Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by TODD FRANZEN
The Berkey Replacement Filters are necessary to keep your Berkey water filter system working. They should be replaced every 24 to 48 months to ensure that your water is filtered properly and that your system is functioning at its best.
I know your time is very important! Finding replacement Berkey filters is not as difficult as it may sound. There are many ways that you can get replacements for the style of Berkey that you use. Just use these links below to compare the most current price. But, if you want to go a little more in-depth, keep scrolling…
First and Foremost…
***Update 02/19/2023 – Due to the ongoing lawsuit and recent independently verified news articles about alumina, I am removing my endorsement of the Berkey Brand of gravity water filters. Specifically the white fluoride filter. Stay tuned for a more in-depth article about Alumina and the leaching that occurs with the white filters. However, I believe the black filters work as advertised. And my feeling is that their black filters remove an astounding amount of contaminants. Continuing to reduce a person’s Toxic Load. Here’s where I draw the line, until Berkey goes through the hoops of getting their filters and parts ANSI/NSF-approved, their trust has been broken with me.***
For full disclosure, I have a Big Berkey. This supplies my family with plenty of clean water every day. I love it! I have had friends that have used other brands of filters and they all eventually make the move to Berkey because of the quality and performance.
Tip: See my Private Notes below where I share tips and tricks about my Berkey.
There are three different grades of replacement filters for your Berkey system: Black Filters (for purification) and PF-2 Fluoride Filters (for removal of fluoride). and their Super Sterasyl™Ceramic Filtration Elements. Read on for more information about each…
Overview of Replacements
Berkey water filters are a necessary part of keeping your Berkey water filter system running. In theory, they should be replaced every six to 12 months in order to ensure that your water is filtered properly and that your system is functioning at its best.
But…
Berkey replacement filters are able to safely go much, much longer.
Size does matter…
Berkey black water filters come in two sizes. There is a smaller one that is used in their Sports water bottle. Because the filters are one size, they are able to be used in different sizes of models of each filter. The Go Berkey works with one black filter element. where my Big Berkey can house up to 4 filters, or a maximum of 8 with the Crown Berkey.
Considering that each filter can filter around 3000 gallons, that’s a lot of filtered water. In my case, the replacement packaging consists of two filters, so that is how many I use when it becomes time to replace my filters.
Ceramic
Their Ceramic filter is a little different. It is rated for 535 gallons of filtered water. It also uses a proprietary blend of ceramic and activated carbon granules. This is good for removing chemical and organic compounds. But today I am going to focus on the Black element and fluoride filter.
Personally, the Black Berkey replacement is the best choice and solves the contamination problem where I live. But you may have a different opinion for a number of different reasons.
How should someone evaluate replacement?
How often do you need refills for your Berkey? You count how many times you have to refill the basin in a day. Have your family help you and record on your kitchen’s dry-erase board or login your phone notes.
Next, multiply this amount by the amount in gallons of the system (for example Royal Berkey’s system is 3.1 gallons) and the number of refills to calculate the number of gallons used each day in the system. Multiply by 365 days, then divide by 12 months. Then divide the number of gallons a month by the element’s general life span. This will show you how much time it takes for filter replacements to take place. In particular, Royal Berkey is around 3.25 gallons. After 2000 refills, the filter will need replacing.
Simple Math
My Berkey is 2.25 gallons, we fill it about once a day on average. 365 days in a year, gives us 821.25 gallons/per year, or 68.62 gallons per month. (I have 2 filters=6000 gallons of filtration) or 2667 refills, or 7.3 years of filtration. I have replaced my filters twice since I acquired my Berkey. Not because the filters couldn’t go that long, but because it’s part of my maintenance and service routine and budget. Occasionally, ill scrub the black filter elements with a new sponge to keep all the larger contaminates as well as any growth off the filters.
To change or not to change?
How often you need to change your filter also varies based on the quality of water you’re using to fill it up. City water is usually treated with chlorine, chloramine, and fluoride and will shorten the lifespan of your filters. Whereas, if you’re using well water or spring water, it might not need to be replaced as often, but may have a whole different set of contaminants. Remember it all depends on where the source of your water is coming from as well as what your test results come back with.
For example, if your water is rust in color, or is cloudy (hi turbidity), your Berkey system is going to need more attention with a filter replacement sooner than water that is crystal clear.
Why are Black Berkey water filter elements so good?
Berkey filters are highly efficient filter elements based on a propriety blend of active carbon and resin compressed into a mold, creating their shape. Each filter is outfitted with hardware that integrates with the design of the water purification system.
Black Berkey filters are arguably the most efficient filters in the world. A series of independent laboratory experiments as well as scientists from the Environmental Protection Agency have shown just how much reduction these filters achieve. Just look at what Berkey has printed on the replacement filter box.
Because of standardized testing, we now know that Black Berkey filters remove an awe-inspiring amount of contaminants.
What are Berkey Fluoride Removal Water Filters?
PF2 fluoride reduction elements are a solution to remove a wide range of undesirable contaminants in drinking water, particularly fluoride and arsenic. The PF2 fluoride reduction elements also remove other residual heavy metals often found in public water systems including lead and mercury.
