berkey-water-filter-guide
Berkey water filter systems are widely considered the gold standard in water purification across domestic and commercial buildings across the world. The systems are made in the USA, but we have plenty of Berkey-compatible water filters stocked here at Finerfilters for use at home, in the office, or off-grid.
Berkey filters are well-renowned for removing 99.9% of harmful chemicals and lasting up to 11 years. This guide will cover all you need to know about Berkey and their water filters.
What is a Berkey Water Filter?
A Berkey water filter is a gravity-fed filtration system designed to purify drinking water without the need for plumbing or electricity.
Water is poured into the top chamber and sifts through filter elements before collecting in the bottom chamber.
The brand has a strong reputation for durability, efficiency, and performance, with many users relying on Berkey systems both at home and in off-grid situations.
The Benefits of Berkey Water Filters
Berkey systems are capable of removing over 200 contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and pesticides, with the right filters.
They operate without electricity or complicated installs like you find with other units. They’re portable and made with durable stainless steel in most cases.
Each filter element can purify thousands of litres of water, and they are easily replaced with Berkey-compatible replacement filters.
The Berkey Water Filter Replacement Process
To replace the filter in your Berkey system, you’ll need a new filter element, a priming tool or clean sponge, and access to clean water.
Remove the top chamber, unscrew the old filter and give the system a quick clean. Prime the new filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Brands like Newton, which produce Berkey-compatible products, will always recommend something along the lines of running cold water through the filter tool for several minutes until the water runs clear. This helps remove any manufacturing residue and ensures the filter media is fully saturated.
Then install the new filter(s) securely in the upper chamber. Reassemble the unit and run a test batch of water, discarding the first cycle to ensure everything’s working as it should.
How long do Berkey water filters last?
Berkey’s own filters and Berkey-compatible filter elements typically have a service life of around 1,500 litres each, or 3,000 litres per pair. Some estimates may suggest longer.
NSF certification requires filters to be tested at twice their stated capacity, providing a generous safety margin in practice. That said, to maintain the best possible filtration results, we recommend replacing your filters every 6 to 12 months.
It’s always wise to keep a spare set on hand to make replacing filters quick and hassle-free.
Buying & Setting Up Your Berkey Water Filter
Once you get your hands on your replacement filter(s), swapping it out should be quick and straightforward; you will not likely need professional help for this.
If you’re having trouble sourcing genuine Berkey water filters, there are plenty of high-quality compatible options available that perform just as well at an affordable price.
For more advice on choosing the right filter for your needs, explore our range of helpful blog guides, including detailed breakdowns on ceramic water filters, carbon water filters, and much more.