FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Berkey Products

Q: Which Berkey® water filter should I buy?

A: The best system depends primarily on household size, countertop space, daily drinking-water use, and how often you want to refill the upper chamber.

These are practical starting points rather than strict rules. A two-person household that uses filtered water for cooking, coffee, tea, and pets, and uses reusable bottles, may prefer a larger system.

For dimensions, capacities, filter configurations, and recommendations, see our Berkey Water Filter Systems comparison guide.

Q: What size Berkey® do I need?

A: Choose a capacity that comfortably supports your household's normal daily drinking and cooking needs without requiring constant refilling.

Consider:

• Number of people in the household
• How much drinking water you use each day
• Whether you also use filtered water for cooking, coffee, tea, or pets
• Available countertop height and width
• How frequently you want to refill the system

A slightly larger system may be more convenient if your household uses substantial quantities of filtered water throughout the day.

Q: Do Berkey® systems require electricity or plumbing?

A: No. Stainless-steel Berkey® systems use gravity to move water through the installed filter elements.

They do not require:

• Electricity
• Batteries
• Household water pressure
• An under-sink connection
• Permanent plumbing installation

Q: What comes with a new Berkey® system?

A: Package contents depend on the specific product listing and filter configuration.

A standard stainless-steel system generally includes:

• Upper stainless-steel chamber
• Lower stainless-steel chamber
• Stainless-steel lid
• Installed or included primary filter elements
• Standard spigot
• Washers and wing nuts
• Blocking plugs for unused filter openings
• Assembly components and instructions

PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements, stands, Water View™ Spigots, and other accessories are normally sold separately unless the listing specifically states otherwise.

Q: What is a Berkey® water filter?

A: A Berkey® system is a countertop gravity-fed drinking-water filtration system. Water is poured into the upper chamber, moves through replaceable filter elements, and collects in the lower chamber for dispensing through the spigot.

The filtration performance depends on the specific filter elements installed, not simply on the stainless-steel chamber.

Q: What does a Berkey® water filter reduce?

A: The answer depends on the filter element installed.

Published testing for Black Berkey® Elements and Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filters includes substances from categories such as:

• Chlorine and chloramines
• Selected heavy metals
• Selected PFAS compounds
• Selected volatile organic compounds
• Selected pharmaceutical residues
• Selected disinfection byproducts
• Petroleum-related compounds
• Sediment and particulate material
• Substances associated with unpleasant taste and odor

Performance varies by filter type, contaminant, concentration, source-water chemistry, flow conditions, maintenance, and total gallons processed.

For contaminant-specific information, review our Drinking Water Contaminants Reference Guide and Water Filter Test Results.

Q: Does Berkey® reduce lead?

A: Published performance information for Berkey filter elements includes lead reduction testing. The specific result depends on the element being used.

For more information about lead sources, testing, and treatment, see our Lead in Drinking Water Guide.

Q: Does Berkey® reduce PFAS?

A: Independent testing for Black Berkey® and Phoenix Gravity filter elements has evaluated reduction of selected PFAS compounds.

PFAS is a large chemical family, so a general statement such as “removes PFAS” can be misleading. Review the test results for the individual compounds and filter element you are considering.

See our PFAS in Drinking Water Guide for background information.

Q: Does Berkey® reduce chlorine taste and odor?

A: Yes. Chlorine reduction is included in current performance information for Black Berkey® Elements and Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filters.

Phoenix Gravity filters are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for applicable aesthetic-effects claims.

Q: Do Black Berkey® Elements reduce fluoride?

A: Black Berkey® Elements are not the dedicated fluoride filter in the Berkey system.

Customers specifically seeking additional fluoride reduction traditionally use PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements, which attach beneath compatible primary filter elements.

Review the PF-2™ product instructions and compatibility information before installation.

Q: What is the difference between Black Berkey® Elements and PF-2™ Filters?

A: Black Berkey® Elements are primary gravity-fed filtration elements.

PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements are optional secondary filters that attach beneath compatible primary elements and are intended specifically for additional fluoride and arsenic reduction.

PF-2™ Elements do not replace the primary filter elements.

Q: What are Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filters?

A: Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filters are gravity filter elements designed for compatible Berkey® and similar gravity-fed systems.

They use premium CTC-60 coconut-shell activated carbon and have their own testing, specifications, filter-life guidance, and warranty.

They are a separate product from Black Berkey® Elements and should not be described as identical.

Q: Are Phoenix Gravity filters compatible with Berkey® systems?

A: Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filters are designed for compatible stainless-steel Berkey® gravity systems and many similar gravity-fed systems.

Compatibility depends on the system and configuration, so review the Phoenix Gravity product page before ordering.

Q: Are Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filters NSF certified?

A: Yes. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are currently certified to:

• NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for applicable aesthetic-effects claims
• NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 372 for lead-content/material compliance

These certifications apply only to the claims covered by those standards.

