Instructions / Assembly

Testing the Black Berkey® Purification Elements

To determine whether the Black Berkey® Elements are working

properly, perform the following test using red food coloring.

Note: Due to its specific composition, only artificial food coloring that is

red in color can be used. Natural dyes that are red in color, such as

vegetable juices, cannot be used in place of artifical red food coloring.

1. Confirm that the placement of the element washer and wing nut

are correct. The washer should be inside the upper chamber and

the wing nut should be on the underside of the upper chamber.

2. If your Berkey® system contains the optional PF-2 Fluoride and

Arsenic Reduction Elements in addition to the Black Berkey®

Elements, remove the PF-2 elements prior to the test.

3. Place a glass under each element to catch the filtered water.

4. Fill the upper chamber with water so that the Black Berkey®

Elements are completely submerged.

5. Add one teaspoon of red food coloring for every gallon of water

that is in the upper chamber of the system. The water in the

upper chamber should have a red tint.

6. Allow the water to filter into the glasses.

7. If the filtered water has a pink or red tint, see below additional

troubleshooting tips before contacting Customer Service.

• Are the wing nuts on securely? Please do not tighten the wing

nuts using any tools; they should be hand tightened to a snug fit,

but not more. If the wing nuts are on too tight, this could cause

stripping on the threads of the filter stem, preventing a correct

seal.

• Are you using the correct type of dye? Artificial liquid red food

coloring is the only type recommended for this test. Other dyes

contain minerals and natural colors which may pass through the

Black Berkey® Elements.

Red Dye Troubleshooting Tips

Please review ALL below troubleshooting test to ensure a correct test

before contacting Customer Service.