Setting up a Big Berkey Water Filter System for the first time can feel a little overwhelming — especially when it comes to priming the filters, installing the tap, and making sure everything is sealed correctly.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to set up a Berkey water filter, including how to prime the filters properly, assemble each component, and troubleshoot the most common issues beginners run into.
While I’m setting up a Big Berkey here, the process is actually the same across all Berkey water filter systems — so whether you’ve got a smaller Travel Berkey or a larger unit, you can follow along exactly the same way. The only real difference is how much water it holds.
If it’s your first time, don’t worry — I went through this process myself (including a few hiccups), so I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect so you can get it right the first time.
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Watch: Berkey First Set-Up + Troubleshooting
Come along with me below as I set up my Berkey for the first time and solve some common troubleshooting issues along the way. 👇
What Is a Berkey?
A Berkey is a gravity-fed water filter system designed to remove a wide range of contaminants from your tap water — without needing electricity or plumbing.
It consists of two stainless steel chambers:
- The upper chamber, where you pour unfiltered water
- The lower chamber, where clean, filtered water collects
What Does a Berkey Remove From Water?
Inside, it uses two types of filters. The Black Berkey filters, which reduce common contaminants, and the option to add the white PF-2 Fluoride Filters, which remove over 90% of fluoride and more.
| Filter Type | Removes / Reduces |
|---|---|
| 💧 Black Berkey Purification Elements | • Chlorine & sediment • Bacteria, viruses & protozoa • Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.) • Pesticides & herbicides • VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) • Pharmaceuticals • Radiological contaminants |
| 💧 White Fluoride Filters (PF-2) | • Fluoride • Arsenic V • Selenium • Additional heavy metals • Some chemical contaminants |
Once set up, it’s as simple as filling the top chamber and letting gravity do the rest.
Where to Buy a Berkey
I bought my Big Berkey kit brand new in the box off eBay for $467 (including delivery), which was almost half the price of buying brand new from a retailer at $895.
It pays to check out second-hand options if you want to save some money, whether buying pre-loved or brand new in the box, as I did.
Otherwise, you can do an online search for ‘Berkey Water Filter System,’ and there are multiple online retailers who sell them, no matter which country you live in.
Why Use a Berkey at Home?
For me, getting a Berkey was about simplicity, self-sufficiency, and better water quality — even while living in a city.
Here are a few of the biggest benefits:
- Cleaner, better-tasting water straight from your tap
- No electricity required, making it ideal for off-grid or backup use
- Long-term savings compared to bottled water
- Low maintenance once everything is set up
- A simple way to feel more in control of your water quality
What You’ll Need
Before you begin your Berkey setup, it helps to have everything ready, which should all come in the kit.
- Upper and lower water tanks
- Lid with knob
- Berkey tap (washers & nut included)
- Black Berkey filters (washers, nuts & priming tool included)
- Optional: PF-2 Fluoride filters (priming too included)
- Access to a tap (for priming)
- Mild dish soap
Having everything laid out beforehand makes the process much smoother.
How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Berkey?
Most of the setup itself is quick, but priming the filters takes the longest and can be a bit tedious the first time around.
Here’s a realistic breakdown:
- Assembly: 10–15 minutes
- Priming black filters: 5–10 minutes each
- Priming fluoride filters: 15 minutes each
- Flushing the system: 1–2 hours per flush, depending on your Berkey size (hands-off time)
It’s not difficult — just a bit time-consuming the first time around.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Berkey Water Filter
1. Wash All Components
Start by washing the chambers, lid, and the outside of the fluoride filters in warm, soapy water.
This removes any dust or residue from packaging.
2. Attach the Lid Knob
Unscrew the small screw from the lid knob, insert it through the lid, and tighten it back on.
Quick and easy — and one less thing to worry about later.
3. Prime the Black Filters
Priming the black filters is one of the most important steps in the entire Berkey setup.
How to Prime the Black Filters:
- Remove the washer from the filter
- Attach the priming tool to the filter thread so it’s flush with the end
- Press it firmly against your tap to create a seal
- Turn the water on gently
- Keep priming until the entire outside of the filter is beading with water
You’ll know it’s working when water beads up on the outside of the filter — this means the internal air has been pushed out.
Repeat for both filters, then gently rinse the outside of the filters under water with your hand.
4. Install the Tap
Next, fit the tap to the hole in the lower tank chamber.
How to Fit the Tap:
- Remove the nut and one washer
- Insert the tap through the hole
- Add the washer and nut on the inside of the water tank
- Tighten firmly
Tip: You may need to tighten it again later if it leaks (this is very common).
5. Install the Black Filters
The black Berkey filters will be installed inside the upper tank.
How to Install the Black Filters:
- Put the black washers back onto the thread of each filter (supplied in the kit)
- Place one filter with its washer into the hole in the upper chamber
- Secure the thread underneath the chamber with the wingnut
- Repeat for additional black filters
Tighten all of the wingnuts just enough to form a seal — avoid overtightening.
6. Do a Red Dye Test
The red dye test is an integral part of the Berkey setup process to check that everything is sealed correctly.
