Installing filter elements in a Berkey® system is straightforward once the elements are properly prepared and the sealing hardware is positioned correctly. Whether you're assembling a new system or replacing existing elements, the basic process is to prime the elements, position the sealing washer, mount each element in the upper chamber, hand-tighten the wing nut, close any unused filter holes, and complete the appropriate post-installation check.
Black Berkey® Elements and Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements use a similar basic mounting arrangement, but preparation and verification instructions can differ. Always follow the current instructions for the specific filter elements you are installing.
Before You Install Berkey Filter Elements
Before beginning, make sure you have the correct filter elements and installation components for your Berkey® system.
Depending on your configuration, you may need:
- New Black Berkey® Elements or Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements
- Rubber sealing washers
- Wing nuts
- A compatible Berkey® upper chamber
- The appropriate priming equipment
- Hole plugs or corks for unused mounting holes, where applicable
- The current instructions supplied with your filter elements
If you're replacing existing elements, separate the upper and lower chambers and empty any remaining water.
Wash the lid, upper and lower stainless-steel chambers, spigot, and applicable hole plugs according to the current system-cleaning instructions. Rinse thoroughly. Do not wash Black Berkey® or Phoenix filter elements with household soap or detergent unless the current instructions for that element specifically direct you to do so.
Inspect each new element and its hardware before installation. If an element or component appears damaged, do not install it.
Prime each new Black Berkey® or Phoenix Gravity filter element according to its current instructions before mounting it in the upper chamber. For more detail, see our How to Prime Berkey Filter Elements: Complete Guide.
How to Install Black Berkey® Elements
Black Berkey® Elements should be primed before installation using the appropriate priming method for the elements and equipment you received.
Step 1: Remove the Existing Elements
If you're replacing filters, separate the upper and lower chambers and empty the upper chamber.
Remove the wing nuts from the threaded stems of the existing filter elements and remove the old elements and washers.
Inspect the mounting holes and applicable blocking plugs before installing the new elements.
Step 2: Prime the Black Berkey® Elements
Remove or position the installation hardware as directed by the applicable priming instructions.
Prime each Black Berkey® Element using the priming equipment and instructions supplied with your elements. Depending on the priming method, water is introduced through the element's threaded stem until the element is properly saturated, in accordance with the applicable instructions.
Use cold water where specified by the manufacturer's priming procedure, and do not substitute an unofficial priming method.
If your replacement elements include a different priming accessory from one you have used previously, follow the instructions for the accessory supplied with those elements rather than relying on an older procedure.
Step 3: Position the Sealing Washer
Place the Black Berkey® sealing washer on the element's threaded stem as directed by the current installation instructions.
The sealing washer sits inside the upper chamber, between the base of the filter element and the stainless-steel chamber. It creates the seal around the mounting hole.
Step 4: Mount the Filter Element
Place the Black Berkey® Element inside the upper chamber and guide its threaded stem through an available mounting hole in the bottom of the chamber.
The filter body remains inside the upper chamber, while the threaded stem extends through the base of the chamber.
Repeat for each Black Berkey® Element being installed.
Step 5: Secure the Element
From below the upper chamber, thread the wing nut onto the exposed filter stem.
Hand-tighten the wing nut. The element should be secure, and the sealing washer should sit correctly against the inside of the chamber.
Do not use a wrench or other tool and do not overtighten the wing nut. Excessive tightening can damage the mounting components rather than improving the seal.
How to Install Phoenix Gravity Filter Elements
Installing Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements uses a similar basic mounting arrangement, but Phoenix Elements should be prepared and verified in accordance with their current instructions.
If you are replacing Black Berkey® Elements with Phoenix Gravity Elements, do not simply rely on the procedure you remember from your old elements. Follow the current Phoenix instructions supplied with your filters.
Step 1: Remove the Existing Elements
If you're replacing existing filters, separate the upper and lower chambers and empty the upper chamber.
Remove the wing nuts from the existing filter stems and remove the old elements and their washers.
Inspect the mounting holes and make sure they are clear and ready for the new elements.
Step 2: Inspect the Phoenix Elements
Inspect each Phoenix Gravity Element before installation. Check the element, threaded stem, sealing washer, and wing nut for visible damage, and ensure the required components are present.
Do not install an element or mounting component that appears damaged.
Step 3: Prime Each Phoenix Gravity Element
Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements should be primed before installation according to their current instructions.
Current Phoenix Elements include the PrimeEasy™ primer. Attach the primer to a compatible faucet and follow the supplied instructions, introducing water through the element's threaded stem until water beads consistently across the exterior surface as directed.
Prime each element individually.
If the package supplied with your Phoenix Elements contains different or updated priming equipment or instructions, follow those product-specific instructions.
For additional Phoenix information, see our Phoenix Gravity Filter Elements: Complete Guide.
Step 4: Position the Phoenix Sealing Washer
Position the large sealing washer over the Phoenix element's threaded stem, as per the current Phoenix instructions.
The sealing washer sits inside the upper chamber, between the filter element and the stainless-steel chamber. Make sure it sits flat and is not twisted or misaligned.
