I ordered an Imperial Berkey with 4 elements at the beginning of May. We decided to use 2 filters and keep 2 for storage. After about 3 weeks of use, out of the blue the water started filtering very fast so I tested and one of the filters was broken - red water dripping out. I contacted the company I ordered from and they sent a replacement filter with a pre-paid shipping label to return the broken one. I tested the new filter and it was fine so we dried it out and stored it. Now tonight the same thing has happened! Refilled the unit like we do every night and I noticed it filtering faster than normal. My daughter got some water and said it tasted like "sink water". So I did the red dye test again and both filters are broken. One is really dripping the red water, the other just has a hint of pink dripping from it. This is so very discouraging. Has anyone else been having this problem with the filters? My husband wanted the Berkey for survival purposes but this is very unreliable and now he is talking of returning the whole thing and getting our $400 back.
I have a Black Berkey. If I had it to do over again I'd take a closer look at AquaRain. Google them and compare them to a Berkey. I haven't looked at it in a while but I think they are cheaper than a Berkey and the filters have smaller pores than Berkey also their filters will fit in a Berkey. I'm no expert on it but that is a place to start.
Hmmmm...something is definitely wrong here...I know of a number of people that had the OLD Berkey systems and upgraded to the newest black filters. No one has had such a problem that I know of...BUT then again, you never know what is happening! Unless it is a stress defect in the making of the ceramics, ( colling incorrectly and fracturing) my only idea is that when installed they crack. I hope this gets cleared up soon! Keep us posted on this one!
The problem in relation to the black berkey elements has been corrected, and we recommend contacting the company you purchased them from, for another replacement. We are not sure why your 2nd set broke, but the new sets they have been sending have not failed in anyway. theberkeyguy
Thanks everyone. So far the filters that have failed are all from the first order we made in May - we got 4 filters and 3 of them have died. I contacted the company and they are sending 2 new ones. The rep said this is extremely rare. I'm a little concerned about that 4th filter from the initial order, but considering how fast the others failed, I'm sure if it's going to it will be within the 6-month time frame to have it replaced for free. I've been so spoiled by the wonderful taste of the Berkey water that I don't want to be without it now!
Been using blacks for @ 4 yrs with no problems. Had one come unglued from the attaching screw plate but I just clear siliconed it back. Will be ordering two more sets asap. One for storage and one for a "home made" filter rig from 5 gallon buckets. The buckets will fit inside each other and protect the filters till needed. The top will fit onto the bottom bucket with the filters attached to the bottom of the top bucket. Should make a "jam up" camping/BO filter. Add a third bucket to the "stack" and you have a water carrier, wash bucket, etc. With them fitting inside each other they will not take up much room till needed.
just an FYI since i got mine replaced all seems well. from: https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/contact_us
