Berkey Water Filter System Troubleshooting Problems, System Maintenance

The Berkey Water Filter is pretty popular, and it does a decent job of filtering water. But there are issues with it, (design flaws) that cause it to not function properly, thereby requiring it to receive regular maintenance. Which unfortunately is a subject rarely talked about...
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[@njproductions407]

We just set up our Berkey Light about a month ago and we attached the fluoride to the black filters as well. Sadly, the flow slowed down already! I went through all the trouble of doing all that this man so helpfully detailed in this video. I scrubbed the black filters carefully and reattached the fluoride filters and it is flowing a bit faster now. Why would this happen so soon?! On a day when we're supposed to have guests coming over for dinner, this is a total inconvenience. So expensive, and still, no helpful troubleshooting videos from Berkey themselves! Come on Berkey! We expect better from you! Nevertheless, I thank Prepper U for this helpful video dealing directly with my problem.

[@wifeofagrumpyoldmarine428]

Omgosh I couldn’t figure why the water wasn’t dripping. I followed all your instructions, and one of the black seals(washer?)was missing. It was on the windowsill forever. My hubby had cleaned the Berkey last time. I cleaned everything up, put it ALL back together and it’s working! Yay! Thank you!

[@johngaltman]

I use two five gallon food grade buckets, and Berkey filters to make the same thing for a lot less money.

[@AllisWell-zr9hw]

I don't want my water touching plastic at all. Great idea though

[@cathyhumphries5870]

@STEADFAST HOMESTEADING 777 I don’t want to sound like a smarty pants, but, you don’t swallow that much toothpaste. 😁❤️🙏

[@xoxAnd1xox]

This was SUPER HELPFUL thank you soooo much…I actually called Berkey and shockingly the gentleman didn’t sound like he cared enough to speak to me 😢

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

I'm Different ..I made my own Buckley .I got to filters. Two plastic buckets and two pocket plastic containers and made my own four quarter of the price it works great now that's true prepping my friend.. hell yeah.😃

[@ableprepper]

I've had my Berkey for two years. It came with maintenance instructions that described how to do exactly what you did. They also cautioned to be extremely careful when attaching and removing the filters because they are fragile. I have cleaned my Berkey every three months and luckily have had no problems. Berkey recommends to filter and treat dirty water before inserting in the upper reservoir. I have the optional sight tube and have marked it in one quart increments. I keep my "refill" container under the spigot and sight tube just in case I do misjudge how much water I refilled it with. Is it perfect? No, but it's the best currently available. I do not consider any of this issues a real problem. Big fan of you and your channel. Stay frosty!

[@leatherneckprepper4477]

I disagree about the spigot being at the lowest point in the bottom. If there is any sediment you want it to sink to the bottom so it’s not coming out of the Spicket into your drinking water. I have never had any slime issues with my system and my filters I clean about every three months. So far my system has worked exactly as advertised. If you fill water daily in it without filling it all the way up you are only using a certain portion of the filter. It’s best to empty the Berkey then refill it using the entire filter so you don’t use just the lower portions.. When I empty mine out it takes 46 cups of water and I don’t have to worry about it overflowing.

[@MomCheeto4]

We purchased our Berkey in 2020 and from watching other videos could see the problems with not being able to gauge how much water was in the bottom chamber. Fortunately, Berkey offered a glass spigot which we bought, as well, and that has been very helpful.

[@HectorPerez-tb8hn]

after just a few days of owning one I believe that it's way over price !! I might just go back to my DYI system !! hey you nailed my 3 points of concern, spigot, filters and air gap issues !!

[@PrepperUniversity]

In my thinking, if you have to maintenance this every few weeks using tap water, what happens when you're using water from a creek/river/etc... You would constantly be cleaning it, and it takes water to clean the system!

[@cww53132]

I believe Berkey suggests you clean your filter and unit once a month. I live in a city with some of the most disgusting water ever and had no issues with my Berkey. They also sell a water spigot that is all metal and they have looking glass units forsale.

[@afriendtoo6971]

My understanding is they want to keep the bottom of the filters moist so there will always be a small amount of water standing in the bottom.

