Frequently asked questions BOROUX water filters and other BOROUX products
Find answers to frequently asked questions about BOROUX products here. These are also supplemented from time to time. All answers are based all information from the manufacturer's knowledge base, additionally supplemented by our own experiences.
Above are all the answers to questions (divided into different topics) about the BOROUX Legacy™ (Compact) water filters and the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters. Below are answers to questions about the BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filters, BOROUX Automatic Filter Primer Pump (electric) and BOROUX glass drinking bottle.
BOROUX Legacy™ (Compact) water filters and the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters
Use
BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements are designed to remove heavy metals, but will not remove mineral salts added by a water softener. This is because a water softener adds mineral salts to water to make it softer. The salt used to soften water is not extracted by a BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter element and even causes the element to clog. You can still use a BOROUX water filter if it is possible to bypass the water softener. Most water softeners have a bypass valve or a way to get water before it passes through the softener. Therefore, we highly recommend using that water instead of running softened water through your BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements.
If water gets between the upper and lower container of your BOROUX water filter, it means that the lower container is too full. This occurs when the upper container is refilled while the lower container is not yet empty. In this case, filtering continues and the lower container will overflow. This then comes out between the two tanks.
It is best to fill the top tank completely when filling it for the first time. Let this water run through. When you notice that the lower tank is almost empty (via the sight glass tap or via the pressure of the water), fill the upper tank completely again. You can do this because the upper tank is slightly smaller than the lower tank and, in addition, the upper tank contains the filters, which thus take up space. So the lower tank has excess capacity compared to the upper tank. So by doing it this way, you avoid the water leakage between the two tanks.
If water leaks from the tap connection, it is most likely due to the tap not being fitted properly. Therefore, empty the lower container and dismantle the tap. Then check that all parts are in the right place. It is important to have 1 rubber ring on the outside and 1 rubber ring on the inside. Then replace the tap and tighten the nut (on the inside) until you can't do any more. Then hold the nut on the inside and start turning the tap on the outside. You notice that it then tightens even more. You do this until you can't go any further. If the tap is not straight, do the following: let go of the nut on the inside and only turn the tap on the outside until it is straight. It will then turn as a whole. If you have accidentally turned it too far, do NOT turn it back. You will loosen it again. If you have turned too far, turn again in its entirety until it is in the right position again.
If all goes well, the tap will now no longer leak at the connection.
It is good to know that a BOROUX water filter does not remove limescale completely from the water. Larger amounts are reduced and synthetic limescale is removed. However, a BOROUX water filter retains good minerals (which belong naturally in water and are good for humans) in the water. And lime (calcium) is one of them. So you keep the mineral lime in the water, and this can still cause some scale. In short, a BOROUX water filter is not there to remove limescale from the water.
Should you experience a noticeable difference in the filter speed of the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters, this is a signal to priming again. Before cleaning, try to solve this by priming the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements again. Cleaning should not be done too often and when using tap water, once every 6 months is sufficient. Should priming not yield any filter speed gains, it is time to clean. But after cleaning, you should then prim again.
In fact, priming causes the air to leave the filters again, and so they start to run through again faster. In fact, after using them for a while, the air slowly takes over in the filters again. You can use the Priming Button, the Black Berkey Primer Whether the blue Primer Rite use. See also the instructional videos.
If you do need to clean the filters, see the instructions under the heading "Cleaning, maintenance and storage".
You can! This is because no BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter element is the same, they are all unique. As a result, one filter element may run through faster, than another. The differences occur during production (baking process) and you often see that the filters in the same box are more or less the same, but this does not have to be the case. So it is otherwise not a problem and not something to worry about.
The upper container of your BOROUX water filter should be completely flushed (a small layer will remain) in about 2 hours on average. The more successful the priming is, the faster the flow rate will be. So if it takes well over 2 hours, we recommend priming again. If this is the first time, priming is not expected to have been successful and there is still too much air in the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements. In case of longer use, this is a sign to prime again.
In fact, priming causes the air to leave the filters again, which means they will start running again faster. You can use the Priming Button, the Black Berkey Primer Whether the blue Primer Rite use. See also the instructional videos.
Is it your first time using the BOROUX Legacy™ water filter? If so, the following is equally important:
- the filtration rate will increase somewhat in the first 12 to 24 hours.
Should the speed remain low, and should there therefore still be quite a bit of water left in the upper container, after well over 2 hours. Then take contact with us and we will be happy to help you.
If your water filter leaks at the tap, check that the installation is correct.
If your water filter leaks where the two bins meet, your water filter is too full. Only fill the upper container when the lower container is (almost) empty.
