PREP Emergency Water Filter (a.k.a. Berkey in a shoe box)

[1911user]

https://www.purewaterproducts.com/emergency-siphon-filters

I ordered three of these setups tonight for unexpected water quality issues. One will be a gift. They use a good Doulton-brand, ceramic water filter candle like used in the nice Berkey-type water filter containers. It comes with a replaceable inline charcoal filter to absorb bad tastes/chemicals in the water and the basic plastic plumbing to connect everything. It's small enough that I came up the with "Berkey in a shoe box" name. Clean drinkable water is important especially if the tap doesn't run or the water coming out is questionable. They're about $60 each with the charcoal filter and there are discounts for purchasing more than 1.

In use:

basic instructions and photo: Gravity & Siphon Filter Instructions – Pure Water Products, LLC
detailed instructions with charcoal filter: Siphon Kit Style C Instructions – Pure Water Products, LLC
detailed instructions without charcoal filter: Siphon Kit Style A Instructions – Pure Water Products, LLC

Also, I have the important parts (filter candles) if I did want to make a homemade Berkey with two 5-gallon buckets.

They have other household type water filtering including UV light filtration.

Water Filtration Products Catalog – Pure Water Products, LLC

Online Water Filtrations Products Catalog of Pure Water Products, LLC

www.purewaterproducts.com

 

[night driver]

The folks at PWP are AWESOME to deal with, even for a dufus like me.

Doz and I regularly reco them,

 

[Dozdoats]

YES YES YES.

 

[zeker]

I have found that rainwater clogs my berkey black filters very fast

at nearly $200cdn (or more) to replace a pair,

its outta reach for me

when I first got the berkey I tried cleaning the filter with the scrubbie

unfortunately, for me, I used too hot water

and the filter stopped working completely

it just let the water run freely thru it

my mistake the directions say DONT use hot water

but I didnt read the instructions til after..duh

next set of filters I used slightly warm water as recommended

when it was time clean them

seemed to work.. for a while

I only use clean water for cooking and drinking.

for household use, I use rainwater/snow as I dont have running water

I have a cup that I use to dip/transfer rainwater to a pot to heat up for doing the dishes etc

this cup, if not washed constantly,

gets a dark film on its outside

that film is what clogs my filters

in winter I use melted snow with the same results(film)

I have started using a toothbrush for cleaning the filters

and even so, it takes 2-3 days to filter down the 2 gal from top tank to bottom

fortunately for me, I only use about 4-5 gal a week for drinking/cooking

I wish there was some way to backwash the filters with warm water

I,m interested in the filters in this post,

but am skeptical that I mite have the same problem as with the berkey? (film buildup)

 

[Millwright]

I wish there was some way to backwash the filters with warm water

A pump of some kind.

Considering the cost of filters, even if you had to buy a 12v RV pump, it would be worth it.

You need some kind of pre-filter too, even if it's a sand/charcoal type.

 

[zeker]

yes millwright

a prefilter would seem to be what I need

but the rain water LOOKS clean

as does the melted snow

when I filled my hottub, I tied a nylon sock around the outlet hose into the hottub

I put a sump pump into my 300 gal rain barrel

I knew the big rain barrel had pine needles and 'floaties'

and with the hottub filters being expensive,

I wanted to negate immediate filter change

I have had the hottub since aug and the filter does not seem to have any buildup of film

I dont believe the nylon sock would have screened any film but it did get the pine needles

 

[zeker]

as for a pump to back wash

I will hafta do more research as I dont wanna screw up the filter

I have a 12v pump from an old camper, and I will rig something up when the weather gets warmer

its 23 below this morning

 

[db cooper]

I wish there was some way to backwash the filters with warm water

A common household water softener uses a backwash cycle to clean the filtration medium. It simply reverses the flow of water. In your situation running clean purified water backwards by reversing plumbing connections or by having a special filter holder and small pump would work. Or hook up the special water filter holder to city water via a garden hose connection to get it to run backwards. Run it slow.

I used to work water treatment and one thing I learned was a dirty filter is a better filter. The purpose of the filter is to trap unwanted particles. When someone sees a dirty filter for some reason they think it's time to replace it. I learned the contrary.
It's only time to replace it when the water flow going through it is restricted to unacceptable levels. Filters are rated in microns, or the size of the smallest partial allowed to go through. The dirtier the appearance of the filter actually means the micron rating is going to a higher number for the dirt encapsulates over the filter making it more difficult for water to pass through it, thereby trapping more contaminants.

