Once you’ve used your elements:
The method of storage depends on how long the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements are not in use:
If the filters are not used for 4 to 15 days and you wish to avoid having to prime them again, remove the filters from the water filter, place them in a sealable bag or container, and store them at the front of the fridge to prevent them from freezing. This ensures the filters remain largely saturated (wet), so that re-priming is usually not necessary. If, for any reason, the filters are working more slowly than usual, re-prime them until water droplets begin to form on the outer surface of the filter for 10 seconds.
For long-term storage, we recommend drying the filters and storing them in a sealed container. It is important that they are completely dry before being stored long-term, to prevent any bacterial growth. One way to dry your filters is to leave them on a windowsill for one to three days to air-dry. We also offer a tool to assist with both priming and purging. This is the BOROUX Automatic Filter Primer Pump (electric) or Black Berkey Primer. The advantage of drying (purging) the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements is that they dry very quickly. Once the filters are completely dry, place them in a storage bag, such as a large, sealable bag. The elements are extremely powerful and can absorb odours and smoke from the air. By sealing them in a bag, they cannot absorb odours from the air. When you are ready to reuse the filters, clean them by scrubbing the outside with a scouring pad or a stiff brush. Then prime the filters again, either manually or using the BOROUX Automatic Filter Primer Pump (electric) or the Black Berkey Primer, before putting them back into the water filter.
In theory, the service life of the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements is unlimited.
**Please note that the storage methods listed above apply only to BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements.
If you’ve never used the elements before:
If the cartridges are unopened and still in their original packaging, make sure you do not store them in a room with strong odours (such as a utility room or garage). As the elements contain carbon as one of their components, they may absorb odours from the room in which they are stored. For example, if they are kept in a laundry room, they may pick up the scent of strongly perfumed items such as washing powder.
** If you are also storing the top and bottom containers of your water filter, it is best to empty both containers before storing them. Water that stands for a long time encourages the growth and proliferation of bacteria and mould. We recommend washing your water filter with soapy water before leaving it to dry.