If you’re using the fluoride filters, DO NOT have these in for the red dye test.
They will be installed next.
How to Do the Red Dye Test:
- Place your upper tank on top of some glass jars (one for each black filter thread)
- Mix a drop of red food dye with 1 litre of water in a jug
- Pour the red dye water into the upper tank
- Let some of the water filter through into the jars
If the water in the jars is completely clear, the black filters are working properly, and everything is working as it should.
What if No Water is Coming Through?
If no water is starting to drip through your filters, then they still have air in them and need to be primed some more.
What if Red Water is Coming Through?
If you notice some red water in any of your jars, it’s time to inspect each seal and filter a little more closely.
Things to check:
- Is red dye coming from around the seal? – If so, tighten the wingnut
- Is red dye coming through the filter? – If so, replace the filter
I had this issue with the jar on the left and noticed that the water coming through the filter was clear, but red dye was dripping from around the filter seal. So all I needed to do was tighten the seal on that filter, and it was fixed.
If your seals are all tight and working, but the water coming through any of the filters is red, it means there’s an issue with the filter itself. Either it’s damaged or too old and no longer working properly.
7. Prime the Fluoride Filters (If Using)
If you’re using Berkey fluoride filters, these need to be primed separately.
How to Prime the Fluoride Filters:
- Clean the outside of the filters with warm, soapy water
- Sit the priming tool to one end of the filter
- Turn the tap on low
- Hold the tap firmly to the priming too to create a seal
- Run water through the until it flows out the other end
- Flip and repeat with the other end of the filter
- Continue until the water runs clear
This step can take a while, so be patient.
It can help to collect a bit of the water coming through the filter in a glass and hold it up to the light to check the clarity – if it’s still murky, keep going.
8. Attach the Fluoride Filters
Once the fluoride filters are primed, they can be installed onto your Berkey setup.
How to Install the Fluoride Filters:
- Turn the top chamber (with the black filters inside) upside down on the bench
- Screw the fluoride filters onto the bottom thread of the black filters
- Make sure the arrow points away from the chamber
- Around 8 turns is enough – do not overtighten
9. Flush the System
Before drinking the water from your newly set up Berkey, be sure to run a few full tanks of water through it first. This ensures that the water is completely clean and that any dust or loose microparticles are gone.
Flush your Berkey 2–3 times:
- Fill the top chamber
- Let the water completely filter through
- Discard the water
- Repeat 2–3 times
10. Final Fill and First Use
After flushing, fill the Berkey system again and test your water.
It should be clear, fresh, and ready to drink.
Common Berkey Troubleshooting Issues
Why Is My Berkey Not Filtering?
If your Berkey isn’t filtering (or one filter isn’t dripping), it’s almost always due to incomplete priming.
This happened to me — one filter worked perfectly, while the other didn’t drip at all.
The fix was simple:
- Re-prime the filter properly to remove any trapped air
Why Is Red Dye Getting Through My Berkey?
If you notice colour coming through during the red dye test, it usually means there’s a seal issue.
In my case, one filter was slightly loose. Tightening the wing nut under the leaking filter just a little more fixed the problem completely.
Why Is My Berkey Tap Leaking?
A leaking tap is one of the most common first-time setup issues.
Even after tightening mine once, it still leaked.
What worked:
- Adding thread tape
- Tightening the internal nut further
- Using a rubber glove for extra grip
Once I’d added thread tape and properly tightened the nut, the leak stopped completely.
Why Is My Berkey Tap Not Working?
If your tap turns but no water comes out, the mechanism may not be engaging properly. This can be a common issue, especially if the internal parts have shifted slightly out of place in transit.
A simple fix:
- Gently jiggle or reposition the unit
This worked instantly for me.
Where to Store Your Berkey (And Why It Matters)
Once you’re all set up, where you store your Berkey can make a difference. Most people find a space on the bench for their Berkey to live, which is often the most convenient.
For me, I chose to keep mine in a tall, skinny table in my kitchen cupboard since I have an issue with ants on the benches during dry and rainy weather. There is a large gap underneath the door for ventilation, which is important.
Why I keep my Berkey inside a cupboard:
- Keeps the bench clear
- Helps avoid ants (which have gotten into appliances before!)
- Easy to access in the kitchen, but tucked out of sight
If I do find that ants are an issue with my Berkey being on the table in the cupboard, I will create a moat underneath the table legs with a tray of water or oil to keep them out.
FAQs About Berkey Setup
Yes — priming removes air from the filters (eliminating air locks) and allows water to flow properly.
Water should drip steadily, and a red dye test should result in completely clear water.
This is usually caused by incomplete priming or trapped air in new filters. For older filters, they may need to be cleaned or replaced.
At least 2–3 full tank flush-throughs before drinking the water.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a Berkey for the first time does take a bit of patience — especially when it comes to priming the filters and troubleshooting small issues.
But once it’s done, it’s a simple, low-maintenance system that gives you clean, great-tasting water every day.
If you’re setting up your Berkey for the first time, take your time with the priming and testing; it makes all the difference.
And if you’re building a more self-sufficient home, this is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.
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