Seeing a dirty filter means the filter is doing its job. Our water well filter will have 1/4 to 3/8 inch of rust sludge built around the outside of it before I will change it. This rust sludge is making it more difficult for other rust particles to pass through, thereby catching more of it.

I hope this makes sense.

 

[1911user]

I think the reason not to wash the candle type filters in hot water is the bottom plastic end part (with the threads) is glued to the ceramic portion. I'm sure it is a quality, high-tech glue, but it is still an adhesive and those have temperature limits to stay waterproof, food-safe, and strong.

zeker, the filters in the first post are the basic ceramic only. "black" berkey filters start with that and add coatings and a carbon block inside the ceramic to filter more impurities. That is why I am using a separate charcoal filter so it can be replaced (cheaply) and not have to replace the more expensive, longer-lasting ceramic filter. You could probably use the ceramic filter in the first post directly in your berkey. Look at the other filter options at their site. They're in Texas so I'm not sure of the shipping options and cost.

With any filter system, a pre-filter is good. Paper coffee filters with a rubber band work well as an expedient pre-filter.

Also, for anyone wondering, I have other camping/hiking type water filters but those require pumping or pressure (i.e. work). This setup is easy, compact, and requires no effort once the siphon flow is started.

 

[Dozdoats]

Bump for good information about a good company -

 

[Bps1691]

I have found that rainwater clogs my berkey black filters very fast

at nearly $200cdn (or more) to replace a pair,

its outta reach for me

when I first got the berkey I tried cleaning the filter with the scrubbie

unfortunately, for me, I used too hot water

and the filter stopped working completely

it just let the water run freely thru it

my mistake the directions say DONT use hot water

but I didnt read the instructions til after..duh

next set of filters I used slightly warm water as recommended

when it was time clean them

seemed to work.. for a while

I only use clean water for cooking and drinking.

for household use, I use rainwater/snow as I dont have running water

I have a cup that I use to dip/transfer rainwater to a pot to heat up for doing the dishes etc

this cup, if not washed constantly,

gets a dark film on its outside

that film is what clogs my filters

in winter I use melted snow with the same results(film)

I have started using a toothbrush for cleaning the filters

and even so, it takes 2-3 days to filter down the 2 gal from top tank to bottom

fortunately for me, I only use about 4-5 gal a week for drinking/cooking

I wish there was some way to backwash the filters with warm water

I,m interested in the filters in this post,

but am skeptical that I mite have the same problem as with the berkey? (film buildup)

We always run the rain water and other sources with potential dirt or other stuff through a few layers of old tee shirts into a bucket. That bucket gets filtered a couple of times and then goes into the Berkey.

 

[Laurane]

How long does it take to filter the quart jar full of water, as in the photo? Hours?

 

[1911user]

How long does it take to filter the quart jar full of water, as in the photo? Hours?

That is their picture, not mine. I ordered last night.
Per the link, this filters faster than a berkey since the entire filter candle is covered by water.
I'll test them when they arrive, but I expect one to filter about a gallon every hour or 2.

 

[1911user]

An update: The package arrived yesterday (ordered Sunday, shipped Monday, delivered Wednesday) via usps priority. It was well packed/padded and all the parts looked new. Each filter and the tubing are separate parts and would need to be connected together. The provided instruction sheets have plenty of detail so it isn't hard to assemble or use. The only tools needed would be pliers or a small wrench and maybe some teflon pipe tape. I would order from this company again.

I decided not to test the flow rate at this time. I have no doubt it works and don't want to have to dry the filters before storing them. All water filters, especially ceramic, need to be dry, inside and out, for safe storage. If they are wet and freeze, the filter is very likely to be damaged by ice expansion. If damp in storage, mold growth might be an issue.

 

[Dozdoats]

HINT - don't use a bigger "source" container than your catchement container and think you can get back to it in time.

All you have to do to start the process is to submerge the filter in your source container and lower the tubing to your catch container. It will start and flow by capillary action in a few minutes. It will also flow until the source container is empty. Ask me how I know.

