Our well water has a LOT of calcium and it builds up on everything. Will a Berkey work for us or will the water clog it up too fast?
609262
It may glog faster than normal but you can clean the filters if water is not passing through as fast.
2082026
Well... there is a lot of information readily available on line regarding these filters. Everyone has their own level of "skeptic-ity" that they must deal with and mine is on the high side by nature. I have been using Berkeys for more than ten years now and remain a big fan of these filters. I have three of them sitting in my kitchen at this moment and use them everyday - between humans and animals, they are in constant use. In the Y2K non-event, I bought these for my employees, family, and self. As my kids aged and moved on to their own homes, I bought Berkey units for them, too. I think that I have probably purchased 20 of these things over the past 13 years for friends and family. I know of no other similar system that is as effective or economical - with a decades long track record. Period. My units all have the charcoal and PF-2 filters. To surpass the performance of these devices one would need to go to some distillation apparatus or complicated reverse osmosis systems. Some good links found in a brief search: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=sFfLbeXDav8 http://www.nourishingtreasures.com/index.php/2012/10/10/does-the-big-berkey-water-filter-really-work-i-take-out-my-microscope-and-find-out-review-and-giveaway/ http://www.cookinggodsway.com/big-berkey-water-filter-system-review/#sthash.onPULfR7.dpbs http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/berkey/ http://www.consciouswater.ca/berkey-water-filter-test-results/ Anyway, I remain a big supporter of these filter systems. I have no financial interest in any of these systems and have purchased most of them off of Amazon. I am an MD - Ophthalmology and Alternative Medicine. Good luck in your search for better water! Whether you buy a Berkey or some other brand is your choice - but, do SOMETHING to obtain good water!
577763
We have a lot of calcium in our well water. The heat from the hot water tank is what causes the minerals to form scale. We placed this on the cold water side of the hot water tank and noticed a big improvement in water quality, especially on shower doors and dish washer. I have changed it twice now. The first time at 3 mos because the info says it can clean up existing scale in pipes and fixtures. The bottom line is if your water is very hard that will affect how much benefit you get from this product. So will you be happy with a 50% improvement in quality? I know I am cleaning faucet screens a lot less. Still have a jug of vinegar around though! Hope this helps. We have a lot of calcium in our well water. The heat from the hot water tank is what causes the minerals to form scale. We placed this on the cold water side of the hot water tank and noticed a big improvement in water quality, especially on shower doors and dish washer. I have changed it twice now. The first time at 3 mos because the info says it can clean up existing scale in pipes and fixtures. The bottom line is if your water is very hard that will affect how much benefit you get from this product. So will you be happy with a 50% improvement in quality? I know I am cleaning faucet... » Read More We have a lot of calcium in our well water. The heat from the hot water tank is what causes the minerals to form scale. We placed this on the cold water side of the hot water tank and noticed a big improvement in water quality, especially on shower doors and dish washer. I have changed it twice now. The first time at 3 mos because the info says it can clean up existing scale in pipes and fixtures. The bottom line is if your water is very hard that will affect how much benefit you get from this product. So will you be happy with a 50% improvement in quality? I know I am cleaning faucet screens a lot less. Still have a jug of vinegar around though! Hope this helps. « Show Less
762371
2nd to the Berkey water filter the Zen water gravity filter is one of the most efficient water filters available. The only thing that the Zen does not do that Berkey does is remove flouride -- check out the following article by Mike Rogers who conducted independent testing of water filters: Big Berkey beats ProPur gravity water filter for removal of heavy metals and toxic elements Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com#ixzz3H8Q5zOms
2157540
I just use normal tap water, which does result in some calcium build up, but at least the water is free. I go through about 2 gallons a day.
893691
If you buy the extra fluoride filter - at extra cost. Get on the Berkey web site and see the details. http://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com
423432
It really depends on the water condition. I haven't had our Berkey long but that's my understanding of how the filters work. Get a water tester and just test from time to time to make shore the filters are working.
1699383
The aperture is large enough it'd take a very long time to accumulate enough calcium to clog it. And if you still own the house by that time you could clear it easily. It's a good solid valve.
2098895
Same experience here, slow pouring but still viable years after purchase. Our local water is quite hard, with lots of calcium from our limestone aquifer. Wondering if I should give it a vinegar soak?
2073717
Sure, but notice the tiny holes on the wand? If they get plugged with calcium or mineral deposits, you will have a devil of a time getting the water to jet properly, so just think about whether you want to risk that, depending on your water quality.
122565
Sorry. The only thing that I know of that Might work would be to distill the water and try to get rid of the contaminants afterward. The filter system that seems to filter the best, and remove the most hazards is the Berkey filters. Suggest that you research them. I spent days........,,, looking for something thy would remove salt and biochemical contaminants. There is not one that I could find. I was very impressed with the Berkey, and for a lightweight purifier, I really do like the LifeStraw. It will do more than most of the very small filters. Be sure to get this one, and not the green camoflage one that lets 2 micron particles through. That one seems to be mostly for looks. Hope this helps.
755644
Are you using distilled water? If you are using regular tap water it may have a calcium build up in there. It willMake it run irregular.
1168602
Since I'm on a well with a lot of minerals, I use distilled water. Actually, I think the directions state that you should use distilled water.
1621100
we use it for tap water all the time, for drinking and cooking arox 2 gallons per day, love the berkey.
1953721
that works best to keep the calcium deposits to a minimum; you can use regular water
54650
Still has good micro elements! I chose the berkey because it leaves in trace minerals, but I'm no expert. There's plenty of water filtration system comparison reviews on YouTube, and most of them vouch for the berkey, especially considering what it does for the price. And the filters are good for a crazy long time.. Many years if they're properly washed and cared for. :)
1111901
If the vinegar solution does not remove the calcium, then you can try some of the industrial removers. It is best to use distilled water in your unit so that it does not become a problem. Sorry I cannot be of more help. My unit has not clogged up.