[@claytongehrke2176]

I was going to get one for Christmas , now I’m going to keep exploring my options

[@ms.t6260]

Why? I love mine. Dont let this video scare you they are great. These owners aren’t maintaining them properly

[@cathyhumphries5870]

I am so tired of trying to make a decision on which water system, which solar generator, which solar panels,which gas and propane generator to purchase, I’m going to lose my mind. Oh, and, which pressure canner. I guess now I need to decide which anxiety meds I need!!!😱😁❤️🙏

[@spankymagee]

Its intentional that they aren't at the lowest point. Just like in fuel tanks. Whatever sediment happens to make it through the system will fall to the bottom and settle. The top tank sediment settling prolongs the filters by not going through them. With any water on the planet, if its not constantly flowing, it gets stagnant and moldy. I think they need air filters that are the only way to displace air with the outflowing water. Filters that take bacteria and mold from being able to get in from the airflow between the 2 tanks. Supposedly if the berkey filters take out all organisms in the water and you had some air displacement organism filters, it would be impossible to have organisms growing in there.

[@cherylkoyzan5674]

Thank you so much for the great explanation. Mine has stopped working just today after having it for 3 years. Who knew?

[@PrepperUniversity]

Glad it helped

[@StarwaterCWS]

What I did is turn the filter base upside down and I purge tap water from the kitchen faucet using a silicon food grade tube. Zero leaks. This keeps the filters out of standing water and time to fill is about five minutes. Another huge plus is you don’t need to worry about sealing them via the plastic posts. Berkey engineers missed the easy solution. Easy peasy.

[@bradkaral1188]

Would you please explain what these steps are you describe and your rationale for why they'll fix/prevent the problem escribed? I'm not getting what you mean.

[@StarwaterCWS]

@@bradkaral1188 which problem are you trying to solve? This video addresses a few. I address the filter cleaning problem; filters left in standing water will collect bacteria forming a slime that requires scrubbing. Some people use potato peelers to scrape away the surface which is a terrible thing to do. I posted a video of how I do what I described. In effect, you can greatly extend the life of a filter by allowing the filter to dry between fillings preventing bacteria growth on the filter. Cheers. My video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lae1fXV-q9Sjjacsi=j3-3gNXarsQNW9Sa

[@bradkaral1188]

@@StarwaterCWS Hm...you've turned the Berkey world on its head. 🙂 That's a very interesting idea. What size silicone tubing fit the filter entrance?

[@keisha717]

If you are bugged out, or if the power is off in your home, be careful not to let the filters FREEZE.

[@PrepperUniversity]

Good point!

[@colleenavery232]

Cleaning the filters w/our spigots which all have sprayers or some attachment on them, was more messy than productive. Someone elsewhere mentioned using a brand new cheap garden pressure sprayer so I applied that principle w/our hose. On most nozzles click it to JET setting, fits perfectly on the ring and and the pressure cleans it out in seconds rather than messing w/the sink and getting soaked.

[@PrepperUniversity]

Great tip!

[@NoNORADon911]

I shot mine with buckshot, drains fine now

[@nawtsurprised]

but filters not so good? LOL

[@fearmonger2208]

That's what I'd like to do with my piece of crap. It would make a great target. I'd get a really nice ping! Berkeys are worthless. 🙄

[@reneesilverthorn569]

I just started smelling mold in the water. Realized there was standing water not going down. Had no idea that could happen and I'm one who felt you should just add water. Just purged it today and cleaned EVERYTHING.

[@PrepperUniversity]

Exactly why I did the video. A lot of people just don't know.

[@molasisaj1]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I had so much slime and I pre-filter my water!! It is also good to clean around the edge of the filters with a baby bottle or straw cleaning brush. A sponge is not good enough to get in the cracks. This same gunk is also inside the spigot.

[@bruceharvell8059]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

[@TheSheepDogPatriot1776]

Q-tips in the nozzle(spigot) to clean.

[@jopiaspieder1184]

Thank you for this review and after the flaws you just I will look for another alternative to filter my water

[@seeuatnoon4995]

thank you. I have noticed this problem too

[@PrepperUniversity]

Glad it helped

[@pierrevautard6463]

Bonjour ! Thank you very much for this video. We have had a Berkey since January 2019... The water here (in Normandie) is very hard, so I clean it once a month. We have added Stones to remineralize the water and stop certain products that they let pass ! I have a problem with the filter threads which are very very fragile. I cheated by putting silicone tape on it. For the moment it's holding up... I'm going to buy another pair of filters and change them in 18 months to 2 years ! Merci beaucoup !

[@PrepperUniversity]

A lot of people don't realize how difficult it can be to work with!

