How To Clean Berkey Filters The Right Way
I am qualified to advise how to clean Berkey filters, given that I’ve owned them for more than a decade. And when I say “…the right way”, I’ll let you in on a few important tips so you don’t screw it up, so to speak :-)
This week we’re ‘kid-sitting’ and ‘dog-sitting’ at a friends house while they’re away on a trip. They live on a lake (which is their water source). Wisely, they own a pair of Berkey water filters for their drinking water, even though there’s a 5 micron sediment filter inline with their pump. While here, I decided to clean the Black Berkey filter elements.
Originally posted several years ago, I’ve updated it to include today’s experience cleaning the Berkey filters (and tips).
How To Clean Berkey Filters
(Sometimes called Black Berkey filters, filter elements, or candles)
When the Berkey filter flow slows down quite a bit, you’ll know it. That usually means it’s time to clean the filter elements.
How often? The time until it gunks up is highly dependent upon the water source. My source is a natural spring, and after a 1 micron inline filter at the pump. I don’t even notice a fall-off of flow, however I still clean the filters once or twice a year. Other examples typically may require cleaning much more often. Even every few months, depending..
Removal and Reinsertion of Berkey Filters
Obviously, the Berkey filters need to be removed. Simply remove the wingnut on each filter element. Be careful not to drop the filter, which could crack and damage it.
Where should the Berkey rubber grommet be? On the inside or the outside?
Tip: The rubber grommet should be on the inside of the reservoir (between the filter and stainless steel), not on the outside touching the wingnut. The plastic wingnut screws onto the protruding filter threads, and fastens snugly against the stainless steel.
Important! Do not overtighten the wingnut. If you do, the plastic threads may stress, slip, or even strip. You just need it to be good and snug.
Cleaning the Berkey Filters
Use cool or cold water.
“Never use warm or hot water or freeze the Black Berkeys as this will likely damage the integrity of the compressed carbon and proprietary impregnated media.” says Berkey.
Don’t use soap.
Simply let the water run over the filter while gently or firmly scrubbing the surface area. You might use a type of nail cleaning brush or a slightly abrasive pad like a Scotch-Brite pad.
Nail Brushes
Scotch-Brite Pads
(amzn)
How do you know when it’s clean? Here’s an example: The Berkey filters that I just cleaned today (filtering lake water) had a slippery feel. This was especially apparent on the exterior bottom half of each Berkey filter element.
That’s because the bottom portion of the filter elements will get much more use (filtering) than the top. How’s that? Because most people don’t wait until the bottom reservoir is completely empty to fill the upper reservoir all the way. So instead, the upper reservoir usually is only partially filled, thus using the bottom portion of the filters more of the time..
With that said, I scrubbed the outside until that slippery feeling went away. It simply became apparent.
Clean the Upper and Lower Reservoir
Inside and Out!
Now don’t be lazy. Clean the inside of the upper and lower reservoir while you’re at it! While the lower reservoir will be pretty clean (because the filtered water resides there), the upper one can get nasty after awhile. When in doubt, clean it out..
Here’s the squeaky clean upper reservoir of the Travel Berkey I just cleaned:
Okay, now back to my original article on this subject:
Periodic Cleaning
Even though the Berkey water filters (elements) will filter approximately 3,000 gallons each, they will require cleaning due to the contaminants of the sourced water which will adhere to the surface.
Note: There will be a time when you actually need to replace the Black Berkey filter elements. Not only that, but it’s good to have spares!
Where to buy Black Berkey Filter Elements:
The Berkey Guy at USA Berkey Filters (authorized dealer)
Here’s an older type filter that some people may still have (Doulton):
Ceramic Filter Elements (White)
(amzn)
Difference between the newer Berkey ‘Black’ filters and the White ceramic:
[ Read: Berkey Black Filters vs. White Ceramic ]
For your interest (PDF download) :
Specifications for Berkey’s Black filter elements
How To Clean Berkey Water Filters In The Sink
image: BerkeyFilters
1. Empty all of the water from your Berkey system.
2. Remove the top container and set it on its side on a solid surface like a table or countertop.
3. Remove the filters by unscrewing the wing nut that secures the Black Berkey element to the container.
4. Hold the filter under the running faucet, with the exit hole pointed up.
Note: Do not allow contaminated water to enter the core of the Berkey filtering element. This can be prevented by placing your finger over the hole where the water exits the filter.
Question: Does it matter if you use hot or cold water to clean it?
Answer: I had inquired a number of years ago (to Berkey) about hot vs. cold, and at that time they recommended to NOT use hot water. So, I use cool water from the tap…
5. Using a new ‘Scotch-Brite’ type scrubbing pad, carefully scrub the black surface of the filter element for several minutes.
6. Set the elements aside and wash your hands.
7. Reassemble the unit
Tip: Don’t over-tighten the plastic wingnuts. Just good and snug.
How To Clean Berkey Water Filters In A Bucket
image: BerkeyFilters
Note: All water used to clean the filters and the unit must be free of harmful contaminants prior to proceeding.
Note: Do not allow contaminated water to enter the core of the Berkey filtering element. This can be prevented by placing your finger over the hole where the water exits the filter.
1. In a clean bucket, basin, or other similar container, add clean water. If you are forced to clean your Berkey system elements with compromised water, add 16 drops of household bleach or iodine for every gallon of water being used to clean the elements.
2. Empty all of the water from your Berkey system.
3. Remove the top container and set it on its side on a clean solid surface like a table or countertop.
4. Remove the filters by unscrewing the wing nut that secures the Black Berkey element to the container.
5. Using a new ‘Scotch-Brite’ type scrubbing pad, carefully scrub the outer black surface of the filtering element, rinsing it as needed in the clean water.
6. Clean all filters as described above and set them aside on a clean surface.
7. Empty the container and add more fresh, clean, bleach-treated water as described in precaution above.
8. Submerge the filters in the fresh, clean, bleach-treated water, and set them aside on a clean surface.
9. Wash your hands with soap.
10. Reinstall the filters in the system.
Berkey Filter Tips
1. During the winter when I’m not using the trailer, I remove my Berkey water filter and bring it inside the house. The filter elements could potentially crack under freezing conditions.
2. Don’t drop the filter elements! They are expensive!
3. Keep a spare set of filters on hand. The price will only go up later. If SHTF long-term, you will be very glad you have extras.
4. Clean the inside of both stainless steel basins while you have the filter elements out. It tends to get musty in there after a period of time. It depends on your water, but you may want to clean the reservoirs more often.
5. If the outside of your filters are clogged with water deposits, lime or calcium: They need a good scrub so that the water can get through to the filter. Scrub with a NEW scrubby and rinse with cool water. Use no soap. Use a bit of diluted vinegar to facilitate scrubbing all that off.
6. If storing your Berkey filter for a while after having used it: Leave the cover off. Because this will allow the filters to dry out without getting algea / mold.
7. A MSB comment: “We are campers, but our (clear) Berkey stays home. When we are going to be away we remove the filters and place them in zip loc baggies and store them in the refrigerator to keep them from drying out which also seems to prevent mold.”
[ Read: 5 Berkey Accessories For Your Countertop Filter ]
[ Read: Travel Berkey Features – The Smallest Berkey Countertop Water Filter ]