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How Long Do Berkey Filters Last
By Chris | April 3, 2012
A common question we get is, “How long do my Berkey filters last?”. That’s a great question!
The manufacturer recommends that they be changed out every 3000 gallons. So, when you use 2 filters in your system, that means you should only change them out every 6000 gallons. Each filter can handle 3000 gallons and since you have two, each is only filtering half the water that goes through your system. So, if you use 4 filters, you would change them out at the 12,000 gallon point. With a Royal Berkey which holds about 3 gallons, that means you would change them out after about 4,000 refills (yes, that is a LOT). So, figure out about how often you refill your Berkey and do the math. And yes, we are happy to help with the math if numbers hurt your brain. :-) Once you figure out that approximate date, we recommend that you write that down on a sticker and affix it to the bottom of your Berkey (on the dry side of course).
Now, all that being said, there are some things you can do to extend the life of your Black Berkey or Super Sterasyl Ceramic filters. First off, make sure the water you put into your system is as clean as practical. For tap water, this is not a problem. But, if you use your system to filter out creek or pond water, we recommend that you use a T-shirt or other cloth as a pre-filter. Simply put the cloth over the top chamber when you fill it up and it will filter out all of the “big stuff” such as algae, mud, etc. This allows the Berkey filters to focus on the small stuff.
Next, when you see your flow rate decrease through the filters, clean your filters using a Scotch Brite pad under running water. This will get much of the particulate off the outside. However, you’ll never be able to clean the inside of the filter. So, when you’ve done this and the flow rate does not increase to an acceptable level, then you really know that it is time to change the filters. They simply have too much “gunk” clogged up in them. Often times, that may be beyond the 3000 gallon/filter mark, so you really have to use flow rate as the true mark of when to change them out.
Realize that two different companies manufacture the two different filters, so they each carry a different warranty. The Black Berkey purifiers carry a 2-year prorated warranty, while the Super Sterasyl ceramic filters only carry a 6 month warranty. All warranty work is handled via the manufacturer, but we are happy to help facilitate that for our customers!
So, if you have any questions about whether you should change your filters out, please just give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to help you out!
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