole plugs. Water should only be coming from the bottom of the filter stems.
Step 7: Install the Fluoride and Arsenic Filters (optional)
If you have decided to purchase the fluoride and arsenic filters, make sure that these filters are also primed before installing them. Place the upper chamber upside down so that the stems of the black filters are facing up. Screw the fluoride filters onto the black filter stems, making sure to twist only eight rotations; otherwise, you risk damaging the media screen inside the filter element.
Optional Step: Perform a Red Dye Test
Before you install the additional fluoride filters, you might want to perform a red dye test. You can check out this video where I walk you through step-by-step how to do a red dye test.
And that’s it! You have now successfully set up your Berkey Water Filter system. By following these steps, you can ensure that your filter will work efficiently, providing you and your family with clean and safe drinking water.
Final Take
Setting up a Berkey water filter system is not as daunting as it may seem. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily set up your filter system and start enjoying clean and safe drinking water in no time.
Remember to prime your filters before installation and perform a red dye test to ensure the system is working properly. Additionally, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent contamination of the parts during installation. If you encounter any issues or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. With a properly set up Berkey filter system, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your family are drinking safe and clean water.