Check for mineral buildup on the spigot. Verify the number 9f filter holes (2 or 4). They make a stainless spigot and $~75 will get 2 filters and 2 fluorine things. Best money I've spent.

Super, thanks for the tips! How many years do you expect yours to last?

Where in the world did you get filters for that price? A set of two regular filters (no fluorine) on their website is $170

Go into it knowing that you will likely need to get replacement filters. They are $170 for a pair on the website. I don't know where the other guy is buying his, because he gave a crazy lowball price. If he's mistaken, then be aware of that expense up front. Also, the stainless steel spigot has gotten some negative reviews due to leakage. We've had the standard black plastic spigot for years without any problems.

The whole unit will last forever. Each black Berkey Filter filters 3,000 gallons and then needs to be replaced. So ask about how long they have had it and about how many times they fill it per day. Should give you a good estimate on the filter life. Also, make sure they haven’t been running softened water through it as the sodium from that process can ruin the filter elements.

I don’t actually think there are any “gotchas” that come to mind. It’s a pretty simple system where any part of it can be replaced easily.

I’ve had a Big Berkey for about 5 years and it has been one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I’ve done a total filter replacement once. We typically run about two gallons through it a day.

If the unit has been sitting unused and dry for a while I would check the rubber washers to make sure they haven’t dried out. Honestly I would just buy a new set of filters which have new washers included and call it a day.

You won’t be disappointed. These are Awesome.

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I'm on 4yrs now. No signs of stopping during my time

Thanks, wow that is pricey!

Thanks!

The filters are very expensive and they’re not third party verified the way every reputable filter is. For unknown reasons berkey only puts out their own data that magically shows their filter to be the best in the world but won’t do industry standard testing.

We used to have one and got rid of it both because we don’t trust the company and because even with hard water the filters didn’t get clogged. We ran the same water through a basic sawyer squeeze filter and it needed frequent back flushing. People have even shown that berkey black filters cause dissolved solids in the water to increase.

Something to think about - those $170 filter sets are completely hollow. They’re made to look like a nice solid filter when they’re not. They’re not even a thick filter with a hollow core, they’re maybe a 1/2” thick around the edge and the rest of what they’re selling you is air with a plastic base glued on.

A Sawyer or other backpacking filter will serve you better and is much less expensive. For home base sort of use the family or mission lifestraw filters are a good option.

Project farm on YouTube did water filter test that included Berkey and they actually didn't turn out that well. But this was after I bought one lol. I mean to me it still taste ok but I'm not a picky water guy

Thank you for this reply. Just so I understand what you're saying, do you mean that I can buy Sawyer or other brand filters and use them in the Travel Berkey?

No, Sawyer or lifestraw filters are a different thing, a lot of them will connect to a hose or water bottle

Ok, got it. Thanks.

Second this I love my berkey and will never be without it.