White residues are mineral deposits. They are harmless and, as far as the black filters are concerned, no reason to replace them. If they are visible on the black filter, rinse under running water and wipe them off. If they are visible on the trays or tap, scrub them off with a mixture of half water and half vinegar. You also soak the tap in this mixture.
It is normal for about 2.5 to 5 cm of water to remain in the upper container. Because the BOROUX Legacy™ water filter is a gravity water filter, it relies on the pressure and weight of the water to push down and through the filters. As the water flows to the lower container, there is less and less weight pushing it down (water pressure in the upper container decreases). Moreover, the water cannot flow through the plastic Stem Saver.
You can discard the remaining water, if necessary, when you go to refill the top container of your BOROUX Legacy™ water filter.
Material
Yes, stainless steel can rust, although it is less likely to do so than other types of steel. Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms a protective oxide layer on its surface that helps prevent corrosion. However, if this protective layer is damaged or if stainless steel is exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as high humidity or chloride-containing substances, it can still rust. Regular maintenance and proper care can help prevent rusting in stainless steel.
Designed in Colorado, the BOROUX Legacy™ water filter is made in China in a renowned, technologically advanced factory.
Proudly made in the USA! The plastic Stem Saver™ is sourced from China.
A special blend of activated carbon.
- The bins and taps are made of AISI 304 stainless steel, food-grade and highly corrosion-resistant.
- BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters are blocks of activated carbon.
- The Stem Saver (holder of the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters) and the blocking plugs are made of BPA-free, food-safe plastic.
- The sealing rings are silicone.
Cleaning, maintenance and storage
If you used your elements:
The method of storage depends on the time the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements are not used:
If the filters are not used for 4 to 15 days and you want to avoid re-priming, remove the filters from the water filter, place them in a sealable bag or container and place the filters in the front of the fridge to prevent freezing. This will keep the filters largely saturated (wet), so re-priming is usually not necessary. If the filters work slower than normal for any reason, prime them again until the outer wall of the filter starts sweating water droplets for 10 seconds.
For long-term storage, we recommend drying the filters and storing them closed. It is important that they are bone-dry before long-term storage to avoid possible bacterial growth. One option for drying your filters is to leave them on a windowsill for one to three days and let them air dry. We also offer a tool to help with both priming and drying (purging). It involves 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 cork 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 use the filters again, clean them by scrubbing the outside with a scouring pad or a hard brush. Then prime the filters manually or with the BOROUX Automatic Filter Primer Pump (electric) or Black Berkey Primer again, before replacing them in the water filter.
In theory, the shelf life of BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements is unlimited.
**Please note that the above storage methods only apply to BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements.
If you have never used the elements before:
If the elements are unopened and they are still in their original packaging, make sure not to store them in a room with strong odours (such as a laundry room or garage). The elements have carbon as one of their components, so it is possible that they absorb odours from the room in which they are stored. For example, if they are stored in a laundry room, it is possible that they will pick up the smell of strongly scented items such as washing powder.
** If you also store the upper and lower bins of your water filter, it is best to empty both bins before storing them. Water that stands still for a long time promotes the growth and production of bacteria and fungi. We recommend washing your water filter with soapy water before letting it dry.
Clean the stainless steel trays and tap monthly with washing-up liquid and warm water.
Clean the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters every 3-6 months with cold water and an abrasive sponge.
For more information, see the manual or instructional videos in our library.
Tests and results
IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN ADVANCE
The red food dye test is only for checking that your water filter is correctly fitted, i.e. no water other than from the stems of the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements and the filters are not exhausted. There are no independent test results showing by what percentage the red food colouring is filtered out. So there is no official claim that this contamination is reduced. Thus, if the instructions below are not followed and, for instance, a higher concentration of red food colouring or other red food colouring is administered, it is likely that it will not be reduced by 100% per cent. So, it is important to follow the instructions below properly and that mainly involves the amount of red dye and performing the test no more than twice a year.
BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements are powerful enough to remove red food colouring from water. By performing a red dye test, you can be sure that your water filter system is working properly.
GUIDELINES
- We recommend performing this test at first use and every six months thereafter (after cleaning) to ensure that the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements are working properly.
- The red dye test is intended only for BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements and NOT for other filter elements (e.g. fluoride filters) that do not filter out the dye.
- Make sure the dye is RED. Red food colouring (unlike the other colours) contains no minerals, so the element recognises it as a contaminant. In addition, do not use a natural red dye (like beet juice, for example), this too is not recognised as a contaminant. The idea is to take a synthetic red dye and so take the original red dye.
