Berkey Big User manual

Tools you’ll need: standard screwdriver (not included). We recommend setting up your system on a countertop or other waterproof surface.
• Wash your hands, stainless steel chambers and spigot before assembly to reduce the chances of contaminating the system's components.
• Be sure to keep all parts and original packaging in the unlikely event that your system needs to be returned to the manufacturer.
(A) Upper System
Chamber
Instructions for Big Berkey®, Crown Berkey™,
Imperial Berkey®, Royal Berkey®and
Travel Berkey®water ltration systems
(B) Lower System
Chamber
with rubber ring attached
(G) Standard
Spigot
(H) Spigot Hex Nut
or Wing Nut
(style may vary)
(C) System Lid
(I) Spigot Flat
Washer (x2)
(E) Knob Screw
Failure to read, thoroughly understand, and follow all instructions may result in injury, water damage, or voiding of the warranty! It is the assembler’s responsibility to make sure all components
are properly assembled and installed using the instructions provided. While your Berkey®System should not have any leaking problems, there is always the chance that a leak might occur due
to being improperly assembled or perhaps a faulty part. In an overabundance of caution, we recommend that for the rst 24 hours the lled system be placed in an area wherein if such a leak
were to occur, the resulting spillage would not damage anything.
Knob
screw (E)
3. Insert Blocking Plugs
Use blocking plugs to ll remaining open holes in the upper
chamber where you will not be installing Black Berkey
®
Elements. For push-in blocking plugs, simply press plugs
into holes from inside the upper chamber (smaller end rst).
For screw-type blocking plugs, place one washer on threaded
stem, and insert plug (stem) through one of the holes inside the
system’s upper chamber. Place other washer on the threaded
stem outside of system, then the nut. Hold plug securely with
one hand inside system, and hand-turn nut on outside of system
until snug. Do not over-tighten. Repeat for remaining plugs.
4. Install the
Vapor Lock Clip
Climate, elevation and other
factors can create a tighter t,
preventing air ow between
chambers, which slows down or
prevents water ow (a natural
phenomenon known as vapor
lock). To prevent vapor lock,
create air ow by placing clip on
edge of lower chamber, making
sure that the long portion of the
airlock clip is hanging inside of
the lower chamber.
Note: All systems may not include
a vapor lock clip. If you experience
vapor lock, please contact our
Customer Service department to
obtain a clip. For customers outside
the United States, please contact a
local Authorized Berkey®Dealer.
(L) Blocking Plugs
(style and quantity
varies by system)
(K) Black Berkey®Elements
(quantity varies by system)
(M) Tan Priming
Button
(D) Small Metal
Washer
(J) Vapor Clip
(optional)
System Parts List
Berkey®Stainless Steel System Spigot
1. Attach Knob to Lid
Fit knob onto lid by inserting the knob screw up through
the washer into hole in the underside of lid, then screw
on the knob.
System lid (C)
Small
metal
washer (D)
Hex
nut
(H)
2. Assemble Spigot
To assure a proper seal, place one washer on stem of spigot.
Insert spigot into system and turn spigot counterclockwise to
the 9 o’clock position. Then, place the other washer on stem
inside of the system, then the nut, and hand-turn nut until it is
tight while holding spigot at the 9 o’clock position. Then, hold
nut in place and rotate spigot clockwise until spigot is upright.
Washer (I) Washer (I)
Black Berkey®Elements
Standard
spigot (G)
Berkey®System
lower chamber wall
(F) Knob
Parts shown for illustration only and are not to scale.
(O) Wing Nut
(1 per element)
(N) Sealing Washer
(1 per element)
Lid
knob
(F)
Vapor lock
clip (J)
Berkey®System
lower chamber (B)
System Assembly
May not be included with all systems.
(K)
1. Loosen wing nut (O) on
Black Berkey
®
Element
(K) stem until the top of
wing nut (O) reaches the
top of stem’s threads
(about 1/8" from top end
of stem).