Other contaminant-reduction information, including selected PFAS, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and disinfection byproducts, comes from separate third-party laboratory testing.

See the Phoenix Gravity Test Results for details.

Q: How are Phoenix Gravity filters different from Black Berkey® Elements?

A: They are different filter products.

They differ in areas such as:

• Filter-media formulation
• Published test results
• Certification status
• Rated capacity
• Warranty
• Recommended source-water applications

Compare the documentation for the exact filter element rather than assuming performance carries over from one filter to another.

Q: Why does my TDS meter reading stay about the same after filtration?

A: A TDS meter measures the electrical conductivity associated with dissolved ions. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and bicarbonate contribute to the reading.

Gravity-fed Berkey® filtration does not work like reverse osmosis or distillation, which substantially reduce dissolved mineral content.

As a result, the TDS reading may remain similar before and after filtration.

Q: Can I use a Berkey® system with well water?

A: Start by testing the well water.

Private-well chemistry can vary greatly and may include:

• Iron
• Manganese
• Hardness
• Low or high pH
• Sediment
• Nitrate
• Arsenic
• Other location-specific concerns

A countertop gravity filter can be part of a drinking-water treatment setup, but severe iron, heavy sediment, unusual well chemistry, or other source-water problems may require pretreatment or dedicated treatment equipment.

See our Well Water Testing and Treatment Guide.

Q: Can I use Berkey® with softened water?

A: Where practical, the manufacturer traditionally recommends filtering water before ion-exchange softening rather than using softened water as the primary input to Black Berkey® Elements.

Conventional water softeners exchange hardness minerals for sodium or potassium ions, and gravity filters are not designed to remove those dissolved salts in the same way as reverse osmosis.

Q: How fast does a Berkey® system filter water?

A: Flow rate depends on:

• System size
• Number of installed elements
• Filter model
• Water level in the upper chamber
• Priming quality
• Filter cleanliness
• Water temperature

Gravity systems filter fastest when the upper chamber is full because the additional water creates greater pressure above the filter elements.

Adding compatible elements to systems that support additional filters can increase total flow.

Q: The upper chamber does not drain completely. Is that normal?

A: Yes. A small amount of water may remain in the upper chamber.

As the water level falls, gravitational pressure decreases, and flow becomes progressively slower. This is normal for a gravity-fed system.

Q: How long can filtered water remain in the Berkey® system?

A: For everyday use, rotate the water regularly rather than allowing it to remain unused for long periods.

If the system will not be used for several days, empty and clean it as appropriate. Water intended for long-term storage should be placed in a clean container designed for drinking-water storage and handled in accordance with appropriate storage practices.

Q: Why shouldn't filter elements be allowed to freeze?

A: Water expands when it freezes. Moisture trapped inside a filter element can therefore damage the internal structure.

If a used filter has frozen, do not assume that it remains unaffected simply because the outside looks normal.

Q: How long do Black Berkey® Elements last?

A: Black Berkey® Elements are traditionally rated at approximately 3,000 gallons per element, or approximately 6,000 gallons for a set of two, under typical conditions.

Actual service life depends on source-water quality, contaminant loading, sediment, maintenance, and usage.

For example, a two-element system processing 5 gallons per day would reach 6,000 gallons in approximately 1,200 days, or a little over three years.

Q: How do I know when to replace Black Berkey® Elements?

A: Consider replacement when:

• The rated gallon capacity has been reached.
• The element is physically damaged.
• Performance is in question after correct troubleshooting.
• Flow remains poor after cleaning and re-priming.

Slow flow by itself does not always mean the element is exhausted. Inadequate priming or surface buildup can also reduce flow.

Q: Can I replace only one Black Berkey® Element?

A: Where possible, replacing elements as a matched pair provides more consistent age, flow, and service history across the system.

If only one element is being replaced, keep accurate records of when each filter entered service and its estimated gallons processed.

Q: How long do Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filters last?

A: Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filters are designed for approximately:

• 2,750 gallons per element
• 5,500 gallons per set of two

Actual useful life can vary according to source-water quality, contaminant concentration, flow, cleaning, and usage.

Review the Phoenix Gravity product page for current specifications.

Q: How long do PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters last?

A: A set of PF-2™ Elements is rated for approximately 1,000 gallons under normal conditions, subject to the manufacturer's replacement guidance.

Actual calendar life depends on daily water use.

Q: Can I wash Black Berkey® Elements with soap?

A: No. Do not apply soap or detergent to Black Berkey® Elements.

If flow has slowed, the exterior can be gently cleaned under cool running water using a new Scotch-Brite®-type pad or similar recommended cleaning pad. Re-prime the elements before returning them to service when necessary.

Q: How should I clean the stainless-steel chambers?

A: The stainless-steel chambers can be washed with mild dish soap and warm water.