- The red dye test should be performed after the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements have been primed.
CARRY OUT THE TEST
NOTE: check out our instructional videos for a video of performing the red dye test.
1. Start with an empty water filter system (upper and lower basin) and remove any fluoride filters (if installed).
2. Place only the top tray (with the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements installed) on glasses of similar size (i.e. the stems of the filters stick out into the glass). This is useful to immediately see which filter passes and fails the test.
3. In a separate jug, add 3 drops (= 0.15 ml) of dye per litre of water and mix (with a bottle original red dye so you can run a full test several times). Pour the red water into the upper container until the filters are fully submerged. Note: Never pour red dye directly from the bottle onto the filters or into the top tray. Always mix the dye in advance with water in a separate jug.
4. Let the water filter from the top tank into the glasses below. When the glasses are three-quarters full, pour the remaining water from the upper container. Note: The glasses can fill at different speeds.
5. Check the water in each glass. It should be clear, without a pink or red tint. If the water in any of the glasses is red or has a pink hue, that particular filter may be faulty or exhausted. See below.
IF RED COLOUR IS OBSERVED IN THE WATER, CHECK THE FOLLOWING:
1. Are the wing nuts tight? Do not tighten the wing nuts with tools; they should be tightened by hand until you feel resistance, then it is enough. If the wing nuts are too tight, this can cause damage to the threads of the handle and/or grooves of the wing nut. This may affect the seal. Should this have occurred, please contact us.
2. Do you use natural red food colouring or dye with another colour? Not natural red food colouring is the only type recommended for this test.
3. Is the black ring of the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements also in the upper tray and is the wing nut tightened at the bottom? If the black ring is on the outside of the lower tray (i.e. directly at the wing nut), this is not a good seal. This therefore causes the test to fail. Place the black washer on the inside of the upper bin and perform the test again.
4. Do the blocking plugs seal the unused holes properly (if applicable)? Are the blocking plugs firmly installed so that the hole is actually sealed? For blocking plugs with bolt and nut, there should be a sealing ring on both sides (i.e. not on one side). If the plugs leak, this will cause the test to fail. Install the blocking plugs more firmly and perform the test again.
5. Are you retesting a filter element that has failed? Make sure you rinse and re-prime this filter element first before retesting. In addition, make sure that all water is out of the bottom container (or glass). If you use the bottom container or a glass to collect water, rinse it completely with clean water first. Now you are ready to repeat the test.
6. If you have done all the above and still fail a filter element for red dye test, take contact on with us. BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements come with a one-year warranty.
NOTE: check out our instructional videos for a video of performing the red dye test.
A TDS meter does not measure much change between unfiltered water and water filtered with a BOROUX. This is normal and the answer has to do with what a TDS meter actually measures. According to tdsmeter.com "Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) the total amount of mobile charged ions, including minerals, salts or metals dissolved in a given volume of water, expressed in units of mg per unit volume of water (mg/L ), also known as parts per million (ppm). TDS is directly related to the purity of water and the quality of water treatment systems and affects everything that consumes, lives in or uses water, organic or inorganic, for good or ill."
This statement is both correct and incorrect. It is correct in what a TDS measurement consists of, which is the "total amount of mobile charged ions, including minerals, salts or metals dissolved in a given volume of water". It is incorrect in its conclusion that TDS is related to water purity and the quality of the water treatment system. If the measure of a water purification system was how close it could bring water to pure H2O, it might be correct. But humans need minerals to live. So useful minerals in your water are actually a good thing. A high-quality water purification system should filter out things that are harmful to your body, but leave behind the useful things like minerals. BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements are designed to leave healthy and beneficial minerals in the water and extract unwanted heavy metals like lead and mercury, as well as sedimentary minerals like iron oxide and aluminium.
So if you use a TDS meter, you will discover that the reading both before and after the water has passed through the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements is about the same. And so it is true. The BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements retain all the beneficial minerals. So, of the things a TDS meter will actually detect, the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements will only remove unwanted heavy metals like lead and mercury, as well as sedimentary minerals like iron oxide and aluminium. Therefore, unless you have a significant amount of heavy metals or sedimentary minerals in your water, the TDS value will not change much.
A TDS meter does not measure the amount of biological and chemical contaminants (including e.g. chemicals, drugs, hormones, many pesticides and their residues, bacteria and viruses). Most importantly, don't rely solely on a TDS meter to measure whether your water is good. You can have water with low TDS that contains harmful bacteria. You can have water with a high TDS level that is perfectly safe (e.g. - pure, uncontaminated sea salt water ... although you wouldn't drink it, but that's only because it's mineral salt). So make sure you know what a TDS meter actually measures.
