Homemade Berkey Water Filter

Thanks for the information on the DIY. I've had a filter like this in my shopping cart on Amazon for quite a while, just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I am glad I saw this post, I can now do it for less than half the cost. I might do this with my cub scouts as a project.

 

I bought the 5 gal buckets, put a spigot in one and have the lids, all ready to go, I just need to buy 2-4 Berkey's filters now!

 

On drilling the 1/2" holes--position the top bucket onto the lower lid and drill through both at the same time. That way you do not have to do any measuring or guessing. A real nice asset of making your own is that in a BO situation the buckets will fit into each other thus taking up less space.
On the filters seperating at the base--just put a thin layer of silicone on the base and reset. Have done mine and it works fine.

 

If your on a budget just remember that each filter is suppose to be good for 3000 gallons and a set of 2 runs around $100. I have 2 in mine and debating if I should get 2 more for replacement backup.

 

Sensible thinking and am going to order 4 for our home. Our old filters are terribly slow but have been with us for about six years. Will back flow and wash them one more time before replacing. Even then will save in case I have to pressurize them for emergency water. If they work at all then putting them under pressure should work also.

 

I read the newest ones have to be "scraped" like by using a potato peeler instead of being brushed by the 3m scotchbrite stuff?
True?

 

Bump to bring this back into view for the newer members.

 

Cheaper than dirt has a similar system for a lot less than $100 as I recall. One dome shaped filter. They also had the candle type filters. Considered sending one to a team mate in the peace corps.

 

@Mountainman , thanks for bumping this tread.

Assembled one this weekend I also put a spigot on the top bucket so I can drain it if needed without pulling it apart.
Good water in this area but....

Thanks!

 

Somewhat on the subject. Can one stack full 55 gallon drums of water on top of each other? And are there any 55 gallon water barrels with spigots already on them?

 

That could work for a group of people and I never thought about going that big. Only potential problem could be that a full 55 gallon barrel on top would weigh 450 pounds.

 

That's what had me thinking Mountainman. Awful heavy. But thought it would save space in a hall closet.

 

If, and only IF the floor could handle the weight.
You will NOT be moving this around, so just build a rack to carry the weight.
I can tell you from experience, shifting it, while full, will likely cause it to leak. Mine are used to carry water to a hunting land for watering holes.

 

Thanks Kellory. Concrete slab floor. Not enough room to build a rack, it's a shallow clothing closet you have to reach into. But it was a good idea.

 

No room for a bolted steel frame? It could be not much bigger than the barrels themselves.

 

hmm I had been picturing a wooden frame. Steel should work. Thanks

 

If your going to go with that you are probably going to have to use 4 filters to get the water in the bottom barrel in a reasonable time, see previous post #17 about my test.

For everyone: BTW, I did end up buying 2 more filters for backup in my 5 gallon system.

 

Make sure to fasten it into the wall studs as well, to prevent the possibility of tipping.

 

Hmm another good tip

 

Don't like the idea of pumping, that's why I thought about a tap on the barrel