Do you have a Berkey water filter? If so, you know how important it is to keep it clean. A dirty water filter can cause many problems, from decreased performance to contamination. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean your Berkey water filter. Follow these instructions, and your water filter will run like new in no time.
What is Berkey Water Filter?
Berkey water filters are some of the most popular and effective water filters on the market. They are known for their durability, performance, and ease of use. In addition, Berkey water filters can remove many contaminants from your water, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, sediments, chemicals, and more.
Why Should You Clean Your Water Filter?
It’s important to keep your Berkey water filters clean. Dirty filters can cause reduced performance and contamination. To keep your water filter running at its best, it is recommended that you clean it every month or so.
Before you start this guide, there are a few things you will need:
● Brand new, never used sponges
● A couple of towels
● Bowl
● Antibacterial dish soap
How to wash?
First, open the Berkey filter and remove the upper and lower chambers. If your Berkey has a Fluoride filter, remove that as well. Next, you will need to unscrew the spigot (located at the bottom of the chamber) and set it aside.
Now that all the parts are separated, it is time to start cleaning. We will start with the upper chamber. Using one of your new sponges, scrub all chamber surfaces (inside and out) with dish soap and water. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas that look dirty or have build-up. Once you have scrubbed all surfaces, rinse the chamber off with clean water. Repeat this process for the lower chamber and Fluoride filter (if applicable).
Now scrub all the filters with new sponges(remember you should scrub from the rubber side of the sponge). Once you have scrubbed all filters, rinse them off with clean water.
After cleaning all elements, use a towel to dry everything off.
Now we have the tank done, and we also have the filter done. Now, we should clean our spigot.
Use the bowl of dish soap to wash the spigot.
Finally, clean the spigot by unscrewing it and soaking it in a bowl of soapy water. Once the spigot is clean, screw it back onto the lower chamber and reassemble your Berkey filter.
Now that all the parts are clean, it is time to put everything back together. First, reattach the spigot to the lower chamber. Next, screw the upper chamber back onto the lower chamber. Make sure both chambers are securely attached before moving on.
Now that your Berkey water filter is clean and ready to use. Enjoy fresh, clean water for months to come.
How do you clean a Berkey clogged filter?
If your Berkey clogged filter is from BLACK BERKEY® PREMIUM FILTERS, please use the following instructions to clean it:
Turn off the water supply to the Berkey and remove the top of the unit. Next, detach the black filter housing from the white housing by unscrewing it counterclockwise. The black filters should now be visible. Remove them by gently pushing down on one end and pulling it out of the other end. You may need to give each filter a slight twist as you pull it out to free any particles that may be caught in them.
Inside each black filter, there will be a white ceramic insert that also needs to be cleaned. This can be done by gently rubbing it with a sponge or soft brush. Once the ceramic has been cleaned, reassemble your Berkey filter and turn the water back on.
How do you make Berkey water taste better?
If you find that the water from your Berkey purifier doesn’t taste as good as you’d like, you can do a few things to improve the flavor. First, ensure you use filtered or distilled water to fill the chamber.
This will help to remove any impurities that may be causing the water to taste bad. Second, try adding a pinch of salt to the water before filtering it. This will help to break down some of the minerals in the water and improve its flavor. Finally, if all else fails, you can try using a different type of filter element.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Berkey filters get mold?
If your Berkey water filter is poorly maintained, mold can grow on the filter elements. To prevent this, clean your filter regularly and store it in a dry, cool place. If you notice mold on your filter, you can remove it by soaking the element in a bleach solution and water.
How long does a Berkey filter last?
Berkey filters are designed to last for up to ten years. However, we recommend cleaning your filter every month to ensure optimal performance.
Why is Berkey water cloudy?
The water from a Berkey purifier is not cloudy, per se. Instead, you see residual process dust within the filter capsule. The filters are designed to allow maximum flow and collect any sediment or particulate matter so that your water is as clean and pure as possible. This dust is harmless and will not affect the taste or quality of the water in any way.
What does Berkey filter not remove?
The Berkey water filter does not remove nitrates. Nitrates are a type of contaminant that can be found in both surface and groundwater. They are often added to water supplies to control algae growth, and while they are not considered a health hazard at the levels typically found in drinking water, they can be harmful in high doses.
Can you soak a Berkey filter in vinegar?
No, you should not soak a Berkey filter in vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic substance that can damage the filters. Instead, we recommend using mild soap or detergent if you need to clean your filter with something other than water.
Conclusions:
Now that you have read this article, you know that cleaning is not too hard. It might take a bit of time to clean your Berkey water filter completely, but you can get it done in just a few minutes using the steps we covered above. If your Berkey has been sitting around for years without being cleaned and it still functions properly, there is no need to worry. However, remember that if the indicator on your filter turns red to clear within a month after you start using tap water again, it’s time for an overhaul.