Black Berkey® Element Troubleshooting

Tell us what's going on...

Which of the following describes your issue

Failed Red Food Coloring Test
Broken Filter
Taste/Smell Issue
Fast Flow
Slow/No Flow

Red Food Coloring Test

I understand you're having trouble with the red food coloring test. Let's take a closer look at this issue.

Did you perform the Red Food Coloring Test?

Yes
No
I don't know how.

Did it pass the Red Food Coloring Test?

Yes
No

If your elements pass the Red Food Coloring Test then they are installed and performing correctly!

No problem. Let's cover how to perform a Red Food Coloring Test just to verify the test was performed correctly.

If the test was performed correctly, but your elements are still failing the Red Food Coloring test, you may be eligible for replacements under NMCL’s Limited 2 year Pro-rated Warranty.

Please use the following link to file a warranty claim. One of our highly trained Customer Engagement Team members will contact you within 1-2 business days.

Warranty Claims Form

Performing the Red Food Coloring Test is vital to ensure your elements are performing correctly. Here's how to perform the test:

Empty your Upper and Lower Chambers.

Ensure your Black Berkey® Purification Elements are primed.

Use 1 teaspoon of Artificial Red Food Coloring per gallon of your water your system can hold.

Fill your Upper Chamber with water.

Add the appropriate amount of Artificial Red Food Coloring to the Upper Chamber.

Allow the water to pass through the Black Berkey® Purification Elements

If the water in the Lower Chamber comes out clear, everything is installed correctly. If the water has a pink or red tint, please refer to the assembly instructions to ensure the system has been installed correctly.

Click here video instructions on how to perform the Red Food Coloring Test

It is very rare that a set of Black Berkey® Purification Elements have failed due to a manufacturing defect. In most cases, inadequate assembly or incorrect testing measurements are the reason for a “Failed” test.

For further questions, please contact our Customer Engagement Team at customerservice@berkeywater.com

Broken Filter

I understand you may have a broken filter. Let's take a closer look at this issue.

How did your filters break?

The stem broke off.
The entire cap (including stem) came off.
The charcoal portion has cracked or chipped.

Black Berkey® Purification Elements that are broken via user error are not covered under the Limited Pro-rated warranty.
To purchase a new set of elements, contact your local Authorized Berkey® Dealer.

Contact our Customer Engagement Team with any further questions at customerservice@berkeywater.com

If the entire bottom cap has removed itself from the charcoal element, please contact our Customer Engagement Team through the Warranty Claims Form

One of our highly trained Customer Engagement Specialists will contact you within 1-2 business days.

Small chips in the charcoal portion of the element is normal. As long as your elements are passing the Red Food Coloring Test they are performing correctly!

If you believe there is a problem with your elements, please contact our Customer Engagement Team through the Warranty Claims Form so we can review this further.
One of our highly trained staff memebers will contact you within 1-2 business days.

Taste/Smell Issue

OK. There are a few things to consider for this issue. Let's take a look.

Are you using the Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements?

Yes
No

Remove the Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements from your system. Run water through without them. Does the issue persist?

Yes
No

Have you performed a Red Food Coloring Test on your Black Berkey® Purification Elements?

Yes
No

Did your Black Berkey® Purification Elements pass the Red Food Coloring Test?

Yes
No

No problem. Let's cover how to perform a Red Food Coloring Test just to verify the test was performed correctly.

If the test was performed correctly, but your elements are still failing the Red Food Coloring test, you may be eligible for replacements under NMCL’s Limited 2 year Pro-rated Warranty.

Please use the following link to file a warranty claim. One of our highly trained Customer Engagement Team members will contact you within 1-2 business days.

Warranty Claims Form

No problem. Let's cover how to perform a Red Food Coloring Test now.

If you are still experiencing issues after reviewing this short video, contact our Customer Engagement Team at customerservice@berkeywater.com

Great news! It looks like we're making progress in diagnosing your issue. Now let's take a closer look at your Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements

Fast Flow

OK. There are a few things to consider for this issue. Let's take a look.

First, have you performed a Red Food Coloring Test on your Black Berkey® Purification Elements?

Yes
No

And did your Black Berkey® Purification Elements pass the Red Food Coloring Test?

Yes
No

Great. That means your elements are reducing contaminants and are performing as expected.
The flow rate does not indicate whether or not the filters are removing contaminants appropriately.

Do you have any other questions for us?

Yes, I'd still like more information
No, I'm set

No problem. Let's cover how to perform a Red Food Coloring Test just to verify the test was performed correctly.

If the test was performed correctly, but your elements are still failing the Red Food Coloring test, you may be eligible for replacements under NMCL’s Limited 2 year Pro-rated Warranty.

Please use the following link to file a warranty claim. One of our highly trained Customer Engagement Team members will contact you within 1-2 business days.

Warranty Claims Form

Great. We are glad to be of help. Have a nice day!

Let's make sure. Review the steps to perform a Red Food Coloring Test.

If you are still experiencing problems after watching this short video, contact our Customer Engagement Team at customerservice@berkeywater.com

No problem. Let's cover how to perform a Red Food Coloring Test now.

Slow/No Flow

OK. There are a few things to consider for this issue. Let's take a look.

How long have you had your Black Berkey® Purification Elements?

They are new- less than 2-3 weeks
Longer than 2-3 weeks

We recommend re-priming your elements. Use our online Black Berkey® Purification Element priming video as a guide.
If you are still experiencing problems, contact our Customer Engagement Team at customerservice@berkeywater.com

We recommend first cleaning and then re-priming your elements. Here is a short tutorial video on how to Clean your Black Berkey® Purification Elements.

Then watch our video on how to Prime your Black Berkey® Purification Elements.

If you are still experiencing problems, contact our Customer Engagement Team at customerservice@berkeywater.com.

I have cleaned and/or re-primed the elements, and I'm still experiencing issues with flow rate.

Yes, I have tried the recommendations

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