[thelastboyscout]

Actually it is on my countertop and not in the field.

Has anyone experienced the black filters separating from the plastic bases? I have two that separated. Found them floating in the top chamber. These suckers are awful expensive to be breaking like this! The unit is only 6 months old. I'm only filtering my well water so fortunately it's not catastrophic.

Anybody have recommendations on another type that will fit a Berkey and last??????

Thanks

 

[thelastboyscout]

I know it's a Berkey. It will autocorrect to Berkeley on an iPad!

 

[whofarted]

I hope you have flameproof underpants. :

 

[felicia]

You need learn how to use the Search box the term "Berkey Problems" brought up all of the threads below.

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=178353&highlight=berkey+problems

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=203110&highlight=berkey+problems

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=194305&highlight=berkey+problems

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=210202&highlight=berkey+problems

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=169390&highlight=berkey+problems

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=199156&highlight=berkey+problems

 

[thelastboyscout]

Perhaps you're right Felecia. I did use the search button, but typed "berkey filter broken" and did not pick up anything pertinent. Thanks for the links! I'll go read them now...

 

[MikeK]

It's a widely known and very disturbing issue. Enough that I have abandoned Berky. I was in the market for extra filters. But I'm just going to change paths and buy from someone else. They've had adequate time to correct the problem, but haven't. If this was just some toy or something, I'd figure "oh well" but this is an item that people depend on for their lives. And the factory's attitude about the problem risks people's health. I'm done with them. I've waited for over a year for them to solve their problems.

 

[Velvet Elvis]

They did send out free replacement filters, but I believe the jury is still out as to whether or not that corrected the issue.No doubt this is a major issue that Berkey has not sufficiently corrected IMO, so I'm not trying to provide them an out.

But a fellow poster suggested that it would be an easy enough fix to re-glue the filters to their bases with some food grade silicone. Considering I already bought the filters and I'm not going to get that money back, AND considering that my families' life could depend on it, I'm going to get some silicone. However, this is important enough, that I will consider acquiring another system as well. Backups and options are a prudent path to take.

 

[cranky1950]

Just accept the black berkey filters have been MBA'd and go with the british berkefeld/ doulton ceramic filters. They have the same specs as aqua rain and will fit your US berkey filter containers and have performed in the field for over 100 years.

 

[PSYOP Soldier]

Here's a link http://www.monolithic.com/topics/water-filters to a system that i have and have actually field tested, with great results... 70.00 complete....

in fact, i am going to add their new, pressurized system to my preps....

 

[panoz77]

Here's a link http://www.monolithic.com/topics/water-filters to a system that i have and have actually field tested, with great results... 70.00 complete....

in fact, i am going to add their new, pressurized system to my preps....

This is what I did after reading so many BB black filter horror stories. I bought the pressurized system.

 

[Highwater Filters]

lol @ Berkeley autocorrect.

If you are filtering well water, may I ask if you have plumbing and a tap? I understand the portability of the Berkey and filter systems like them but if you are filtering your tap water I wonder why not just get a countertop filter that attaches to your faucet? They are easy and way more convenient for home use. Then you can get a portable filter for emergency use.

Of course you already have the canister so I'd go with the Doultons.

 

[1survivor2012]

Reortedly, the problem has been fixed. Call Berkey and they will probably replace them. If you are still leary of the black filters, replace them with the ceramic filters. Those have been used by missionaries for 35 years. Berkey is #1 on the mission field.

 

[PSYOP Soldier]

This is what I did after reading so many BB black filter horror stories. I bought the pressurized system.

Have you field tested it yet? If so, how does the system hold up/perform?

Thank you... :thumb:

 

[panoz77]

Have you field tested it yet? If so, how does the system hold up/perform?

Thank you... :thumb:

I have not tested it.

 

[thelastboyscout]

Here's the summary.

Berkey black filters often fail. Silicone might hold them if the cap falls off the filter( that's what I've tried today)

Doulton and katadyn and aquarain replacements should be an acceptable substitute but only doultons claims to fit the Berkey gravity filters. It appears that aquarain and katadyn filters don't come with rubber washer or plastic nut.

Doultons are cheaper.

I think I'm gonna order doultons and see how they do


To high water filters: I have indoor plumbing, but placed my Berkey on the counter about a year ago to make sure it functioned well in case I needed it. I live in an area where ground water is plentiful, but would need filtering if shtf. Im glad I tested it now to discover its weakness. I also have 3-4 other portable filters for backpacking etc.


Thanks for all he useful replies. Anyone feel free to correct me if anything above is wrong!!!!!!!!

 

[whitewater4x4]

I realize that there hasn't been any posts here for a while but I'm going to post anyway. I had the same problem with my black berkey filters . I did pull the one loose cap the rest of the way off and cleaned both filters and caps. Then dried the filters . After a couple days I glued them back together . Think it was silicone I used . They have been working well for the last6 months . I've also purchased two other filter systems since .

 

[Watercanlady]

I am glad I ran across this article because I was going to purchase a Burkey and now I think I will channel my money in other directions.

 

[felicia]

I am glad I ran across this article because I was going to purchase a Burkey and now I think I will channel my money in other directions.

If you type Berkey Problems in the search box you will thread upon thread of problems.