Step 5: Insert the Phoenix Gravity Element
Place the Phoenix element inside the upper chamber and guide the threaded stem through an available mounting hole in the chamber base.
The filter body remains inside the upper chamber while the threaded stem extends through the mounting hole.
Repeat the process for each Phoenix Gravity Element being installed.
Step 6: Secure the Phoenix Element
From below the upper chamber, thread the wing nut onto the exposed stem.
Hand-tighten the wing nut until the element is secure and the sealing washer is properly seated.
Do not use a wrench or other tool and do not overtighten the wing nut.
Step 7: Check the Installation
Before adding water, verify that:
- The Phoenix filter body is inside the upper chamber.
- The threaded stem passes through the chamber base.
- The sealing washer is inside the upper chamber between the filter and chamber.
- The wing nut is below/outside the upper chamber.
- The wing nut has been hand-tightened.
- The element sits securely and is not visibly misaligned.
- Any unused mounting holes are properly closed.
If something appears out of position, correct the installation before filling the system.
Black Berkey® vs. Phoenix Gravity Installation
The mounting arrangement is similar, but each filter element should still be prepared and checked according to its own instructions.
| Installation Detail | Black Berkey® Elements | Phoenix Gravity Elements |
| Filter position | Inside upper chamber | Inside upper chamber |
| Sealing washer | Inside upper chamber between element and chamber | Inside upper chamber between element and chamber |
| Wing nut | Below/outside upper chamber | Below/outside upper chamber |
| Tightening | Hand-tight | Hand-tight |
| Priming | Required; follow applicable Black Berkey® priming instructions | Required; follow current Phoenix instructions |
| Assembly-verification test | Follow applicable Black Berkey®/system instructions | Follow current Phoenix instructions |
| PF-2 compatibility | Compatible where applicable | Compatible where applicable; follow PF-2 instructions separately |
For a broader comparison of the two filter types, see Phoenix Gravity vs. Black Berkey® Elements: What's the Difference?
How Many Filter Elements Should You Install?
The number of filter mounting holes varies among Berkey® system models. You do not necessarily need to install a filter element in every available hole.
Follow the supported configuration for your particular system and filter elements. Larger systems may accommodate additional elements, thereby increasing the system's flow capacity.
Installing more elements does not increase the stainless-steel chamber's storage capacity, and additional elements should not be described as automatically providing “better” filtration.
Always stay within the supported number of elements for your particular Berkey® system.
What Should You Do With Unused Filter Holes?
Unused mounting holes must be properly closed using the appropriate blocking plugs or corks for the system configuration.
Do not leave an unused mounting hole open. Water entering an open hole would bypass the installed filter elements and pass directly into the lower chamber.
Before filling the upper chamber, verify that every opening contains either:
- A correctly installed filter element, or
- The appropriate blocking plug or cork installed according to the system instructions.
Do not substitute improvised plugs, sealants, adhesives, or unrelated hardware.
Can You Use PF-2™ Elements With Phoenix Gravity Filters?
Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are compatible with Berkey PF-2™ Elements where the applicable system configuration supports them.
However, PF-2 Elements have their own preparation and installation instructions. Prepare the PF-2 Elements according to those instructions before attaching them beneath the corresponding primary filter elements.
Do not assume that priming a Black Berkey® or Phoenix Gravity Element also prepares a PF-2 Element for use.
For current PF-2 product information, see Berkey PF-2™ Elements.
Reassemble the Berkey System and Run the First Batch
Once the elements and any applicable PF-2 Elements are properly installed, place the upper chamber onto the lower chamber.
Make sure the spigot is closed before filling the upper chamber.
Follow the current first-use instructions for the filter elements you installed. Where the applicable instructions call for an initial full batch to be run through the system and discarded, complete that process before normal use.
After the required first-use procedure is complete, refill the upper chamber for normal operation.
Perform the Appropriate Assembly-Verification Test
After installing new filter elements, complete the assembly-verification procedure recommended for the specific elements you installed.
Black Berkey® Elements
For Black Berkey® Elements, follow the applicable Black Berkey® or Berkey system instructions for the red food-coloring assembly-verification test.
The purpose of this procedure is to verify the filter and blocking plug installation. Follow the current dilution, setup, and testing instructions applicable to the Black Berkey® Elements being tested rather than relying on a Phoenix procedure.
Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements
Current Phoenix instructions also provide an Assembly Verification (Red Food Coloring Test) for Phoenix Gravity Elements.
Follow the current Phoenix-specific procedure, including its specified food coloring, dilution, setup, and interpretation instructions.
Do not combine dilution ratios or procedures from older Black Berkey® instructions with the current Phoenix procedure.
If PF-2 Elements are installed, follow the applicable instructions regarding their removal before performing an assembly-verification test and their reinstallation afterward.
Common Berkey Filter Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Installing an Element Before Priming
Black Berkey® and Phoenix Gravity Elements should be properly primed according to their applicable instructions before installation and normal use.
Putting the Sealing Washer in the Wrong Position
The sealing washer belongs inside the upper chamber between the filter element and the stainless-steel chamber for the installations described above. Incorrect placement can prevent the mounting point from sealing properly.