[@pierrevautard6463]

@@PrepperUniversity Yep ! It's a big problem and difficult with threads. For the price between 90 and 200.00 €,here, it's unacceptable !

[@kindnessconnection6836]

How often should we clean it? New sponges, I assume? I was sad to hear this but EXTREMELY GRATEFUL!🤗😍😥😷

[@PrepperUniversity]

I would routinely clean it about every six weeks or so with constant use, (more if you are using dirty water).

[@lynntomk]

Yep, I noticed the standing water. I'll be dumping it from now on. I clean the system once a month. Vinegar and water to wipe out the stainless, rinse and refill. I got a clip that slips down on the lip on the top that came with the until in a small plastic bag. I almost tossed it. Berkey offers a water gauge on a spicket for 45 if you want to replace the one you have. I bought the stainless one. Not a fan of the plastic one.

[@Gonesquirrely]

I’m on myself third failed filter. The first two failed the red dye test, the third one passed it, but now I have a lot of sediment in my glass electric kettle, from water from my Berkey, after using the new filter for a week.

[@PrepperUniversity]

Just making a general warning about how dirty these things can get, (and quickly)! Too many people have one of these in storage, thinking that if disaster fell they can dredge water out of a swamp and dump it in a Berkey and they'll be fine. It simply won't work how they think it will...

[@fearmonger2208]

Yeah mine is a piece of crap too. After plenty of washing and changing to brand new filters. Even if it DID work, all the required maintenance is NOT worth the price tag...

[@vanderpoolfarmsl.l.c.9983]

If (when) I were to find slime on the filters to the extent that you highlighted, I would sanitize with purex. No amount of scrubbing and rinsing will kill the infection. Sanitize , backflush, rinse, backflush again and then put back into use.

[@vanderpoolfarmsl.l.c.9983]

@@chriskaring1200 It means the opposite of front flush.

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

I also solved that problem with my own homemade Berkeley filter.. because mine is smaller when I finish with it any leftover water is thrown out so there's never water left in my Berkeley oh my DIY Buckley should say and that's how you do it. Hell yeah.😃

[@susieserb6068]

when it's done I dump that 1inch of water out.

[@PreparednessVeteran]

Yes, I've encountered the same problems, normally clean mine every 3 months. I'm always wary of over tightening the fragile plastic threads, a critical point of fragility and failure.

[@PreparednessVeteran]

@Sicsemperevellomortemtyrannis youtubesucks Recommended cleaning and priming should be every 12 months

[@cbartrug924]

With all that slime it appears it's been some time since this unit has been cleaned, in the owners manual it says should be cleaned at least once a month.

[@MylesEFlynn]

After the asteroid hits, where ya gonna get the clean water to wash your clean water maker?

[@matt3608]

This is extremely helpful! Thank you buddy!!

[@PrepperUniversity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@theepiphanyplaybook9969]

Getting ready to clean mine, hopefully it will help my slow flow!

[@PrepperUniversity]

Should work better!

[@lm9753]

Very, very helpful. Thanks for the great vid.

[@PrepperUniversity]

Thanks for watching!

[@lananeedham]

Ours had to be cleaned after the first week.

[@PrepperUniversity]

They can be high maintenance. I worry about people who bought one and put it up thinking they were going to dump swamp water through it during an emergency.

[@wellsaid9663]

I purchased a Berkey about 3yrs ago - tested it, put it back in the box (its for emergency situations), pulled it out just to test it and attach a water level sight spigot after i did, the Berkey leaked - i tried and tried to reseat the spigot and washer (being careful while doing so) but those CHEAP PLASTIC PARTS that you mentioned proved to be just that; they FAILED and Berkey (the company) has FAILED WITH ME for using shoddy parts. I'm sure Berkey is now too "wealthy" to care but' For The Record; I would never knowingly purchase an item for an emergency (and risk my family's safety & security), if I were aware that a product was made with shoddy materials, that's why I have a Berkey (because "I" didn't know). Shame on "NEW MILLENNIUM CONCEPTS"!!!

[@PrepperUniversity]

I find the constant maintenance a problem. Many people get one of these so that they can have a filtering option for emergencies. So if you have to scrub the thing down at least every 4-6 weeks using tap water, what are you going to have to deal with if you are using creek water? (and it takes water to clean it)!

