How To Set Up a Berkey Water Filter System

Water is water, right?

Not quite. Tap water and bottled water are processed differently, and both can contain more than you expect.

The Environmental Working Group has reported many pollutants in Americans' tap water.

A Berkey gravity system is a simple way to filter tap water at home. It can produce several gallons an hour depending on the model and number of elements.

This guide walks you through how to set up a Berkey water filter and keep it running well.

Why Filtered Water Can Beat Bottled Water

Filtered tap water can taste better and cost less than bottled water.

Bottled water often costs more than $1 a gallon. Filtered tap water is usually a few cents a gallon after you own the system.

You also avoid a stream of single-use plastic bottles.

Benefits of Using a Berkey Water Filter

Municipal tap water is treated, but it can still contain chlorine, nitrates, pesticides, heavy metals, and PFOA.

A Berkey water filter is used to reduce many of those tap-water contaminants, including:

• Herbicides
• Pesticides
• VOCs
• Organic solvents
• Radon 222
• Trihalomethanes

A typical setup uses the main filter elements in the upper chamber. PF-2 fluoride filters are an optional add-on in the lower chamber.

Use municipally treated tap water. These filters are not designed for salt water or softened water.

Official replacement elements are the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters.

Black Berkey / Phoenix Elements

The main elements are used to reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and many other chemical contaminants. For extra fluoride and arsenic reduction, add PF-2 filters.

The red-food-coloring test is a simple way to check that the elements are seated and working as gravity filters. It is not a pathogen test.

PF-2 Fluoride Filter

The PF-2 is an add-on for extra fluoride reduction. Replace each set after about 1,000 gallons or one year, whichever comes first.

Example: if you filter about four gallons a day, that is roughly 8 months.

Do not freeze, overheat, or boil the fluoride elements. When installing, do not turn more than 8 times.

PF-2 canisters can slow flow by about 15–20%.

How To Set Up a Berkey Water Filter

A Berkey system typically includes:

• Lid Knob
• Lid
• Knob Washer
• Knob Screw
• Upper Chamber
• Filter elements
• Hole Plugs
• Berkey Fluoride Filters (optional)
• Lower Chamber
• Spigot
• Rubber Base Ring
• Priming Button

Wash the lid, chambers, spigot, and hole plugs before assembly.

1. Parts Assembly

Move both chambers to a clean, elevated spot. Assemble the lid and base ring, install hole plugs, attach the spigot, and check for leaks.

2. Prime & Install the Filters

See how to install Berkey filters.

After priming, place the black rubber washer on the stem, insert the stem through a hole in the upper chamber, and tighten the wingnut underneath.

If you purchased fluoride filters, prime them, then screw them onto the stems of the upper elements at eight full rotations so they hang into the lower chamber.

3. Prepare the System and Fill

Place the upper chamber on the lower chamber. Keep the spigot closed.

Fill the upper chamber with cold or room-temperature tap water and cover it with the lid. Discard the first batch. Refill and let it filter.

4. Enjoy Your Filtered Water

Pour from the spigot, or transfer filtered water to a clean storage container.

Printable instructions: click here.

Video: Installing Berkey Stainless Steel Spigot

Drink Cleaner Tap Water

A gravity-fed Berkey is a reliable way to filter tap water at home without electricity or plumbing.

When you are ready, browse Berkey systems or the Go Berkey Kit.