How to Set Up and Maintain a British Berkefeld Filter

The British Berkefeld gravity filter is one of the most trusted ways to get clean drinking water at home or in an emergency. But to get the best performance, you’ll want to set it up properly and maintain it over time.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through unboxing, priming, assembly, first use, and long-term care so your Berkefeld keeps providing safe water for years to come.

Unboxing & Parts Check

When you open your British Berkefeld system, you should find:

  • Upper stainless steel chamber
  • Lower stainless steel chamber
  • Lid with handle
  • Ceramic filter candles (Ultra Sterasyl or Ultra Fluoride)
  • Washers and wingnuts
  • Stainless steel spigot

Tip: Lay everything out on a clean surface to make sure all parts are included before you begin.

Priming the Ceramic Filters

Ceramic filters need to be primed before first use. Priming removes manufacturing dust and helps water flow properly through the filter.

  1. Hold the filter candle under running cold water.
  2. Use the included priming washer or faucet adapter to pressurize water through the ceramic wall.
  3. Rotate the filter while flushing until water runs evenly from the entire surface.
  4. Repeat for each filter.

Do not skip this step — an unprimed filter will have very slow flow rates.

👉 Want to know more about why this matters? Check out our guide on Water Filter Certifications Explained.

Assembling the Filter

Once primed, install your filters in the upper chamber:

  1. Insert the filter stems through the pre-drilled holes.
  2. Place a washer and wingnut on the underside and tighten by hand (not overly tight).
  3. Install the spigot in the lower chamber using washers on both sides.
  4. Stack the upper chamber on top of the lower chamber.
  5. Place the lid on top.

Initial Fill & First Flush

  • Fill the upper chamber with cold tap water.
  • Let the system filter into the lower chamber.
  • Discard the first full batch of water (this flushes out any residual carbon fines).
  • Refill and begin using normally.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Over time, ceramic filters accumulate trapped sediment on the outside. This will slow down the flow rate, but cleaning restores performance.

To clean:

  1. Remove the candles from the system.
  2. Scrub the ceramic surface under running water using a soft brush or scouring pad.
  3. Do not use soap or detergents.
  4. Rinse thoroughly and reinstall.

Tip: Clean the stainless steel chambers periodically with mild dish soap and water.

Filter Replacement Schedule

Replace when you notice a consistent drop in flow rate that can’t be restored by cleaning, or once the maximum capacity is reached.

The Bottom Line

Proper setup and maintenance are the key to long-lasting, safe filtration with your British Berkefeld. With regular cleaning and timely filter changes, your system can provide clean water for years to come — at a fraction of the cost of bottled water.

👉 Shop British Berkefeld Replacement Filters at The Filterium

FAQ

Q1: How do I prime a British Berkefeld filter?
A: Hold the ceramic filter under running water with a priming washer to flush out dust and improve flow. Rotate until water runs evenly.

Q2: Do I need to throw away the first batch of filtered water?
A: Yes, discard the first full chamber of water to remove carbon fines and ensure safe drinking water.

Q3: How often should I clean my British Berkefeld filters?
A: Clean when the flow rate slows, usually every few weeks. Scrub the ceramic surface gently under running water without soap.

Q4: How long do British Berkefeld filters last?
A: Ultra Sterasyl filters last about 3,000 gallons per pair; Ultra Fluoride filters last about 1,200 gallons per pair.

Q5: Can I use soap to clean British Berkefeld filters?
A: No. Only use clean water and a soft brush. Soap or detergents can damage the ceramic and affect filtration performance.

Back to blog