How to Prime Berkey Filter Elements: Complete Guide

Before installing a Berkey® filter element, first identify exactly which element you have. Black Berkey® Elements, Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements, and Berkey PF-2® Elements use different preparation procedures. Using the wrong method can leave an element improperly prepared and may contribute to unusually slow flow.

Priming introduces water into a dry primary element, helps release trapped air, and prepares the element for normal flow. For Phoenix Gravity elements, the preparation procedure also helps flush initial process dust from the element.

This guide explains how to prepare each element, when preparation is complete, and what to check if an element fails to prime or if flow is unusually slow.

Important: Identify your element before starting. Use the priming accessory and procedure intended for that specific element.

Before You Begin

Choose a countertop, sink, or other waterproof work area. Keep a clean bowl or sink nearby for prepared elements.

Have the following ready:

• The filter element

• Its designated priming accessory, if required

• A cold-water faucet for faucet-based methods

• A clean bowl or sink

• The element's sealing washer and wing nut, where applicable

Wash your hands before handling the elements and hardware. Inspect the threaded stem, sealing washer, wing nut, and priming accessory for damage or missing parts.

Identify Your Element

PF-2® Elements are optional post-filters used with compatible primary elements.

How to Prime Existing Black Berkey® Elements

This procedure applies to existing Black Berkey® Elements that use the traditional tan priming button.

Black Berkey® instructions describe multiple priming methods. The current instructions include the Prime Rite™ Universal Primer, the traditional tan priming button, and alternative methods for situations without a pressurized faucet. Use the accessory you have and follow the matching procedure.

Method 1: Prime Rite™ Universal Primer

1. Make sure the faucet head and inside of the Prime Rite™ primer are dry, then stretch the larger end over the faucet spout.
2. Support the Black Berkey® Element and gently push its threaded stem into the smaller end of the primer.
3. Slowly turn on cold water. Gradually increase to a moderate flow. If the primer begins inflating like a bulb, immediately reduce the water pressure.
4. Continue until the element sweats beads of water across its exterior. Allow it to sweat for about 1 minute, continuing until the water runs clear and the entire element appears saturated.

Method 2: Traditional Tan Priming Button

Black Berkey® Priming Setup

1. Position the wing nut.

Loosen the wing nut until its top reaches the top of the stem's threads, approximately 1/8 inch from the end of the stem. Place the priming button onto the cylinder.

2. Fit the priming button.

Place the tan priming button over the threaded stem.

3. Form the seal.

Hold the stem between your fingers and press the priming button firmly against the faucet to create a tight seal.

4. Turn on cold water slowly.

Use a low, steady stream. Don't start applying high water pressure right away.

5. Watch the outside of the element.

As water enters the element, moisture should begin to appear on its exterior as small beads.

6. Continue until the exterior is evenly wetted.

Do not stop when only one small area becomes moist. Continue until the entire element appears saturated and water runs clear. Current Black Berkey® instructions call for allowing the element to sweat beads of water for about 1 minute.

When finished, turn off the faucet and place the wet element in a clean bowl or sink while you prepare the next element.

Method 3: Black Berkey® Primer™ or Bottle Method

The Black Berkey® Primer™ is a hand-powered priming pump designed for Black Berkey® Elements and can be used without a faucet or hose connection. Follow the instructions supplied with the primer.

Black Berkey® instructions also describe a bottle alternative when pressurized water is unavailable: one person holds the element with the tan priming button facing upward, while a second person presses a bottle of clean, filtered water against the button and squeezes until water is forced through the element and beads appear on the exterior.

How to Prime Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Elements

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Elements are supplied with the PrimeEasy™ Universal Primer. Phoenix's instructions outline three preparation options, providing customers with flexibility based on the equipment available.

Method 1: PrimeEasy™ Universal Primer

This is the most direct method when you have the supplied primer and a suitable faucet.

1. Prepare the faucet and primer.

Make sure the faucet head and inside of the PrimeEasy™ Universal Primer are dry.

2. Attach the primer to the faucet.

Stretch the larger end of the primer over the faucet spout as far as it will go.

3. Attach the element.

Hold the Phoenix element securely and push its threaded stem into the smaller end of the primer until it stops.

4. Start the water.

Turn on the cold water at a low flow rate.

5. Maintain the seal.

Hold the primer firmly against the faucet. If water starts leaking around the connection, reduce the flow and reseat the primer rather than increasing the pressure.

6. Look for exterior moisture.

Once water begins to appear as beads on the outside of the element, gently rub the exterior with your hand while the water continues to run.

7. Continue for approximately one minute.

Phoenix's instructions call for continuing the process for about one minute after moisture appears, until the element is saturated and the water leaving it runs clear.

Turn off the faucet and place the prepared element in a clean bowl or sink.

Method 2: Phoenix Sealing-Washer Method

This technique replaces PrimeEasy™ primer with the sealing washer and wing nut on the element. The hardware setup is not typical for Black Berkey®.

