berkey water filter problems
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This topic has been discussed at length. You may want to search the forum for your answer.
Am I glad to see your post! I was just getting ready to start a thread detailing my own Berkey problems. Here's my brief story:
1. Bought a Big Berkey last year with the "Black Berkeys".
2. 3-4 months later, one of the Black Berkeys came apart, just like yours. I didn't know about the warranty, so I trashed it and started purchasing a "stockpile" thinking the defective Berkey was just a fluke.
3. 1 month later, I noticed water was filtering a lot faster than usual. I checked the filters by re-priming them and noticed one of the Black Berkeys hissing and blowing bubbles from under the cap. I called a representative and it was replaced.
4. 2 days after I received the "free replacement", it started filtering water faster than usual. I checked it under the faucet, like the other, and the same deal. I grabbed one of my "stockpiled" filters to fill in and the damn thing fell apart when I was trying to prime it (I know how to prime these by-the-way).
5. I called and got my replacements with no questions asked. The guy didn't even sound alarmed that the filters were falling apart, like my story wasn't anything new.
6. After a month, I found that both of my filters were dripping water faster than usual - I went too long between checking them. I knew what the problem was, but I had to see the leaks for myself. After I gave them both the priming test I was incredibly furious. I emailed a detailed expression of my frustration to customer service and haven't heard from them yet. That was a few days ago...
I know that there are a lot of Berkey supporters on this forum who are going to say, "But, I've never had a problem"? To that, I say go check your filters. I know for a fact that there a lot of people who are drinking unfiltered water from their defective Black Berkeys and don't even know it.
1. Bought a Big Berkey last year with the "Black Berkeys".
2. 3-4 months later, one of the Black Berkeys came apart, just like yours. I didn't know about the warranty, so I trashed it and started purchasing a "stockpile" thinking the defective Berkey was just a fluke.
3. 1 month later, I noticed water was filtering a lot faster than usual. I checked the filters by re-priming them and noticed one of the Black Berkeys hissing and blowing bubbles from under the cap. I called a representative and it was replaced.
4. 2 days after I received the "free replacement", it started filtering water faster than usual. I checked it under the faucet, like the other, and the same deal. I grabbed one of my "stockpiled" filters to fill in and the damn thing fell apart when I was trying to prime it (I know how to prime these by-the-way).
5. I called and got my replacements with no questions asked. The guy didn't even sound alarmed that the filters were falling apart, like my story wasn't anything new.
6. After a month, I found that both of my filters were dripping water faster than usual - I went too long between checking them. I knew what the problem was, but I had to see the leaks for myself. After I gave them both the priming test I was incredibly furious. I emailed a detailed expression of my frustration to customer service and haven't heard from them yet. That was a few days ago...
I know that there are a lot of Berkey supporters on this forum who are going to say, "But, I've never had a problem"? To that, I say go check your filters. I know for a fact that there a lot of people who are drinking unfiltered water from their defective Black Berkeys and don't even know it.
that sucks, thanks for your imput I hope they continue to help, I have talked to them a couple of times (my spigot has broken twice) but this is different ive had good luck with it for 6 months, I wonder how many people have had this same problem, this topic has probably been rehashed here before? sorry if it has im new to this site
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174 Posts
Mine for 2 years, not one problem. I have 4 filters in mine and have primed them and cleaned them without issues. I wonder if you were over tightening them.
The filter problem has been covered very well. They will replace any defective filters if you contact them.
http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?p=2892982#post2892982
My problem is I don't trust my filter any more. If I need to purify tainted water, I can't take the chance that it is letting impurities pass. I don't plan to use it any longer unless I hear of a fix in the filter system.
Guess I'm going shopping for a new filter system. Or maybe I can find another brand filter that will fit. I can't tell you how disappointed I am in my careful purchase. I hope the fix it soon, I won't be recommending the berkey any more unless it is.
http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?p=2892982#post2892982
My problem is I don't trust my filter any more. If I need to purify tainted water, I can't take the chance that it is letting impurities pass. I don't plan to use it any longer unless I hear of a fix in the filter system.
Guess I'm going shopping for a new filter system. Or maybe I can find another brand filter that will fit. I can't tell you how disappointed I am in my careful purchase. I hope the fix it soon, I won't be recommending the berkey any more unless it is.