A failed red dye test may indicate incorrect installation. Check the positioning of wing nuts (outside of upper tray) and washers (inside of upper tray) again.
Prime the filter(s) again and do the test again. If it continues to fail, take contact with us.
BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters are certified NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 lead-free. BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements are currently being tested for additional certifications. All certificate tests are conducted by the Water Quality Association (WQA).
Fluoride is not filtered by the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters.
Initial tests with the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters showed that fluoride was not filtered effectively. Although fluoride was reduced, this was not the case for a large number of litres. True to BOROUX's core values of transparency, they did not extrapolate data or make false claims. So fluoride is not filtered by the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters according to their strict standards.
However... with the additional BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filters they remove up to more than 99% of fluoride in the first 1,000 litres. The patented upflow design and double-layer nanocarbon filtration of these BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filters maximise filtration. The fluoride filters, mounted in durable stainless steel housings, are compatible with BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters and Black Berkey filters and deliver up to more than 3,500 litres of clean, fluoride-reduced water per pair.
View the complete list with the latest test results.
BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters have been tested by IAPMO R&T Lab NJ, an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. See all reports below:
- Test report BOROUX - Chloramine
- Test report BOROUX - Lead 6.5 pH
- Test report BOROUX - Lead 8.5 pH
- Test report BOROUX - Chlorine
- Test report BOROUX - Uranium Mercury Gross Beta Cesium 6.5 pH
- Test report BOROUX - Mercury 8.5 pH
- Testrapport BOROUX - PFAS
- Test report BOROUX - Chloroform
- Test report BOROUX - Pharma G1
- Test report BOROUX - Pharma G2
- Test report BOROUX - Pharma G3
- Test report BOROUX - Glyphosate
- Test report BOROUX - Chromium III Cadmium Selenium 6.5 pH
- Test report BOROUX - Chromium III Cadmium Selenium 8.5 pH
- Test report BOROUX - Chromium VI 6.5 pH
- Test report BOROUX - Chromium VI 8.5 pH
Test reports are added from time to time. We regularly update this page, but for all current laboratory test results of the BOROUX water filter: click here. You will be redirected to the manufacturer's website, where all the results are listed together on one page. These are all the tests carried out with the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements, and so these are the filter elements of the BOROUX water filter.
Replacement
White residues are mineral deposits. They are harmless and, as far as the black filters are concerned, no reason to replace them. If they are visible on the black filter, rinse under running water and wipe them off. If they are visible on the trays or tap, scrub them off with a mixture of half water and half vinegar. You also soak the tap in this mixture.
The life of the filter varies depending on the source water and the degree of contamination. The recommendation for when to replace the filter depends on several factors. For example, for filtering chlorine, filters last more than 45,000 litres per pair. However, there are several contaminants in the well water and the amount of what is in it can vary. See here the recommendations for other contaminants, where testing was done with intense contamination of these substances.
BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters are thus designed to last for many years. However, we live in different times now than we did a few years ago. The number of contaminants has only increased and have become more and more severe (e.g. PFAS or the hefty increase in medicine residues, pesticides, etc.). This has a huge effect on the filters, so the filters have to be replaced a bit earlier. Of course, it is difficult to keep track of what is in the water and to what extent, which is why we recommend replacing the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters every 3 years maximum when using tap water. If you use water from another source, we recommend replacing earlier.
BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filters
Yes, the stainless steel holder is essential for good performance. It supports the upflow design, which directs water from the bottom to the top, reducing the flow rate and increasing the contact time between water and filter media. This optimised interaction improves fluoride reduction and overall effectiveness.
Yes, you need one BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filter for each BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter in your system. The BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filters are designed as a 1-to-1 product, meaning that each fluoride filter connects directly to one BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter.
This ensures balanced flow, good filtration performance and maximum fluoride reduction throughout your system.
Proudly made in the US! Not in China or any other Asian country, in other words.
The BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filter consists of two different layers. The inner layer is granulated carbon: small, loose grains of a mixture of different carbons are packed in the centre of the cylinder filter. The outer layer of the filter is nanocarbon. This mixture of specialised carbon is moulded into shape.
Filter life varies depending on the water source (the quality of the water that goes in) and usage. It is recommended to change filters at 3,750 litres, which is about 6-12 months.
It has not yet been tested for arsenic.
The first filtration phase takes place when the water passes through the proven BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters with activated carbon flows. The BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filter is screwed and attached to the stem of the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter. The second filtration stage takes place when water flows through the double-acting BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filter.