[@fearmonger2208]

@@PrepperUniversity Sooooo true. They don't tell you about all the required maintenance. They just give a free one to a bunch of KZbinrs praising the benefits. Thank you for being honest brother. Appreciate it.

[@UFRooster]

Where were you Wednesday when I ordered a Crown with 8 filters? 😏. Thanks for the heads up, I was abit concerned about that. I purchased for an emergency purpose so I’ll probably empty to top portion each time.

[@UFRooster]

They actually sell a sight tube attached to the spigot for most models so you know how full it is.

[@PrepperUniversity]

It should be alright with regular maintenance.

[@wtywatoad]

The greater number of ways you can access, or create potable water, the better.

[@thatsjustwrong100]

sight glass like on a coffee machine

[@barbarabergner2515]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@PrepperUniversity]

You're welcome!

[@kindnessconnection6836]

WHERE do we send your Christmas gift to? There is nothing that shows up that we can connect with.

[@PrepperUniversity]

There are several links in the description including a paypal connection and a PO box.

[@victoriaplumley3421]

Very Helpful, thank you

[@PrepperUniversity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dennislock9019]

Made diy model with food safe buckets put a sight tube on it with fittings found at menards,works well.Thought a strategically placed tube with an airstone might take care of the vacuum problem and provide some incoming air filtration.A regular filtration with a clorine disenfectant solution might take care of the "slime".

[@winterradicallds8353]

The standing water shouldn't be any problem if your drinking the water and refilling the Berkey every day or three I filter rain water from my roof and have never had that problem but I do clean the filters every 6 months, one problem I do have though is the Berkey create a upper vacuum and then won't drain through the filters to the lower unit. Thanks for your video

[@doublem1971]

Much appreciated.

[@leatherneckprepper4477]

Yes this video is helpful as always.

[@ragnarmjolnir9654]

3rd channel? Fix it with Dave? 👍🇺🇸✌🖖

[@KRich408]

You should have put a hand towel on the sink so you don't scratch or damage the tank,

[@ms.t6260]

He should have done alot of things

[@laanierhae]

My Travel Berkey arrived yesterday. I primed the filters, followed assembly instructions, and the upper chamber still hasn't emptied now 24 hours later. Am I doing something wrong? I was hoping this video covered that issues, but I'll keep looking for other vids on this topic. Thanks for covering these design flaws. Good to know what to look for.

[@PrepperUniversity]

May need to purge the filters? force air or water through them in reverse through the tubes?

[@conged4718]

I soaked (submerged) them overnight

[@ittibittinurse]

My metal spigot leaked not at the washer site but closer to the lever. I took it out and put it back in and now water will not come out of the spigot. Berkey does have the spigot with the glass measurement that supposedly shows you how much water is left in the lower chamber.

[@sabrinawaltayou1697]

Thank you

[@PrepperUniversity]

Welcome!

[@botanicalcrown1480]

Thank you!

[@PrepperUniversity]

You're welcome!

[@SofiNme365]

Very helpful 💙🙏

[@PrepperUniversity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thewarriorandthegarden1562]

Amazing video and I don't know y I didn't think about this cause it's simple thinking if you kno what I mean

[@gizmosworld5855]

Me too! I didn’t think of it either. Until about 1 month ago & cleaned ours. I didn’t know that we were supposed to hold the filters a certain way or take them out to clean.

[@sewtritionistrdn1956]

Though I've not had this issue, thanks for the info. I will keep it in mind if this becomes an issue later.

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

Re distilled water: I was reading an early 1900's Audel's handbook that discussed distilled water machines that ran unattended 24/7 producing water for use in electric car batteries. (The book even gives instructions on how to reconditition lead acid batteries...good luck getting the needed raw materials these days). Would not concentrating on a homemade distillation setup be easier to maintain? Stainless steel tubing, etc(?) Can one easily supplement lost minerals(?)

[@nawtsurprised]

Almost all of your minerals come from your food.

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

@@nawtsurprised Thanks!

[@nawtsurprised]

@@obsoleteprofessor2034 years ago I had read that you would need to drink about 400 gallons of water per day to get the minerals your body needs per day.

[@Rogerthat777]

There is a relatively affordable liquid supplement you can mix with your coffee or other drink that wonderfully remineralizes your body called Fulvic Acid derived from food grade earth. If your local vitamin store doesn't carry it, go to vitacost.com or equivalent online

[@Masterclassonlife]

Do you have a recommended water filtration system?