3. Place the
threaded stem
of element
between
ngers,
and press tan
priming button
up against
faucet.
4. Slowly turn on cold
water (gradually
increasing water
pressure) while
holding element
and tan priming
button rmly
against faucet
to create a seal,
allowing water to
saturate element.
5. As water pushes air out of element, allow
element to sweat beads of water for 10-20
seconds. Water may be discolored at rst,
as excess media exits element. Continue
running water until it runs clear, and the
entire element appears to be saturated.
2. Place tan priming
button (M) on top
of wing nut. Top of
tan priming button
should be slightly
higher than the top
of the stem.
Tip: Your Black Berkey
®
Elements will be wet after priming them—we recommend placing
your elements in a clean bowl or sink while assembling the rest of your system.
1/8"
The element is now primed
and ready for installation.
Repeat steps 1-5 at left for
your remaining elements.
(O)
5. Prime the Black Berkey®Elements
Priming uses water to displace air out of the elements’ pores, ensuring that water can ow freely. Elements will not operate properly if they are not primed.
We recommend setting up your system on a countertop or other waterproof surface. If process dust is present, wipe it o with a Scotch-Brite
®
pad under cold running water.
(O)
(M)
(K)
(K) (K)
(K) (K)
Illustration of
assembled system
Berkey®System upper chamber (A)
Screw-type
blocking plug
assembly
Washer
Washer
Nut
Stem
(inside chamber)
or
Blocking
plugs (L)

Assembly Verication*(Red Food Coloring Test)
This simple test veries that your system has been assembled correctly, and that there are no internal leaks in your system. We recommend this test be done after the rst assembly
of this system, after removal or replacement of Black Berkey® Elements, or the rst use after drying and storing the elements for an extended period of time. Ensure that you do
not have Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements installed in the system when performing this test.
1. Addup to 1 teaspoon of articial red food coloring (must be red)for every gallonthat yourBerkey
®
System can hold into the upper chamber.We recommend McCormick’s red
food coloring or any articial food coloring.Acceptable food color ingredients include water, propylene glycol, FD&C Red 40 and FD&C Red 3, and propylparaben. Avoid using food
coloring that is not red, or contains citric acid, sodium benzoate or natural ingredients such beet juice, turmeric, etc. Using organic food colorings will result in a false
failed test (stating that your system is not sealed correctly).
2. Place a cup under spigot and drain water.If dispensed water does not have a red or pink hue, this indicates that the elements are sealed and system has been assembled correctly.
*Note: This test does not demonstrate the complete reduction of all possible water contaminants; it is meant to conrm that the system was assembled as intended.
• Avoid placing your system in direct sunlight or near a heat source such as a
stove, indoor heater, etc. Excessive heat can create conditions that could facilitate
microbiological growth (mold, biolm, bacteria, etc.) inside the upper chamber,
where untreated (and possibly contaminated) water is poured into the system.
• When lower chamber is partially lled, be cautious not to overll upper
chamber, as this could cause lower chamber to overow.
For example: if the lower chamber is 1/3 full, the upper chamber can be relled by 2/3.
If the lower chamber is 1/2 full, the upper chamber can be relled by 1/2, etc.
• Never allow wet Black Berkey
®
Elements to freeze—exposure to freezing
temperatures can expand the water into ice, which may damage the elements and
cause them to crack or break. Allowing elements to freeze will void your warranty.
6. Install Primed Elements In The System
1. Remove wing nut from threaded stem while leaving sealing washer
on Black Berkey
®
Element.
2. Place threaded stem, with sealing washer attached, into the
hole in the interior base of upper chamber.
3. Secure element in the base of the chamber by screwing wing
nut onto threaded mount until hand-tight. Caution: hand tighten
only. Over-tightening wing nut can strip the nut’s threads,
which could cause the system to leak. Repeat these 3 steps
for remaining elements.
4. With elements in place, carefully place upper chamber
onto lower chamber. Your system is now assembled
and ready to use.