For mineral deposits associated with hard water, a dilute vinegar treatment can help loosen scale.

Rinse all chamber surfaces thoroughly before returning the system to use.

Q: Why is my Berkey® filtering slowly?

A: Common causes include:

• Incomplete priming
• Air trapped inside the filter pores
• Surface buildup
• A low upper-chamber water level
• Very cold water
• High sediment loading
• An older filter nearing its service capacity

Start by checking the priming and cleaning instructions for the specific filter element installed in your system.

Q: Why does my Berkey® water taste unusual?

A: New filter elements can require thorough priming and flushing before normal use.

If an unusual taste occurs:

1. Confirm that the filter was correctly primed.
2. Flush according to the filter instructions.
3. Clean and rinse the chambers.
4. Confirm that the source water itself has not changed.

If the taste persists, contact customer support before continuing to use the system.

Q: Why do I see black residue after priming?

A: Fine carbon particles can be released from new carbon-containing filter media during initial priming or flushing.

Continue priming and flushing according to the instructions until the water runs clear.

Q: What is the Berkey® red food coloring test?

A: The red food coloring test is used with Black Berkey® Elements as an assembly and bypass verification test.

It can help identify situations where test water is bypassing an element due to an incorrectly positioned washer, a loose wing nut, or an improperly sealed unused opening.

Use only the recommended artificial red food coloring and remove PF-2™ Elements before performing the test.

See our step-by-step Berkey red food coloring test guide for full instructions.

Q: My Berkey® spigot leaks. What should I do?

A: First determine exactly where the leak originates.

Check:

• Washer placement
• Nut tightness
• Spigot orientation
• The valve itself
• Any cracks or damage

Do not overtighten components with excessive force. If the spigot continues to leak after correct assembly, contact customer support or replace the affected component.

Q: What Berkey® accessories are most popular?

A: Common accessories include:

• Replacement filter elements
• PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters
• Water View™ Spigot
• Berkey® Wire Stand
• Stainless-steel spigots and other accessories

Q: What does the Berkey® Water View™ Spigot do?

A: The Water View™ Spigot combines a dispensing spigot with an external sight tube that shows the approximate water level in the lower chamber.

This can be convenient because you do not need to lift the upper chamber to estimate how much filtered water remains.

Q: Do I need a Berkey® stand?

A: No. A stand is optional.

Many users prefer one because it raises the spigot above the countertop, providing more clearance for glasses, bottles, and pitchers.

Q: How should I store Black Berkey® Elements?

A: For long-term storage, used Black Berkey® Elements should be cleaned as appropriate and allowed to dry completely before being placed into a clean sealed storage bag.

Store dry elements away from:

• Smoke
• Perfumes
• Cleaning chemicals
• Fuel
• Strong odors

Re-prime the elements according to the manufacturer's instructions before returning them to service.

Q: How should filtered water be stored?

A: Store water in a clean, covered container appropriate for drinking water.

For normal household use, rotate stored water regularly and avoid unnecessary exposure to heat, sunlight, dirty utensils, or contaminated containers.

If you are storing water for extended periods, follow recognized drinking-water storage guidance appropriate to the storage purpose and container.

Q: What type of stainless steel is used for Berkey® systems?

A: The stainless-steel Berkey® systems use polished AISI 304 stainless steel.

AISI 304 is widely used for food- and beverage-contact equipment because of its durability and corrosion resistance.

Q: What are Black Berkey® Elements made from?

A: Black Berkey® Elements use a proprietary blend of filtration media, including carbonized coconut-shell material, formed into a gravity-fed filtration element.

Because the full formulation is proprietary, avoid relying on unofficial ingredient lists that claim to disclose every component.

Q: Do Black Berkey® Elements contain graphene oxide?

A: Manufacturer information states that Black Berkey® Elements do not contain graphene oxide.

Q: How much is shipping?

A: TheBerkey.com currently offers free shipping on orders over $199 within the continental United States—the lower 48 states.

Review the current checkout and Policies & Warranty page for any exceptions or updates.

Q: How long does it take for an order to ship out?

A: Our current normal processing timeframe is approximately 3–5 business days after the order is paid in full.

This is the time before the order leaves the warehouse—not the final delivery time.

Carrier transit time depends on destination and can be affected by holidays, weather, peak shipping periods, and carrier disruptions.

Q: Do you ship internationally?

A: No. TheBerkey.com currently does not ship internationally.

Q: How can I cancel or change my order?

A: Call (888) 899-3903 as soon as possible.

Order cancellation or modification may be possible only before the order enters the shipping process.

We cannot guarantee cancellation once warehouse processing has begun.

Q: How can I return a product?

A: Please review our current Policies & Warranty page before sending anything back.

Our current policy states that sales are final except for qualifying items that are incorrect, damaged, missing, or defective. Return or replacement requests must follow the timeframes and approval process stated in the policy.