The main function of a Berkey Fluoride Removal Water Filter is to reduce the levels of fluoride that may be present in your water. These filters are designed to work with any Berkey system. They are guaranteed to last for up to 1,000 gallons of water with a warranty of six months.
Suppose you’re concerned about the quality of your drinking water, and you want to make sure that you and your family are getting the best possible water to drink. In that case, a Berkey Fluoride Removal Water Filter is a great additional option for you.
Black Berkey Filter Replacements (set of 2)
Berkey systems use advanced filters that are called Black Berkey Filter Elements (also known under SKU# BB9-2 on the Berkey homesite.). Black Berkey Filter is able to bring water filters to new levels! The Black Berkey filter removed a number of contaminants from water and significantly increased EPA standards within the filter industry.
The Black Berkey filter elements are rigorously tested and surpass the performance of most other filters. These filters are able to remove a wide range of contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, cysts, parasites, sediment, chlorine, fluoride, lead, mercury, VOCs, and more.
How long do Black Berkey® Purification Elements last?
Each durable and effective purification tank can hold at least 3,000 gallons (a set of two offers 6,000 gallons) and offers a 2-year water purification guarantee. Typically, the blackberry filter can last for 5 to 8 years in your system.
If you’re wondering why I am hammering home the Berkey Filter statistics, is because I look at Berkey Products as an investment, not only in myself and my family’s health but the financial savings and the aspect of not purchasing single-use bottles. This is especially massive as we are heading into an economic recession.
How can I know if my Black Berkey Filter is working properly?
A Berkey customer can take a food coloring test of his black Berkey filters if he wants. I like using the color red. Because Black Berkey purifying components are powerful, they remove coloring from food and remove harmful substances. It is nearly impossible for other filters to duplicate their effectiveness.
Another way to tell if you’re Berkey filters are working properly is if the filtration rate slows down dramatically. In other words, it takes longer for the filters to filter the same amount of water.
Berkey Elements are intended to purify around 3,000 gallons of water before really needing replacement. The Berkey Water Filters Systems are so powerful due in large part to the effectiveness of the black filter elements.
Specifications
Berkey replacement filters are some of the best in the market when it comes to water filtration. Not only do they reduce harmful contaminants such as viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and chlorine, but they also reduce other harmful chemicals and substances. This makes them a great choice for those looking for an all-in-one filtration solution.
Over 200 contaminants were eliminated including Viruses (99.999%), Pathogens bacteria (99.9999%), Chloramine (less than laboratory detectable), Thiomoethanes (99%), Pharmaceuticals (99%) and Chemicals (99%).
The Black Berkey filter elements are made of a specialized blend of activated carbon and zinc oxide. Together, these materials create a powerful adsorption process that removes harmful contaminants from water while leaving behind beneficial minerals.
Each filter element is tested to meet or exceed NSF/ANSI Standard 53 and 42 for the reduction of lead, mercury, and other heavy metals. as well as the reduction of chlorine, taste, and odor.
- Dimensions: 9-7/8″ x 2-1/4″ (25 cm x 5.7 cm)
- Weight: 0.8 lbs. (0.4 kg)
- Lifespan: 3,000 gallons per element(11,356 litres)
Final Thoughts
That may sound like a lot, but when you consider how much water we each go through in a day, it really isn’t. And while the Berkey filter does an excellent job of reducing harmful contaminants, it’s essential to replace it regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Luckily, replacing the filter is a quick and easy process. You can do it yourself in just a few minutes. Also, this is a great time to purchase a backup if you have concerns about the world’s current events.
Click Here and order your Berkey Replacement Filters today and be sure to keep your family safe and healthy!
My Private Notes
- The Black Berkey filter elements are also very easy to clean and reuse. All you have to do is brush them with a soft-bristled brush or dish sponge, rinse them under running water, and reinstall them in the upper chamber.
- I scrub the black elements twice a year. Wipe down and clean the entire stainless steel system with a clean wet rag with light bleach.
- IDisassemble the spicket and soak it in vinegar. This helps sanitize the spout as well as help remove any hard water residue.
- We have ours right by the sink, making for easy refill and use of our insulated bottles. Less mess too!
- Living in a historic mining town, the surface water inherently has a lot of bad minerals from mine waste seepage. My criteria are to treat raw water out of a local stream and be able to remove the fluoride that the municipality is mandated to add back to the municipal water supply.
More notes…
- Berkey Filters must be Primed in order to be used. Aside from getting a little wet from spraying myself, It takes a little creativity to hold each element with water pressure from your kitchen sink. Use light water pressure and hold together firmly. I have not tried the priming pump sold separately.
- Expect a small amount of black or white residue in the filtered chamber if you are using either the black elements or in combination with the fluoride filters. This will settle at the bottom. It is important to rinse out the filtered chamber in between the first handful of refills.
- The filters feel like chalk to the touch. Because it’s compressed, it doesn’t have that “give” that you feel when you compress charred wood with your fingers.
- Two Black Berkey® purifier elements come with two washers, two wingnuts, and a priming rubber washer for each Black Berkey element.
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