Testing the Black Berkey Purification Elements
To determine whether the Black Berkey Elements are working properly,
perform the following test using red food coloring.
Note:
Due to its specific composition, only food coloring that is red in color
can be used. Natural dyes that are red in color, such as vegetable juices,
cannot be used in place of red food coloring.
1. Confirm that the placement of the element washer and wing nut
are correct. The washer should be inside the upper chamber and
the wing nut should be on the underside of the upper chamber.
2. If your Berkey system contains the optional PF-2 Fluoride and
Arsenic Reduction Elements in addition to the Black Berkey
Elements,
remove the PF-2 elements prior to the test.
3. Place a glass under each element to catch the filtered water.
4. Fill the upper chamber with water so that the Black Berkey
Elements are completely submerged.
5. Add one teaspoon of red food coloring for every gallon of water
that is in the upper chamber of the system. The water in the
upper chamber should have a red tint.
6. Allow the water to filter into the glasses.
7. If the filtered water has a pink or red tint, contact Customer
Service.
Note:
Test your system upon first use, every three to six months, before you
take your system out of the country, or any time you use your system after
drying and storing the elements for an extended period of time.
Other Tips:
• Do not allow wet purification elements to freeze.
• Do not place purification elements in dishwasher.
• Do not place purification elements in microwave oven.
• Do not boil purification elements.
• Do not clean purification elements with detergents or soaps.
• Do not store purification elements until completely dry.
• Do not allow purification elements to sit in the direct sun
for extended periods of time.
• Do not place Berkey system near a heat source or in direct
sunlight.
• Do not use elements to filter sea water or softened water.
Why is the Filtered Water Cloudy?
• Cloudy filtered water may indicate the PF-2 elements still
contain some residual manufacturing dust. Re-prime the PF-2
elements again following the “Priming Tips” for the PF-2
elements found on page 10.
Why is there a Residue in the Chambers and Cookware?
• Naturally-occurring minerals such as calcium and magnesium
carbonates, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates can leave
deposits in the Berkey chambers as well as cookware that have
contained the filtered water. These deposits can be removed by
thoroughly cleaning the chambers and cookware. For cleaning
instructions, see “Cleaning the Chambers of the Berkey
System” found on page 12.
What can be done if the Filtered Water has an Unexpected Taste?
• Test the Black Berkey Elements. To ensure the elements are
properly filtering the water, perform the red food coloring test
using the instructions found on page 9.
• Re-prime the PF-2 elements. If your Berkey system contains
the optional PF-2 elements, the taste may be due to residual
manufacturing dust that was not removed during the priming
process. See the “Priming Tips” for the PF-2 elements that are
provided on page 10 as well as the PF-2 element “Trouble
shooting” on page 11.
• Clean your Berkey system. Follow the “Routine Cleaning and
Maintenance” instructions that are provided on page 12.
Guarantee/Warranty
We at Berkey Filters pride ourselves on customer satisfaction. If you are
experiencing a problem with one of our products, we will work with you to
correct the issue. If it becomes necessary for you original order, allowing for
faster processing of your return. Please allow 7 to 10 business days to
process your return once we receive it at our facility. At that time, we will
either ship out a replacement part, or issue you a refund per your instruc-
tions. The amount of the refund will be determined based on the terms of
your warranty.
9
14