[@sunset6010]

Reverse Osmosis

[@bingbangboom9008]

@@sunset6010 thats not realistic for most people... your talking legit several thousand dollars.. 3k to 4k for one of those systems

[@supertom8552]

Thank you , great info !

[@PrepperUniversity]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@spacekat8249]

Very useful, thanks!

[@PrepperUniversity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markkrause4407]

There are several units that take standard filters , much cheaper to replace and if need be you could convert this one (Berkey) with some pvc work . Choose your material it is all workable.

[@bingoboppins9875]

Thanks for the video. I’ve noticed a few of these myself and found it rather frustrating during maintenance time. Do you still use your Berkey, or have you found a better alternative?

[@PrepperUniversity]

I still use it, just have to stay on top of it.

[@key4us2c]

It should be standard to impregnate the charcoal substrate of filters with silver to eliminate the growth of pathogens. I had a sink top system that worked well, not sure but it may have been called an nsa. No matter, the concept of using silver's anti-pathogen properties to charcoal filters brings it to the next level. IMHO. Good heads up on the standing water of that system. Thanks

[@Mr_Right]

Or just drop a piece of silver in the top tank.

[@key4us2c]

@@Mr_Right In a pinch, that may work , but not as well as would silver in a colloidal form dispersed in the filter itself. It's all about maximizing the surface area for the greatest contact. Another way to sterilize water after filtering is to use a sodium chlorite solution with added citric acid solution to activate it. That is chlorite with a "t" not a "d". Bonus is that it promotes good health by destroying any pathogens in the body. This I know from personal experience.

[@lightlady7433]

Are you referring to Chlorine Dioxide? That’s what I was thinking of doing.

[@lenwenzel5444]

Our question is and no one has addressed it! After the fluoride filters are in place and the water is now filtering through once the water level in the bottom container reaches the fluoride filter what will cause it to continue to drip through? Wont the water stop going through the fluoride filters? the water level is going to stop the dripping process?

[@maddog2557]

Thanks!!!

[@lialowe5301]

Thanks for this informative video, I am having a unique problem that I can't yet solve with my berkey that maybe you have some insight on... We pour well water into our Berkey, and it drains well for about 1/2 of the full hopper, then slows down to very slow drops. So, I empty it, scrub with a brush and re-prime, and then it will drain well again for another 1/2 full hopper. I've only had my unit for 2 months and we are just using it on weekends (at the cottage), and for the past few visits, I have had to do this scrub and re-prime EVERYDAY! Our water is not that dirty, so not sure what the problem is....any advice would be appreciated!

[@roser7441]

I have same problem! New purchase, not a month has passed and my filter is so slow! Clean every day which didn’t even help! Did Not provide even a gallon a day! Please let me know how did you solve your problem?!

[@cherylsweeney755]

Same here... will not filter...

[@irinazbudovski6402]

Same problem with my filter. Just got new filters about a month ago and it slows down filtering about half way through.

[@belovdlady3558]

Adding my “same” here. The filters are not slimy. Just slow to a halt about halfway down.

[@fearmonger2208]

Mine is slow as heck AND it doesn't filter worth crap. Cleaned, bought brand new filters and still the same problem. This thing is expensive junk!

[@llb6234]

I really struggled to assemble this because I am not mechanically inclined. The instructions were atrocious and incomplete regarding the priming process for the water filter cartridges. The hole for the water to pass from top the bottom is less than an inch wide for two holes and cartridgea screw into these. So far almost no water is filtering. Is this really any better than a Brita? Is there a simpler table top model that filters contaminated water. I may soon put this whole unit in the recycle bin.

[@37geese]

Have you used the fluoride filters? You want to talk about a design flaw, the fluoride filters actually attach to the black filters inside the clean water well...so basically the fluoride filters themselves hang down into your clean water.

