FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Berkey Products

A: The best Berkey system depends on your household size, countertop space, and daily water use. For most families, the Big Berkey® Water Filter is the most popular choice because it offers a practical balance of size, capacity, and everyday convenience.

You can also shop Berkey water filter systems from our main page.

A: A good rule of thumb is to choose a system that can comfortably support your household’s daily drinking and cooking water needs without constant refilling. Smaller households often choose the Travel Berkey, while families usually prefer the Big Berkey or Royal Berkey.

If you use filtered water for coffee, tea, pets, cooking, and filling reusable bottles, choosing a slightly larger system may be more convenient.

A: No. Berkey systems are countertop gravity-fed filtration systems. They do not require electricity, plumbing, water pressure, or permanent installation. Simply fill the upper chamber and allow gravity to move the water through the filter elements.

A: Most stainless steel Berkey systems include the upper and lower stainless steel chambers, lid, knob, standard spigot, washers, blocking plugs, and two Black Berkey® Elements. Product contents can vary by model, so please review the individual product page before ordering.

Optional add-ons such as PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements, stands, and upgraded spigots are sold separately unless clearly stated on the product page.

A: A Berkey water filter is a countertop gravity-fed filtration system designed for everyday drinking water filtration. Berkey systems use replaceable filter elements and do not require electricity, plumbing, or water pressure.

A: Black Berkey® Elements have been independently tested against 200+ contaminants, including heavy metals, chlorine, chloramines, pharmaceuticals, petroleum-based compounds, and other commonly discussed drinking water contaminants.

• Lead
• Arsenic
• Mercury
• Iron
• Chlorine
• Chloramines
• BPA
• Selected pharmaceuticals
• Petroleum-related contaminants
• Atrazine
• Selected VOCs and semi-VOCs
• Taste, odor, sediment, and related water-quality concerns

For more information, see our Drinking Water Contaminants Reference Guide.

A: Black Berkey Elements have been tested for lead reduction. Lead is one of the most common concerns customers ask about when comparing countertop water filters.

You can learn more in our lead in drinking water guide.

A: Black Berkey Elements have been tested for the reduction of certain PFAS compounds. PFAS is a growing water-quality topic, and many customers compare filter options because of this concern.

For background information, see our PFAS in drinking water guide.

A: Yes. Black Berkey Elements have been tested for chlorine reduction. Many customers notice an improvement in taste and odor after using a Berkey system for everyday tap water.

A: Black Berkey Elements may reduce some fluoride initially, but the Berkey PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements are the intended add-on filters for customers who specifically want fluoride reduction.

PF-2 filters attach to compatible Black Berkey Elements and are typically replaced after up to 1,000 gallons per set under normal use.

A: Black Berkey Elements are the primary filter elements used inside most Berkey systems. They are responsible for the main gravity-fed filtration process.

PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements are optional add-on filters that attach below compatible Black Berkey Elements. They are commonly purchased by customers who specifically want to reduce their fluoride intake. 

A: TDS meters measure total dissolved solids, including minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Black Berkey Elements are designed to reduce many unwanted substances while allowing many naturally occurring minerals to remain in the water.

Because of that, a TDS meter may not show a major change after filtration. A low TDS reading is not the same thing as a complete water-quality report.

A: If you use well water, we recommend testing your water so you understand its characteristics before choosing any filtration method. Well water can vary widely by location, plumbing, minerals, and local conditions.

A Berkey system may be helpful for many everyday water-quality concerns, but your filter choice should be based on what is actually present in your water.

A: We recommend using pre-softened water rather than running softened water through Black Berkey Elements. Water softeners add mineral salts, and Black Berkey Elements are not designed to remove those salts.

A: Daily output depends on the system size, number of filter elements, water temperature, filter age, water level, and priming quality. A system usually filters faster when the upper chamber is full and when the elements have been properly primed.

Adding more compatible filter elements can increase the flow rate on larger systems that support additional elements.

A: Yes. It is normal for some water to remain in the upper chamber. As the water level drops, the pressure pushing water through the filter elements decreases, so the flow slows.

A: As a conservative practice, we recommend replacing filtered water after about three days at room temperature. If the water is refrigerated in a clean container, it may be kept longer.

A: Freezing can damage filter elements. Water expands when frozen, and moisture inside the element may affect the internal structure. This can reduce performance and may void warranty coverage.

A: Each Black Berkey Element is designed to filter approximately 3,000 gallons of water. A set of two Black Berkey Elements is rated for approximately 6,000 gallons.

