How to Prime Phoenix Berkey Filters (Step-by-Step)

How to prime Phoenix Berkey filters correctly is one of the most important steps to ensure proper water flow, filtration performance, and long filter life.

Because Phoenix Berkey filters use advanced gravity-fed filtration media, they must be fully primed before installation.

Skipping or rushing this step can result in slow flow rates, air pockets, or incomplete filtration.

This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly how to prime Phoenix Berkey filters, how long it should take, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Does It Mean to Prime Phoenix Berkey Filters?

Priming Phoenix Berkey filters means forcing water through the filtration media to remove trapped air and fully saturate the filter element before use.

Because Phoenix filters are gravity-fed, air trapped inside the media can block water flow. Proper priming ensures:

• Normal gravity-fed flow rate
• Full contaminant reduction performance
• Even filtration across the entire filter surface

Without priming, Phoenix filters may drip slowly or stop filtering altogether.

Priming is especially important for gravity-fed filtration systems, which rely on water saturation rather than pressure to function properly.

According to NSF International's guidance on drinking water treatment units, proper preparation and installation of filter elements is essential for optimal performance.

How to Prime Phoenix Berkey Filters (Step-by-Step)

Follow these exact steps to properly prime Phoenix Berkey filters before installation:

1. Remove the Phoenix Berkey filter from its packaging.
2. Attach the included PrimeEasy™ Universal Primer to a cold-water faucet.
3. Push the threaded stem of the filter firmly into the primer.
4. Turn on cold water slowly, keeping pressure low.
5. Allow water to push through the filter until moisture beads appear across the entire outer surface.
6. Continue running water for 30–60 seconds until the filter is fully saturated.
7. Repeat the process for each Phoenix filter before installation.

Once fully primed, they are ready to be installed into your Berkey system.

How Long Should It Take to Prime Phoenix Berkey Filters?

Priming Phoenix Berkey filters typically takes 1–3 minutes per filter.

Time may vary depending on water pressure and faucet type, but priming should never take more than a few minutes. If water does not bead evenly across the filter surface, the filter is not fully primed.

Do not rush this process. Proper priming prevents slow flow rates and performance issues later.

Common Mistakes When Priming Phoenix Berkey Filters

Avoid these common priming mistakes that can cause flow problems:

• Using hot water – Always use cold water only.
• Too much water pressure – High pressure can damage internal media.
• Stopping too early – The entire filter surface must be saturated.
• Skipping priming altogether – This almost always causes slow flow.

If your Berkey system has a slow flow rate, improper priming is often the cause.

Installing Phoenix Berkey Filters After Priming

After priming, install the Berkey filters into your system immediately.

Insert the threaded stem into the upper chamber holes and secure with the wing nut. Do not overtighten. Reassemble the system and fill the upper chamber with water.

Water should begin flowing steadily within minutes if the filters were properly primed.

For a complete overview of performance, compatibility, and certifications, read our in-depth guide on Phoenix Berkey replacement filters.

You can also purchase authentic Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Elements directly from our family-owned store.

Phoenix Berkey Filter Priming FAQ

Do Phoenix Berkey filters need to be primed?
Yes. Phoenix Berkey filters must be primed before installation to ensure proper flow and filtration.

Can I prime Phoenix filters without the PrimeEasy primer?
While possible using alternative methods, the included PrimeEasy™ Universal Primer is the easiest and most reliable option.

Why is my Phoenix Berkey filter still slow after priming?
If flow remains slow, the filter may not be fully saturated or water pressure during priming was too low.

Final Thoughts: Proper Priming Makes All the Difference

Learning how to prime Phoenix Berkey filters correctly ensures optimal performance, faster flow rates, and long-lasting filtration.

Taking just a few minutes to prime each filter prevents the most common issues Berkey owners experience and helps your system perform exactly as designed.