It's very hard to notice when the Black Berkeys start to fail. The fastest way to check is to fill the top chamber with a good amount of water (water pressure) and lift it off of the bottom chamber. If you are not keen on what the drip rate is supposed to look like, it will be difficult to know if your filter(s) are compromised. It seems with a correctly primed filter, 1-2 drips a second is normal. Any faster than that and it's a good idea to check with a priming test. When priming, put you ear next to the cap/element seal and listen for a hissing noise on all sides - it won't be very loud and most of the time, water will noticeably trickle out from under the cap. I really hope people take a closer look at their filters because the quality control is evidently crap.
Turns out a bad batch went through production, I've got 2 on the way for replacements. I saw this on the site I ordered from
We'll see. I hope it fixes the problem. :thumb:
from: https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/contact_us
We'll see. I hope it fixes the problem. :thumb:
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Thanks for this. This is very troubling. I have been considering being a distributor of the Berkey, but I'm very discouraged. It's got such a great reputation, but apparently the quality has suffered recently.
I posted my recent experience trying to find out about where the cannisters are made. I find it difficult to believe that a distributor of the berkey filters in Colorado isn't aware of where the housings are made. But I was told just that when I called and asked. I was referred to New Millenium Concepts and my question was evaded. I am still waiting for an answer from them. But in the meantime I got my answer on another thread. The housings are made in India.
I would love to know what changes have been recently made at the factory where the Black Berkey's are made that might explain the rash of defective products being sold.
I was told that the filter cartridges are made in USA. I hope that is the truth.
I posted my recent experience trying to find out about where the cannisters are made. I find it difficult to believe that a distributor of the berkey filters in Colorado isn't aware of where the housings are made. But I was told just that when I called and asked. I was referred to New Millenium Concepts and my question was evaded. I am still waiting for an answer from them. But in the meantime I got my answer on another thread. The housings are made in India.
I would love to know what changes have been recently made at the factory where the Black Berkey's are made that might explain the rash of defective products being sold.
I was told that the filter cartridges are made in USA. I hope that is the truth.
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1,688 Posts
What is up with Berkey?
I found this very interesting comment on amazon.com. I am getting very suspicious of some possibly deceptive advertising of the Berkey filters:
"That's What She Said says:
not to be a buzz kill, but I spend DAYS researching these berkey filters. I even tracked down a gentleman who claimed to be one of the heads of the Toxicology Department, Dr. Portier, at LSU. He said that LSU did infact do ONE water sample on the Black Berkey over 10 YEARS ago and that neither he or LSU endorses their product. He also said that while the test did take place, that not Himself or LSU authorized a document to be placed on the internet. He said the reason that he was so quick to call me back is because he has had nearly 20 different inquires in the past 10 years asking about this "so called" lab analysis document that Berkey puts on their website. He also went on to say, that SOMEONE had to of manufactured the "LSU document" because he did not provide ANYONE with that document. So, even if LSU did do a sample, and if everything went alright, then why did New Millennium Concepts have to manufacture a LSU lab analysis report?Then I got to thinking, if New Millennium Concept (the company the main distributor for Black Berkey filters) is soooooooooooo confident in their product, then
Why don't they have any Quality Assurance procedures put into place?
Why don't they have their filters annually tested?
Why don't they get an NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification.
Why don't they have a Micron Rating for their filter?
Lets be fair here, if you are skeptical about Truesdale lab not getting their filters checked out in 15 years.... is there really a difference in the 10 Years that Berkey Filters have waited?
Bottom line is that the Berkey filters make some pretty awesome claims, but do very little to PROVE this to their consumers. As for Spectrum labs and the University of Arizona... I have yet to hear back from them.
This review is not meant to be negative in any way, it is solely to spread information and get to the bottom of this. When I called New Millennium Concepts, Valerie answered the phone was was extremely pleasant with me. She spent 30 minutes explaining to me how long they have been in business and that the filters were made in the USA and that they were quality and have had ZERO issues with them. Again, that is all fine and well, but where is the proof? You can't simply say that no one has gotten sick so that is why we know our filters work... I mean I have been drinking tap water for 30 years now and I am not SICK. That being said, everyone knows how BAD tap water is for you over a cumulative time!"