For example, if your household uses 5 gallons per day, a two-filter setup may last about 1,200 days, or a little over three years.

You can shop Black Berkey Replacement Elements here.

A: Replace your Black Berkey Elements when they reach the rated gallon capacity, when performance is a concern, or when the elements are damaged. Slower flow alone does not always mean replacement is needed, because slow flow can also be caused by insufficient priming or buildup on the outside of the elements.

If cleaning and re-priming do not improve flow, or if the elements are near their gallon rating, replacement may be the best option.

A: We generally recommend replacing Black Berkey Elements as a matching pair. This helps keep filtration performance and flow more balanced between elements.

A: Under normal conditions, we recommend replacing each set of two Berkey PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements after approximately 1,000 gallons.

If you use 5 gallons per day, that equals about 200 days. Many customers replace them about every six months.

A: No. Do not use soap or detergent on Black Berkey Elements. To clean them, gently scrub the exterior with a Scotch-Brite pad or stiff toothbrush, then re-prime before reinstalling.

A: Wash the stainless steel chambers with mild soapy water. In hard-water areas, calcium scale may build up on the chambers or spigot. To help remove scale, soak the affected parts in vinegar or a 50/50 vinegar-water mixture for about 15 minutes, then wipe with a soft brush or Scotch-Brite pad. Rinse thoroughly before use.

A: Slow flow is usually caused by one of the following:

• The elements were not fully primed
• Air is trapped inside the filter pores
• The outside of the elements needs cleaning
• The upper chamber water level is low
• The water is very cold
• The elements are near the end of their rated lifespan

Try re-priming the elements first. If the flow is still slow, gently clean the outside of each element, re-prime, and reinstall.

A: A bad taste often happens when filters have not been primed thoroughly enough. Process dust may remain after the initial priming. Try priming the filters again, then empty and refill the system before drinking the water.

A: Black residue is usually carbon dust from the filter element. This can happen during initial priming. Continue priming and flushing the elements until the water runs clear before normal use.

A: The spigot may need a final tightening turn. Hold the nut in place and turn the spigot for the last quarter turn to create a tighter seal. If the leak is coming from the spigot cap, remove the cap and lever, then reassemble carefully.

A: Popular Berkey accessories include replacement filters, fluoride reduction filters, upgraded spigots, and stands. Customer favorites include:

• Black Berkey Replacement Elements
• Berkey PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements
• Berkey Stainless Steel Spigot
• Berkey Water View Spigot
• Berkey Wire Stand

A: The Berkey Water View Spigot is a popular upgrade because it lets you see the water level in the lower chamber without lifting the upper chamber. This can make daily use more convenient, especially for larger systems.

A: A Berkey stand is optional, but many customers like it because it raises the system and makes it easier to place a cup, bottle, or pitcher under the spigot.

A: Before storing your system, empty both chambers and allow them to dry. If the elements have been used, let them dry completely before storage. You may air-dry them on a clean surface for 1 to 3 days, depending on room conditions.

For long-term storage, place fully dry elements in a sealed storage bag. Store them away from smoke, chemicals, perfumes, and strong smells. Before using stored elements again, scrub and re-prime them.

A: For everyday use, we recommend storing filtered water in a clean, covered container in a cool location. For best taste and freshness, replace water regularly. Glass containers are preferred for longer storage, while clean plastic containers may be used for short-term storage.

A: Stainless steel Berkey systems use polished AISI 304-grade stainless steel. This material is known for durability, corrosion resistance, and a clean appearance suitable for kitchen countertops.

A: Black Berkey Elements are made from a proprietary blend of media types, including high-grade coconut shell carbon. The elements are formed into a compact matrix designed for gravity-fed filtration.

A: No. Black Berkey Elements are made from a proprietary blend of filter media, including high-grade carbonized coconut shell carbon. They do not contain graphene oxide in their composition.

A: We offer free shipping on orders over $199 within the continental United States, meaning the lower 48 states.

A: We normally process and ship orders within 3 to 5 business days. We do not ship on weekends or holidays. Delivery times may be delayed during holidays, peak periods, or carrier disruptions.

A: No. We do not ship internationally.

A: Please call (888) 899-3903 immediately for assistance with order cancellations or changes. We cannot cancel or change orders by email. Cancellations or changes may be possible only before an order enters the shipping process.

A: Please review our current return policy before sending anything back. Returns must be approved before shipment. Used filters cannot be returned for health and safety reasons.

Please refer to our return policy for full details.