The lower container of my Berkey water filter is completely full of water, but there is (almost) no water coming out of the tap, how can this be?

There is then a so-called Airlock. In that case, the trays are so perfect on top of each other that no air can get in. It is difficult to predict in advance when this will occur, because sometimes they close too perfectly.

There are two ways to solve this problem:

Option 1. Make use of the Anti-Airlock Clip. If you ordered a Berkey water filter from the summer of 2022, you have already received it. In fact, this clip is included in the Priming Starter Kit, which came free with a Berkey water filter from summer 2022. Should you not have the Priming Starter Kit, you can order the Anti-Airlock Clip separately from us, click here.
You place the clip on the edge of the lower tray, with the rounded side facing outwards. You then put the upper container back on. Now enough air will be able to reach it, no vacuum will be created and the water will just come out properly.

Option 2. You can also try rotating the upper tray in different positions to see if it fits differently and lets air through. Another solution is to 'roll' the lower tray:
- Carefully remove any Black Berkey filter elements from the system and set the top tray aside.
- If already installed, remove the tap from the lower tray.
- Lay a towel on a smooth, hard surface. Lay the bottom tray on its side on the towel with the towel firmly in place.
- Apply light pressure on the side of the lower tray with both hands; roll the chamber back and forth on the hard surface. Focus your attention on the upper part of the lower bin. This will slightly reshape the lower chamber and allow good airflow between the upper and lower bin.

Should you opt for rolling, it might not be solved after one try, but then you could try again.