I found this very interesting comment on amazon.com. I am getting very suspicious of some possibly deceptive advertising of the Berkey filters:
"That's What She Said says:
not to be a buzz kill, but I spend DAYS researching these berkey filters. I even tracked down a gentleman who claimed to be one of the heads of the Toxicology Department, Dr. Portier, at LSU. He said that LSU did infact do ONE water sample on the Black Berkey over 10 YEARS ago and that neither he or LSU endorses their product. He also said that while the test did take place, that not Himself or LSU authorized a document to be placed on the internet. He said the reason that he was so quick to call me back is because he has had nearly 20 different inquires in the past 10 years asking about this "so called" lab analysis document that Berkey puts on their website. He also went on to say, that SOMEONE had to of manufactured the "LSU document" because he did not provide ANYONE with that document. So, even if LSU did do a sample, and if everything went alright, then why did New Millennium Concepts have to manufacture a LSU lab analysis report?Then I got to thinking, if New Millennium Concept (the company the main distributor for Black Berkey filters) is soooooooooooo confident in their product, then
Why don't they have any Quality Assurance procedures put into place?
Why don't they have their filters annually tested?
Why don't they get an NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification.
Why don't they have a Micron Rating for their filter?
Lets be fair here, if you are skeptical about Truesdale lab not getting their filters checked out in 15 years.... is there really a difference in the 10 Years that Berkey Filters have waited?
Bottom line is that the Berkey filters make some pretty awesome claims, but do very little to PROVE this to their consumers. As for Spectrum labs and the University of Arizona... I have yet to hear back from them.
This review is not meant to be negative in any way, it is solely to spread information and get to the bottom of this. When I called New Millennium Concepts, Valerie answered the phone was was extremely pleasant with me. She spent 30 minutes explaining to me how long they have been in business and that the filters were made in the USA and that they were quality and have had ZERO issues with them. Again, that is all fine and well, but where is the proof? You can't simply say that no one has gotten sick so that is why we know our filters work... I mean I have been drinking tap water for 30 years now and I am not SICK. That being said, everyone knows how BAD tap water is for you over a cumulative time!"
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Highwater Filters,
What this person has said on amazon is a complete fabrication of the truth. The person who wrote the review on amazon, I have personally emailed and discussed this with them. They know the truth, and it is sad to see that it is still being posted by users here. The LSU tests (and all the tests) were done by a professional and are completely legitimate independent tests.
theberkeyguy
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theberkeyguy,
Why did you now answer a single concern that Highwater Filters posted ?
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Regarding the Black Berkey Elements and the concern about them working properly as designed, there is a simple diagnostic that can be run. This diagnostic will help determine that the Black Berkeys are working properly:
The Black Elements (which come in sets of two) are rated at 6,000 gallons of tap water per set. That is 3,000 gallons of tap water per Black Element. Tap water is the standard because water sources vary greatly in contaminant levels, i.e. creek, lake, pond, river, stream, well, etc. Because the contaminant levels of different water sources vary, sets of Black Berkey Elements may or may not reach the 6,000 gallon benchmark. Priming and re-priming the Black Berkeys will enhance the lifespan of the Elements, but eventual replacement of the Elements with usage is to be expected. There is no such thing as a water purifying filter that lasts indefinitely. The filters would only fail if they have reached their saturation level for removing/reducing contaminants, or if they are damaged/defective.
The manufacturer, New Millennium Concepts, Ltd., (NMC) has been and continues to be committed to providing quality products. Quality-assurance practices have always been in place and the adhesive issue in question has been resolved. For those who believe they need warranty service, NMC continues to offer their guarantee:http://berkeywater.com/FAQs/10j_Guarantee.html.
Regarding the Amazon post referenced above, we are familiar with the individual ( Mr. W.C.) who has posted those comments. His intent is to gather validation from others for his views. While he has the right to voice his opinion, his deliberate accusations of fraud are not to be taken lightly. In fact, his comments (found elsewhere on the internet attacking other companies and products) are an accusation of criminal activity on behalf of NMC...legally different from an opinion. He is sensational and understands nothing of manufacturing and production, nor is he informed on scientific lab standards and the politics involved with "pay-to-play" certification standards. Suffice it to say that individuals like him pop up from time to time, but we stand with NMC in our use and distribution of the Berkey Water Purification Systems.