[@poolahpot]

and i believe they use aluminum in them to filter out the flouride? 😬

[@lightlady7433]

Well this makes me unhappy. I bought the fluoride filters. I’ve only had mine a day. The water tastes weird too. It all appears to be working correctly, but the taste. 😕

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

Do you have any experience with the portable filters? I’ve got a few life straws in my pack for emergency use, but I was looking at something like the camelbak hose filters so I can throw dirty water in the camelbak and go if I need to, but their size has me doubting their effectiveness

[@ms.t6260]

There is a small 22oz that i use when i travel and it works fine you have to suck the water through a straw but i highly recommend that one perfect for a backpack and also on the go for traveling

[@davej7458]

Lifestraws are very handy but have three disadvantages one is that they can become clogged quite easily and they have no effective way to back flush or clean them. The second is sharing them among a group of people can be quite difficult. And the third they are not suited to Preparing water for cooking purposes. A very effective water filter that you should consider for about the same price is the Sawyer Mini this filter comes with a backflush device, and a small platypus bag type container for raw water. They generaly will filter more water in real life use. PS. If you're dealing with viruses most filters require an additional step with chemical disinfectants after the water is filtered.

[@PrepperUniversity]

No, I haven't messed with those too much.

[@barrylitchfield8357]

Berkey is selling the sight guages, so there's a dis-incentive for them to give it away on the tank.

[@reginabiwald5050]

What if you empty each time before adding new water the entire water? Means every day! I am new to this system just a thought! I just built mine up and the entire water came out I guess via the spigot? I will try to remove the spigot and hopefully this problem will be solved! Thankful for any comments!

[@johndicks6676]

It’s called routine maintenance. Berkey informed me of this when I bought the system.

[@ZenithClarity]

I watched review after review on a berkey system for years and finally broke down and bought a big berkey system two yrs ago. Right away I noticed the problems you mentioned here. Way too many weak points. Sure, you can upgrade this and that but just adds lots of expense to an already very expensive system. The filters are terribly priced and just went up in price again. The stainless is very thin and really doesnt even support the weight of filters. Which will cause distortion and a bad seal from upper to lower chamber. Not good at all.

[@PrepperUniversity]

A lot of people have one of these put up for emergencies, not using them daily. They figure they can dump any old water in there and have a regular source. Unfortunately the truth is that with the amount of regular maintenance required you can only dump creek water in this so much and then you'll need to scrub it down, and you need more water to do that!

[@fearmonger2208]

I completely agree! Way too much hype for the price. It's very expensive bullsh*t.

[@bingbangboom9008]

@@fearmonger2208 Very expensive But wouldnt call it bs Look.. i own one.. I know The problems and design flaws are evident And it shouldnt be so cumbersome to maintain do this that But the water tests done on big berkey water vs almost all other competitors filters etc is what puts it all to rest Berkey is some of the cleanest water imaginable. plenty of indepedent peoole have done tests im sure you cam find videos all over the net.. Im going to still put up with my big berkeys bs to have some of the cleanest water i can get

[@Solved-with-an-Axe]

realize the first few used you should throw the water out or refilter as it has a gritty taste. 2. if not using all the filters (4) at once make sure you use the black plugs by pushing them in TIGHTLY or it may seep into the water you just purified. Filters are expensive, but the white filters can be had to a fraction of the black and do about 95% of what the black will do.

[@LindaG858]

Considering all the problems & way over-priced, may get rid of mine.

[@PrepperUniversity]

It doesn't work the way it's expected to.

[@stever417]

The green scotch pad is included so you can wipe off the slime.

[@lenwenzel5444]

My idea of a perfect water filter is buying charcoal granules in bulk, place as much granules in a large or small container, pour the water in, whish it around to allow the charcoal granules to collect impurities, dip out your water as you use it or need it into jugs, When you need to purify the granules from the contaminants place in the sun for a few hours or in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes and reuse! Just read up on charcoal granules and you will find people doing that for their fish tanks as well! And why is fluoride and whatever those filters take out, doing that charcoal won't?

[@rammur1]

I put Canada 9999 silver coin in mine , one top and bottom

[@pjmcduffie2552]

Thank you for your video,, really appreciate it! What system do you feel is the best for non contaminated water as far as better a designed system?

[@BELCAN57]

Looks like Berkey has some work to do.

[@PrepperUniversity]

They're selling out all the time, so I'm sure they're in no hurry to make any changes.

[@poolahpot]

@@PrepperUniversity probably because very famous youtubers promote it! 🧐

[@NC_SUGAR]

How can you stop the air lock ? I have that problem. Other than that it seems to work well. When it goes back into air lock I can't get water from the spigot. Takes 10 minutes to get a full coffee mug of water!

[@PrepperUniversity]

Some people put something between the upper and lower unit to create a tiny gap to allow air circulation.

[@kindnessconnection6836]

I have searched my phone which displays your wonderful program, there is nowhere in any of your videos that says where to connect to send you some cash. What next? Any suggestions?