Alternate/O-Grid Priming Methods
When using the system o-grid or traveling where treated
water is not available, we strongly recommend using the Black
Berkey Primer™ (sold separately), a handheld priming pump
that makes the elements easy to prime without the need for
faucets or hose connections. Black Berkey Primers™ are
available from Authorized Berkey®Dealers worldwide.
Black Berkey®Elements may also be primed using a bottle
of ltered water. Have one person hold the element, with the
priming button attached and facing upward. Have a second
person press the mouth of the bottled water against the priming
button and squeeze until water is forced through entire exterior
wall of element and it begins to sweat beads of water.
Questions About Using or Assembling Your Berkey®System?
Phone: [phone] Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM CST
Holiday hours may vary.
Instructional Videos • Product FAQs • Support Via Email or Live Chat
support.berkeywater.com
Always use only the cleanest freshwater source available. Use of softened water or salt water
can clog the lter’s pores and will void your warranty.
Avoid placing your system in direct sunlight or near a heat source such as a stove, indoor heater, etc.
1. Fill upper chamber with cold or room temperature water. DO NOT use hot or boiling water.
2. Place lid on system. Allow water to lter into lower chamber.
3. Open the spigot to completely empty the lower chamber, and discard water. If water is slightly discolored due
to any remaining particulate, do not be concerned—simply repeat steps 1-3 in this section as many times as
needed until dispensed water is clear.
4. Your system is now ready to use. Rell upper chamber with water.
If you are going to be leaving the system unattended for 4-15 days and want to
reduce the necessity of re-priming the elements, remove the elements from your
system and place them in a sealable plastic bag (gallon-size or larger) while elements
are still damp (this allows the elements to stay wet, making priming unnecessary).
Then, place the elements in your refrigerator where they will not freeze. When ready,
thoroughly rinse elements under cold water, then reinstall them in your system.
For longer-term storage, we recommend completely drying the elements rst.
Ensuring they are bone-dry (zero moisture) before storing them long-term helps
prevent any potential microbiological growth (mold, biolm, bacteria, etc.). Shake
excess water from elements, then air-dry by leaving them on a windowsill or other
sunny location for 1-3 days until completely dry.
Once elements are bone-dry (zero moisture), store them in a sealable plastic bag
(gallon-size or larger)—this prevents elements from absorbing odors. When you are
ready to re-use your elements, clean them by scrubbing the outside with a sti brush
or a Scotch-Brite
®
pad under cold running water. Then re-prime the elements before
putting them back in your system.
Alternatively, you can use a Black Berkey Primer™ (sold separately) which assists
in both priming and purging. Purging speeds up the drying process by pushing water
out of the element before you place them in the sun or air dry to complete the pro-
cess. Note: when purging, valves on the Black Berkey Primer™ must be reversed.
We recommend performing maintenance every 30 days as needed:
Clean the lower chamber and spigot
1. Remove upper chamber (be sure to drain any water and remove optional
Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements, if attached).
2. With the Black Berkey
®
Elements remaining installed in the upper chamber, place
upper chamber upside down or securely on its side to ensure it will not roll o of
your counter or other work surface. Caution: breaking an element’s stem will
void its warranty.
3. Clean lower chamber with mild dish soap or a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar,
and rinse thoroughly.
4. Remove spigot and soak it in a 1:1 mixture of clean water and vinegar for 5-10
minutes to help remove any mineral deposits. Rinse spigot thoroughly.
5. Reattach spigot. Reinstall any optional Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic
Reduction Elements to the stems of the system’s Black Berkey
®
Elements.
With elements in place, carefully place upper chamber onto lower chamber.