The lab testing was conducted at the referenced labs, period. NMC routinely conducts quality assurance controls and tests . Regarding NSF or other certifying entities, the Berkey Systems have met and/or exceeded the Standards that labs utilize in their evaluations of claims.
Hope this helps!
theberkeyguy
- If you are using the PF2 Fluoride/Arsenic Reduction Elements, disconnect them from the Black Berkeys.
- Empty the Bottom & top chambers of your Berkey.
- Place cups in the bottom chamber, one directly under each one of the Black Elements which are still attached in the top chamber. These will serve to receive water from the Black Element directly above it when you replace the top chamber, so be sure to align the cups so that the water falls directly into the cup.
- Replace the top chamber over the bottom chamber and fill the top chamber half to three-quarters of capacity.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon or less of RED food coloring. It must be red because there are no minerals within red food coloring. Blue/Green food coloring contain minerals that will pass through, thus indicating a false positive.
- Allow the cups in the bottom chamber to receive sufficient amount of water so that you can distinguish that the red color is being properly removed.
- If the water is clear, then the filters are working properly. If the color is making it through to the bottom chamber, then re-prime the corresponding Black Element(s) and repeat the diagnostic. It would only be necessary to re-prime the Black Element(s) which allowed color to pass through.
- If, after re-priming the Black Element(s), color makes it through any of the filters, the cup with the color indicates a Black Element that needs to be changed with a replacement.
The Black Elements (which come in sets of two) are rated at 6,000 gallons of tap water per set. That is 3,000 gallons of tap water per Black Element. Tap water is the standard because water sources vary greatly in contaminant levels, i.e. creek, lake, pond, river, stream, well, etc. Because the contaminant levels of different water sources vary, sets of Black Berkey Elements may or may not reach the 6,000 gallon benchmark. Priming and re-priming the Black Berkeys will enhance the lifespan of the Elements, but eventual replacement of the Elements with usage is to be expected. There is no such thing as a water purifying filter that lasts indefinitely. The filters would only fail if they have reached their saturation level for removing/reducing contaminants, or if they are damaged/defective.
The manufacturer, New Millennium Concepts, Ltd., (NMC) has been and continues to be committed to providing quality products. Quality-assurance practices have always been in place and the adhesive issue in question has been resolved. For those who believe they need warranty service, NMC continues to offer their guarantee:http://berkeywater.com/FAQs/10j_Guarantee.html.
Regarding the Amazon post referenced above, we are familiar with the individual ( Mr. W.C.) who has posted those comments. His intent is to gather validation from others for his views. While he has the right to voice his opinion, his deliberate accusations of fraud are not to be taken lightly. In fact, his comments (found elsewhere on the internet attacking other companies and products) are an accusation of criminal activity on behalf of NMC...legally different from an opinion. He is sensational and understands nothing of manufacturing and production, nor is he informed on scientific lab standards and the politics involved with "pay-to-play" certification standards. Suffice it to say that individuals like him pop up from time to time, but we stand with NMC in our use and distribution of the Berkey Water Purification Systems.
The lab testing was conducted at the referenced labs, period. NMC routinely conducts quality assurance controls and tests . Regarding NSF or other certifying entities, the Berkey Systems have met and/or exceeded the Standards that labs utilize in their evaluations of claims.
Hope this helps!
theberkeyguy
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1,688 Posts
Thanks for your reply Jeff. I think I will try to contact the guy at LSU. Do you have any contact information?
whoops, sorry didn't see last post!
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1,688 Posts
Thanks Jeff.
Is it true that the housings are made in India?
Is it true that the housings are made in India?
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The Stainless Steel chambers are manufactured in India while all of the other components are manufactured and assembled here in the USA.
Unfortunately, the marketplace has created consumer demand that does not tolerate pricing for domestic steel fabrication/production along with those labor costs. To keep the Berkey Systems at a price that is more attainable for consumers, the Stainless Steel is manufactured there but assembled here by fellow Americans.
theberkeyguy
Unfortunately, the marketplace has created consumer demand that does not tolerate pricing for domestic steel fabrication/production along with those labor costs. To keep the Berkey Systems at a price that is more attainable for consumers, the Stainless Steel is manufactured there but assembled here by fellow Americans.
theberkeyguy
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