Black Berkey filter elements do not necessarily need to be cleaned every time you clean the housing of the Berkey water filter (the lower and upper chambers). However, this may vary depending on the region and water source. In certain parts of the world, the water is much dirtier than in others, and it will be necessary to clean the elements more frequently; possibly even more often than cleaning the rest of the system requires. If your water is muddy or very dirty, we recommend pre-filtering it by running it through a piece of fabric, e.g. a shirt, sheet, bandana, etc., before filling the Berkey water filter with it. Although this isn’t essential, it helps to reduce the frequency of filter element cleaning by trapping dirt that could block the pores of your Black Berkey filter elements.
When is it time to clean your filters?
- The elements should be cleaned when you notice a significant reduction in the flow rate.
- You may also wish to consider cleaning the elements periodically. For example, every 6 months (PLEASE NOTE!! Never more frequently than once every 6 months, unless you notice a reduction in flow rate). The advantage of this is that you will not experience a slow flow rate. Cleaning the elements on a regular schedule is at your own discretion. This is a suggestion, not an obligation.
How do you clean the filters?
- Empty your Berkey water filter and remove the Black Berkey filter cartridges.
- Use a scouring pad or a stiff brush and gently scrub the outside of the Black Berkey filter elements under cold running water.
- Refit the filters. If you’re not familiar with this process, please have a look at our instructional videos.
- Refit the Black Berkey filter cartridges into the Berkey water filter.
- Finally, fill your Berkey water filter and, if necessary, carry out a red dye test as described in the instructional videos, to ensure that the Black Berkey filter cartridges are still effective.