Using Your System
Precautions
Black Berkey®Element Storage
Maintaining Your System
Wing
nut
(O)
Sealing
washer
(N)
Berkey®System upper chamber (A)
Black Berkey®
Element (K)
System Troubleshooting
After prolonged use, ow rate may decrease signicantly. To improve ow rate:
1. Slow ow rate could be caused by vapor lock. Insert vapor lock clip, if supplied. See page 1, assembly step #4.
2. Carefully remove the elements from the upper chamber and gently scrub them with a sti brush or Scotch-Brite
®
pad under cold running water (never apply soap or other
cleaning agents to your Black Berkey
®
Elements). Re-prime elements, and reinstall them inside the upper chamber.
3. Place upper chamber back onto lower chamber, then perform the Assembly Verication process (Red Food Coloring Test). Your system is ready to use.
Notes:
• It may take up to 15 minutes for elements to begin dripping
water from the upper chamber into the lower chamber.
• Maximum ow rate will be achieved after the initial 12-24
hours of use as micro air pockets within the elements
are replaced with water.
• It is normal to have a few inches of water left in the upper
chamber when using the system, as it is gravity fed and the
water cannot process through the bottom of the element.
Cups or jars
(same size)
Table or countertop
Berkey®
system
upper
chamber

ü
New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. Limited Warranty
New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. warrants their product against defects in materials or workmanship during ordinary consumer use. This Limited Warranty does not cover product issues
caused by any other reason, for the time periods and conditions set forth below when purchased directly from an Authorized Berkey®Dealer. New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. shall not
be held liable for incidental or consequential damage to personal property from, but not limited to, a defective unit, improper use, abuse, accident, or neglect, etc. It is the customer’s
responsibility to prevent misuse of the system and to replace parts, when, due to the natural course of wear and tear, they must be replaced. To obtain warranty service, you must provide
a dated receipt for the product and may be responsible to pay for any shipping charges incurred to return the product to New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. when required. This warranty
will not apply to units which have been used for purposes not intended, which have been altered so as, in the manufacturer’s judgment, to adversely aect its performance. This warranty
is for the original retail purchaser only, and cannot be transferred. For a period not to exceed the specied warranty coverage from the date of receipt of the product by the original pur-
chaser on the original invoice, New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. will, solely at its discretion, replace said product or component that New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. deems is not functioning
properly during the stated warranty period. The laws of the state of Texas, USA will govern any disputes regarding this warranty or claim made. This warranty, which is given expressly in
lieu of all warranties, expressed or implied, or merchantability and tness for a particular purpose, constitutes the only warranty made by New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. This warranty
applies only to products manufactured or exclusively distributed by New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. and its Authorized Berkey®Dealers, and does not apply to extended warranties
oered by some Authorized Berkey®Dealers. Berkey®System Housing: Berkey®System upper and lower chambers including lids, excluding orders for factory-blemished systems,
are covered under a one-year warranty. The warranty period begins from the date of receipt of the product by the original purchaser on the original invoice. Black Berkey®Elements:
Black Berkey®Elements are covered under a two year limited prorated warranty, calculated in six-month intervals. Warranty period begins from the date of receipt of the product by
the original purchaser on the original invoice. Included spigot and accessories that are sold separately are covered under a six-month warranty. The warranty period begins from the
date of receipt of the product by the original purchaser on the original invoice.
If water drained from system has a red or
pink hue during the assembly verication
test, repeat the procedure again in this
manner to determine the source of the leak:
1. Place the upper system chamber only (with Black
Berkey
®
Elements installed) on top of same-sized
cups or jars, each positioned so that an element
can drip water into it. This will help you identify
which blocking plug or element may be leaking.
2. Fill upper chamber with water and red food
coloring as directed above.
3. Allow system to lter water. Check the color of
water expelled from the elements. If water color
is clear, your system is ready to use. If red dye is
still present, reinstall the element(s) or blocking
plug(s) where leaking occurs and re-run test.
4. If system continues to fail the test, contact our
Customer Service department for assistance.
Clear
water
Red or pink-
hued water
Water with
red food
coloring
Assembly Instructions - Stainless - V2 2022 © Copyright 2002-2022 - New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.