I have heard of a lot of problems with the black Berkey filters breaking (coming apart, the base separating from the filter), has anyone had that?
2047797
I bought the ceramic filters because they can just be cleaned. Ceramic has been around a long time as a filter. I am very happy with them and you can see what they filter, even out of tap water, then use a brush and clean them. The black plastic say they filter a small percentage more, but I like the durability of the ceramic.
2047798
i have had no problems at all with mine,totally satisfied,in fact buying one for my daughter for Christmas.......
2047799
I have not experienced that, but I had the same Berkey and filters for years. The the plastic container developed a crack. It used the black filters which supposedly filter out everything.The British Berkefeld Gravity....(pictured here) has the white ceramic filters, which I haven't had any problems with, either, but they do not filter out everything the black ones do. (The precise differences are now lost in the mists of my mind.)
2192376
I use the EkoBrew Reusable filters. I have been using the same one daily for over a year now with no problems.
1807326
Hi Jennifer. I believe the Big Berkey comes with either the white or black filters. I chose the black because it can filter more harmful stuff. You can call customer service at 1-800-350-4170. They're really nice people. Good luck with your ultimate choice!
655083
Yes I am having the same issues. I have replaced it twice. I wrote the manufacturer and they sent me a new base. But they are not lasting more than 3 months. They told me that they make quality products. I believe they need to go to a glass with metal base.
2025074
If your filter is collapsing due to it being glued not being stapled, contact the company and they will send you a replacement. It also took me a few times to get the filter lined up correctly so it slides in right. Once I got it lined up correctly, the filter felt very stable.
955005
The filters micro-pores sometimes get clogged up with calcium deposits or other stuff. I take my filters off and scrub the outside with a white scotch-brite pad. Then I run a lot of water through the filters, priming them at least 60 seconds. Berkey recommends doing this if the flow rate slows. Not sure about sediment, but I would try cleaning the filters, as above and then see if it clears up. Good luck
1359690
may need to clean filter in back. use amonia. also if yours has glass plates take them out and clean in amonia
93528
I can't say for sure. Are the particles black? If so, they could be particles of carbon from the filter. If that's the case, and if you have run water through the filter before using it, the filter may well be defective. I haven't personally encountered this problem.
1875460
No mine has worked fine since I bought it in 2013. I use it almost everyday.Perhaps the front where filters go isn't closed properly or its unbalanced.
177078
Interesting. My filter unscrews quite easily. Perhaps give it a better tug. Good luck.
964575
I installed my filter about 2 months ago and haven't had any problem with it at this time. I have been using the Dupont filter for a number of years now and the only problem I have ever had has been the filter housing cracking. Not the filter itself. Seems to be a good product.
25477
We had a similiar problem and my husband took the back off and blew the filter out with compressed air-it was all encrusted although we use filtered water but it worked and we are once again using it.
34293
No- make sure the filter is in correctly. That caused problems with mine too!
1503808
We use our Berkey in a motorhome. We did find that if we take the filter apart for travel, it is easy to drop the filters, and the stem at the base of the filter that goes through the top compartment will break off easily, rendering the filter completely useless. They don't sell the filters in single, so we had to buy 2 to replace the one. We found if we leave it assembled and put it in the shower when we travel, it travels well. Haven't had any trouble with it falling over and the filters stay protected when they are left in place.
1568923
I prefer the black berkey filters. Everything I read about the ceramic is they are not as good as the black filters. Though, should research yourself by reading up on what they do and don't do prior to purchase to make sure the filter you want to purchase is best for your needs.
31678
I've never had this problem with mine. Did you rinse out the filter well before placing it? That's the only thing I can think of that might be the cause...
765759
I forgot to replace it one year and after a few months too many, I started to smell dust even after vacuuming. Once I replaced the filter, the dust odor went away after one or two vacuumings. It's expensive, but necesary. Would love to know if anyone has had good experience with the generic version for 1/4 the price!