1. Remove the hardware.

Remove the wing nut and sealing washer from the Phoenix element.

2. Flip the wing nut.

Turn the wing nut upside down, with its flat side facing upward.

3. Position the wing nut.

Screw it onto the threaded stem until the top reaches the top of the stem's threads—approximately 1/8 inch from the end.

4. Place the sealing washer.

Put the sealing washer over the wing nut. The washer should sit slightly higher than the stem.

Phoenix Sealing-Washer Setup    

5. Create the seal.

Hold the threaded stem between your fingers and press the sealing washer firmly against the faucet.

6. Start cold water slowly.

If needed, let water flow slowly.

7. Check the exterior.

When moisture begins appearing across the element, gently rub the exterior while water continues to flow.

8. Complete the preparation.

Continue for approximately one minute after moisture appears, until the element appears saturated and the water leaving the element runs clear.

Repeat the procedure for the second element.

Method 3: Bottle Priming Without a Faucet

Phoenix also provides a bottle-based alternative when a suitable faucet is unavailable. Manufacturer instructions specify using clean, filtered water.

Use a flexible or collapsible bottle of at least 16 oz.

1. Remove the bottle lid.

2. Attach the wider end of the PrimeEasy™ Universal Primer to the bottle.

3. Insert the Phoenix element's stem into the smaller end of the primer.

4. Place the assembly securely in a sink or another spill-resistant area.

5. Squeeze water from the bottle through the primer and into the element.

6. Continue until the element becomes saturated and moisture beads appear across its exterior.

7. Repeat the process if necessary.

How to Prepare and Flush Berkey PF-2® Elements

PF-2® Elements are different from the primary elements above. They are optional Berkey PF-2® post-filters that attach beneath compatible primary elements rather than replacing them. Current replacement guidance recommends preparing them before installation. For additional details, see the Berkey Knowledge Base guidance on purging Berkey® Post Filter elements.

PF-2® Preparation

1. Remove the blue caps.

With clean hands, remove the blue caps from both ends of the PF-2® element.

2. Attach the priming button.

Place the tan rubber priming button over one end, aligning the openings.

3. Seal it against the faucet.

Press the button firmly against a cold-water faucet.

4. Begin the flow gently.

Let cold water flow through the element and out the other end.

5. Flush the first end.

Purge the PF-2® element for approximately 30 seconds, or until the discharge runs clear.

6. Reverse the element.

Turn the PF-2® element around and repeat the purge from the opposite end for approximately 30 seconds.

7. Repeat if necessary.

Process dust can require repeated purging. The Berkey Knowledge Base notes that the two-sided purge may need to be repeated multiple times. If cloudiness or an unusual taste persists after installation, remove the PF-2® elements and purge both ends again; the manufacturer's troubleshooting guidance recommends 60 seconds per end to correct persistent cloudiness or taste.

How to Tell When Priming Is Complete

The completion check depends on the element you're preparing.

For Black Berkey® and Phoenix primary elements: The exterior should become evenly wet and appear saturated. Current instructions for both call for continuing the faucet-based procedure for about 1 minute once the element begins sweating moisture; continue until the applicable clear-water/saturation condition is reached.

For PF-2® Elements: Water should run clear after flushing each end according to the applicable instructions.

Once prepared, keep the element in a clean bowl or sink until installation.

After Priming: Installing the Elements

After preparation, install the element according to the instructions for your specific system and element.

For compatible primary elements:

1. Position the sealing washer and threaded stem according to the instructions for your specific element and Berkey® system.

2. Insert the threaded stem through the correct mounting hole.

3. Secure the element with the supplied wing nut.

4. Hand-tighten only. Do not overtighten.

5. Install blocking plugs in unused openings where required.

6. Reassemble the upper and lower chamber of the system according to the applicable instructions.

PF-2® Elements attach beneath compatible primary elements. Use the correct orientation and follow the installation instructions supplied with the PF-2® Elements. Use one PF-2® element for each compatible primary element.

What If a Berkey Element Will Not Prime or Flow Is Too Slow?

Slow flow can have different causes depending on the element's condition. Start by determining whether the element is new or previously flowed normally. A new element that flows slowly may need additional preparation or a hardware/seal check. If an element that previously flowed normally becomes slow, check its maintenance condition before re-priming. PF-2® Elements have their own preparation and installation considerations, so troubleshoot them separately.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Quick Berkey Priming Checklist

Before installing an element, run through this short list:

• Identify the element type.

• Use the correct preparation method for that element.

• Use cold water for faucet-based procedures; do not use hot water.

• Start with low water pressure.

• Make sure the priming accessory or sealing washer forms a firm seal.

• Support the element while working.

• For primary elements, continue until the applicable exterior-moisture and flushing conditions are met.

• For PF-2® Elements, prepare both ends.

• Keep prepared elements in a clean bowl or sink until installation.

• Reinstall washers and hardware in the correct configuration.

• Hand-tighten wing nuts only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Priming Berkey® Filters