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Berkey Water Filter Assembly Instructions

assembly diagram

Not Shown: Blocking Plugs*
Priming Washer

  1. Lid Knob
  2. Lid
  3. Lid Knob Screw
  4. Upper Chamber
  5. Berkey Filter Element*
  6. Lower Chamber
  7. Spigot/Tap
  8. Spigot Washers (2)
  9. Spigot Nut
  10. Large Sealing Washers*
  11. Wing Nuts*

*The number of these parts depends on the system you have ordered.

How to Assemble the Berkey System

  1. Extreme cleanliness is important. Wash your hands and the system before proceeding to assure that contamination of the components does not take place during assembly.
  2. Remove the purification elements and parts from their protective packaging, checking each item against the above list.
  3. Fit the knob(1) onto the lid(2) by inserting the screw(3) up through the hole in the lid and screwing on the knob. Hand tighten only.
  4. Prime Black Berkey purification elements.
  5. Place the large sealing washer(10) over the threaded portion of the element(5).
  6. Place the element(5) into the hole in the base of the upper chamber(4).
  7. Secure element in the chamber base by screwing on the wing nut(11) onto the threaded mount. Repeat # D, E and F until all elements have been installed.
  8. For systems having more element holes than purification elements, (expandable systems) secure blocking plugs into empty holes with one washer on the inside and one on the outside.
  9. Place one rubber washer(8) onto the threaded portion of the outlet spigot(7).
  10. Insert thread of spigot(7) through hole in the side of the lower chamber(6). Place the second small washer(8) over the thread within the chamber and secure in place with the nut(9). Tighten securely by hand only. We have made available a diagram of spigot installation and detailed instructions for sightglass spigot installation.
  11. Place the upper chamber(4) onto the lower chamber(6) and place lid(2) in position.
  12. You may perform the red food coloring test to insure that your Black Berkey water filters are properly installed and functioning as they should. This test can be performed at any time during the lifetime of the Black Berkey water filters.

If you have any further questions or need further assistance with your Berkey Water Filter System, please contact our Customer Support Team.