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

Take my advice guys or fellow Preppers ..make your own don't pay three four hundred dollars no Buckley just buy the filters and make your own.. I did it's very very cheap and effective and you can take it to your bug after places to cuz it won't have to be so big hell yeah.😃

[@albrown8196]

We set up our 3 gallon system and one filter is still dripping pink from the red dye. We reassembled 3 times, one filter works, the other does not..HELP!

[@randyevartsjr4729]

Good video. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Couldn't you just dump the excess water out after each use? Pain in the neck....especially considering the high price tag on one of those. But it seems like a simple solution. Glad I didn't buy one. Replacement filters aren't cheap either.

[@IncognitoMouse]

I have heard of people putting .999 silver coins in the bottom to reduce bacterial growth.

[@pfrancis7483]

Might want to use gloves if you filter public water because of the chlorine content. Wouldn't want you to see pink porcupines floating in blue unicorn caramel dung. Wouldn't be good. Ha-ha-ha. Great video, guy! You know, your voice and accent- inflection is a selling point in your videos, too. It always sounds so serious and people should be able to listen closer. Pure common sense and you spell it out for the more clueless of us. Pragmatic, correct, straight, true-- a great prepper source.

[@SacredDirt]

Coffee Mug Dude! Just scrub the filters with a green scrubby (lightly). I've watched videos and done it. It works well. Takes five minutes.

[@SacredDirt]

Oh, I see you are doing that. But your sponge is blue. Not recommended.

[@SacredDirt]

They sell the clear gauges

[@SacredDirt]

Still thumbing up your video because I love you.

[@midnightgreen4494]

Hello, Upon submitting a question on the website concerning problem with the Berkey Water Filter, your site appeared. I am hopeful that you will be able to respond with a resolution to my problem.Today I realize that water was leaking from the black rubber at the bottom my Berkey The faucet wouldn't release any water flow as previous. I removing the water manually. I realize that this unit was assembled incorrectly. The Fluoride & Arsenic Reduced Elements were attached to the filters on the opposite side. The other two holes weren't closed off. The Fluoride Elements were removed. The water in this area had some small partials flowing. I washed the unit out, the filters were not slumpy, refilled the unit and no release of water thus far. It has been several hours. I would appreciate if you could advise me as to what the problem is at this point. Thanks in advance for reviewing this inquiry. ( FYI: I am now a subscriber)

[@luckyluchiano4759]

Great video! Thanks. Is it worth buying?

[@ms.t6260]

Yes i love mine

[@fearmonger2208]

Nope. It's garbage. Even if it did work, too much maintenance required.

[@pristinabread]

How fast or how quickly should the waster be coming out of the bottom filters? It seems to me that in my berkey it's coming through way too fast. I can't find any information on this. I have the black filters and the while filters.

[@PrepperUniversity]

Is it firmly plugged up? Those rubber stoppers they provide tend to wear out...

[@toddstewart6368]

My new Big Berkey is taking less than 30 minutes to empty into the lower chamber. Could the filters be defective? Berkey says it takes 2 hours or more.

[@PrepperUniversity]

Are the silicone plugs in tightly enough?

[@toddstewart6368]

@@PrepperUniversity Yes they are

[@foxmulder7616]

I heard you can blow the filters out with compressed air and reuse them, is that true??

[@PrepperUniversity]

I haven't tried it.

[@businessskillsskills4702]

Hi my water smells like rotten eggs the BlackS k filters are new I put white fluriide filters in

[@lvxleather]

My Travel Berkey sucks, it doesn't change the amount of dissolved solids from the tap, complete POS.

[@PrepperUniversity]

It doesn't work the way people expect it to...

[@katkat-fm3wj]

Do we run water through the filters to get the sweating for the 2nd cleaning?

[@colbullsigh6823]

Do you only need to backwash the filters, or can you buy replacements?

[@nawtsurprised]

Replacements are available, or at least they were years ago when I purchased mine.

[@davidbladen5667]

You can find replacement filters on Amazon

[@oemalya6011]

Who else have a problem with that 2 black screws they are spinning and the water is coming out the side of the screws. help please

[@biblebeliever4570]

I have alexapure. They are exact same design, different filters. My water has so much calcium so i have to clean the hard build up off as good as possible. I never get all of it.

[@ludicrousone8706]

How is the quality of the plastic parts?