Overtightening the Wing Nut
Hand-tighten the wing nut according to the applicable instructions. Do not use a wrench or excessive force.
Leaving an Unused Filter Hole Open
Every unused mounting hole must be properly closed with the appropriate blocking plug or cork.
Using Old Instructions for a Different Filter Element
If you're replacing Black Berkey® Elements with Phoenix Gravity Elements, use the current Phoenix instructions rather than assuming every preparation or verification step is identical.
Skipping the Post-Installation Check
Inspect the element seating, washers, wing nuts, and blocking plugs before normal use. Complete the applicable assembly-verification procedure for your filter elements.
What If Your Berkey Leaks After Installing New Filters?
If water appears around a filter stem after installation, do not immediately tighten the wing nut further.
Check:
- Whether the sealing washer is in the correct position
- Whether the washer is sitting flat
- Whether the element is properly aligned
- Whether the wing nut is correctly installed and hand-tight
- Whether the washer, stem, or mounting hardware appears damaged
If the problem continues, see Why Is My Berkey Leaking? Common Causes & Fixes for a complete troubleshooting procedure.
What If New Berkey Filters Are Filtering Slowly?
Slow initial flow does not necessarily mean an element is defective. Priming, installation, water conditions, element configuration, and other factors can affect flow.
First verify that the elements were properly primed and installed. If flow remains unusually slow, see Why Is My Berkey Filtering Slowly? Causes & Solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you install Berkey filters?
Prime the applicable filter elements according to their instructions, position the sealing washer on the filter stem, place the filter inside the upper chamber, insert the threaded stem through a mounting hole, and hand-tighten the wing nut from below the chamber. Properly close any unused mounting holes and complete the applicable first-use and assembly-verification procedures.
How do you install Phoenix Gravity Filter Elements?
Prime each Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Element according to the current Phoenix instructions. Position the sealing washer on the threaded stem, place the filter inside the upper chamber, guide the stem through the mounting hole, and secure it from below with the wing nut. Hand-tighten only, then complete the current Phoenix first-use and assembly-verification instructions.
Do Phoenix filters install the same way as Black Berkey® Elements?
The basic mounting arrangement is similar: the filter element sits inside the upper chamber, the sealing washer sits between the element and chamber, and a wing nut secures the threaded stem from below. However, preparation and verification instructions can differ, so follow the instructions for the specific filter element.
Which side does the Berkey filter washer go on?
For the Black Berkey® and Phoenix Gravity installations described here, the sealing washer sits inside the upper chamber between the base of the filter element and the stainless-steel chamber. The wing nut is installed below/outside the upper chamber.
How tight should Berkey filter wing nuts be?
Hand-tighten the wing nuts according to the applicable installation instructions. Do not use a wrench or other tool and do not overtighten.
What goes in unused Berkey filter holes?
Unused mounting holes should be closed with the appropriate blocking plugs or corks specified for the system. Do not leave unused holes open or substitute improvised plugs or sealants.
Do Berkey filters need to be primed before installation?
Black Berkey® and Phoenix Gravity filter elements should be primed according to their current instructions. Preparation procedures for other elements, such as PF-2 Elements, should be followed separately.
Do Phoenix Gravity Filter Elements need to be primed?
Yes. Current Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements should be primed according to the instructions supplied with the elements before normal use.
Can I replace Black Berkey® Elements with Phoenix Gravity Elements?
Phoenix Gravity Elements are designed as compatible replacement elements for applicable Berkey® stainless-steel systems. When changing filter types, follow the current Phoenix preparation, installation, and verification instructions rather than relying solely on the procedure used for Black Berkey® Elements.
Can PF-2™ Elements be used with Phoenix Gravity Elements?
Yes, Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are compatible with Berkey PF-2™ Elements where applicable. PF-2 Elements must still be prepared and installed in accordance with their own instructions.
Why is my Berkey leaking after installing new filters?
Check the sealing washer placement, filter alignment, wing nut, mounting hardware, and unused filter holes. Do not simply continue tightening the element. If the installation appears correct and the leak continues, inspect the components for damage and follow the appropriate troubleshooting procedure.
Why are my new Berkey filters filtering slowly?
First, verify that the elements were properly primed and installed. Slow flow can have several causes and does not automatically mean the elements need replacement.
Final Check Before Use
Before putting your Berkey® system into regular service, make sure:
- The correct filter elements are installed.
- Each Black Berkey® or Phoenix Gravity Element has been properly primed.
- The sealing washers are correctly positioned.
- The wing nuts are outside the upper chamber and hand-tightened.
- Every unused mounting hole is properly closed.
- Any PF-2 Elements have been prepared and installed according to their own instructions.
- The applicable first-use procedure has been completed.
- The appropriate assembly-verification test has been completed where recommended.
- There are no obvious leaks or installation problems.
Correct installation helps prevent leaks, bypass around mounting points, and unnecessary troubleshooting later. When in doubt, use the current instructions for the specific filter element and Berkey® system configuration you have rather than assuming instructions for one element apply to another.