After passing through the filters in the upper tray, the water first comes into contact with the inner layer of the highly efficient granulated carbon filters in the lower tray. The water then filters through the patented nanocarbon outer layer. Thanks to the patented Upflow design of the stainless steel casing, the water stays in contact with the outer layer for a long time, ensuring superior filtration. The filtered water leaves the casing through the outlet holes at the top. This ensures almost even utilisation of the entire surface of the fluoride filters, from bottom to top.
Yes, the BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filters are designed to be fully compatible with Berkey water filter. They are attached directly to the Black Berkey filters and therefore also hang in the lower tank, just like the Berkey fluoride filters. This allows you to continue using your existing Berkey system while benefiting from BOROUX's advanced fluoride-reducing technology. Of course, they also fit in conversions of other brands of gravity water filters, provided they use Black Berkey filters or BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters.
Need help determining compatibility? Then get in touch with us!
You may taste a subtle earthy or mineral-like taste when you first use your new BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride filters. This is perfectly normal and temporary.
These filters use high-quality filter media that may initially give off a harmless taste. To avoid this, we recommend priming each filter with higher water pressure for at least 10 minutes before installing them. In tests, this method solved the taste problem in 100% of cases.
For the most effective priming, use the blue silicone primer supplied with the filters or the BOROUX Automatic Filter Primer Pump (electric). These help flush the filters completely and properly, ensuring that your water tastes great from the start.
BOROUX Automatic Filter Primer Pump (electric)
Incorrect priming can lead to cloudy water, lower flow rate, uneven filtration and shorter filter life. The primer pump ensures consistent, correct priming for optimum filter performance.
On the contrary, by using the Primer Pump, a complete and consistent priming guaranteed, extending the life of your filter and optimising filtration performance.
Yes. The Primer Pump is compatible with Black Berkey filters and BOROUX Foundation™ Black and BOROUX Proactive Fluoride filters (adapter included with fluoride filters).
No, the Primer Pump is not waterproof. Do not completely immerse the Primer Pump in water.
The light on your primer pump gives you quick insight into the current battery status. This means each colour and the way it is lit:
Continuous green: fully charged and ready to use
Flashing green: charging
Flashing red: battery level is lower than 25% - charging soon
Continuously red / no light / empty: battery is low - should be charged immediately
If you are not sure if the pump is working properly, we recommend charging it fully and checking the light again.
With a full battery, you can do at least 10 filters priming before you need to recharge the pump.
It takes about 90 seconds to fully prime one filter.
BOROUX glass drinking bottle
The cap is made of high-quality stainless steel (304).
Yes, the BOROUX glass drinking bottle is dishwasher safe, but the stainless steel cap should only be washed by hand.
BOROUX glass drinking bottles can be used repeatedly without releasing harmful chemicals into the water. The cap is stainless steel inside and out and has a silicone seal. With the BOROUX glass drinking bottle, you benefit from the convenience of plastic without endangering your health.
Although borosilicate glass is resistant to temperature changes (as it does not expand like ordinary glass), we recommend using BOROUX glass drinking bottles only for cold drinks.
Borosilicate glass has a wide range of applications. It is often used in cookware and laboratory equipment, as well as in high-performance products such as optical lenses, implantable medical devices and aerospace equipment. It is also a popular material among artists, such as glass sculptors.
While not completely unbreakable, it is more durable than ordinary glass. The bottom of the BOROUX glass drinking bottle is about 300% thicker than that of competing bottles to prevent breakage. When broken, borosilicate glass tends to crack into large pieces rather than shatter (it will break rather than splinter).
Borosilicate glass is a higher-quality glass that is stronger, more durable and, above all, more resistant to cracks and thermal shock.
No, the Move Sleeve should only be washed by hand.
Absolutely! The sleeve is vacuum-insulated to keep drinks hot or cold for long periods of time.
You can get your BOROUX glass drinking bottle Use in your Move Sleeve to cold drinks keep cold for long periods of time. Keep ice cream frozen all day.
Borosilicate glass is resistant to temperature fluctuations (as it does not expand like ordinary glass). We recommend using hotter liquids in the Move Sleeve only if you place the glass drinking bottle in the Move Sleeve first before pouring the liquid in, as the glass will be very hot.
The white silicone ring is meant to be placed in the bottom of the Move Sleeve to stabilise the bottle. However, not all bottles need the ring; it is mainly there if the bottle is a bit looser in the Move Sleeve. If you experience problems with the threads at the top, try adjusting or removing the ring to see if that solves the problem.
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