 

[Squib]

Love this threat!

We have and use a big berkey...have for years. Use rain water or melted snow.

We can and do sometimes use our well water for drinking, but the TDSs are pretty high.

This info on this thread is golden! Thanks for posting it.

 

[Henry Bowman]

HINT - don't use a bigger "source" container than your catchement container and think you can get back to it in time.

All you have to do to start the process is to submerge the filter in your source container and lower the tubing to your catch container. It will start and flow by capillary action in a few minutes. It will also flow until the source container is empty. Ask me how I know.

How do you know ?

 

[Dozdoats]

I flooded the kitchen floor. Once. Fast learner

 

[1911user]

It sounds like the flow rate is fast enough

 

[zeker]

Love this threat!

We have and use a big berkey...have for years. Use rain water or melted snow.

We can and do sometimes use our well water for drinking, but the TDSs are pretty high.

This info on this thread is golden! Thanks for posting it.

have you had any issues with 'film' when using rain water or snow?

 

[zeker]

a question about pwp filter system

those ceramic filters

can they be cleaned with a scrubbie or toothbrush?

is the contamination 'absorbed' into the filter?

or just clings to the outside?

thereby making a simple scrub to clean it?

 

[shane]

I'd originally prompted Gene to design that version two decades ago for ki4u and he'd
made me up a hundred to start.

Later he'd added it to his catalog.

Some here might even remember buying them from us years ago for $35 each.

I used one in Venezuela for four months back in 2000, when sole source of water for my
family there was just mountain runoff that it cleaned without issues.

Still have some of them as personal back-up here, great value still, even at twice the cost.

Here's our old ki4u page on them, last updated 2004...

Water Filters, Filtration, Purification and Sources

Water Purification and Filtering FAQ with sources. And, much more! Highly Recommended Visit!

www.ki4u.com

It has some great additional information there.

Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane

 

[Dozdoats]

So, we have you to thank for this?

 

[1911user]

a question about pwp filter system

those ceramic filters

can they be cleaned with a scrubbie or toothbrush?

is the contamination 'absorbed' into the filter?

or just clings to the outside?

thereby making a simple scrub to clean it?

You can use a scotchbrite pad to clean the outer layer of a ceramic filter and restore normal water flow.
It does remove a thin part of the outer layer, so don't remove more than required. There is a limit to how much can be removed and maintain filter performance, but I'm not sure what it is.

Whatever was clogging your black berkey filters would clog these as well. You'll want to pre-filter the water.

 

[nomifyle]

I have found that rainwater clogs my berkey black filters very fast

at nearly $200cdn (or more) to replace a pair,

its outta reach for me

when I first got the berkey I tried cleaning the filter with the scrubbie

unfortunately, for me, I used too hot water

and the filter stopped working completely

it just let the water run freely thru it

my mistake the directions say DONT use hot water

but I didnt read the instructions til after..duh

next set of filters I used slightly warm water as recommended

when it was time clean them

seemed to work.. for a while

I only use clean water for cooking and drinking.

for household use, I use rainwater/snow as I dont have running water

I have a cup that I use to dip/transfer rainwater to a pot to heat up for doing the dishes etc

this cup, if not washed constantly,

gets a dark film on its outside

that film is what clogs my filters

in winter I use melted snow with the same results(film)

I have started using a toothbrush for cleaning the filters

and even so, it takes 2-3 days to filter down the 2 gal from top tank to bottom

fortunately for me, I only use about 4-5 gal a week for drinking/cdid you filter your rain water through ooking

I wish there was some way to backwash the filters with warm water

I,m interested in the filters in this post,

but am skeptical that I mite have the same problem as with the berkey? (film buildup)

did you filter your rain water through something like cheese cloth? If I have to use rain water i'm filtering it before I put it in my berkey.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[Squib]

have you had any issues with 'film' when using rain water or snow?

Yes, even though we have Metal roof, I think that in the springtime, the inevitable green algae can and does grow. We just have to clean the filters and inside of the top reservoir regularly.

We started putting a few drops of iodine in the top every time we refilled it...that seemed to help control it some.

Matter of fact, just came in with some snow from outside and put it (in a big stock pot) on the wood burner, to melt and use.

 

[Freeman99]

To anyone:

How long do big berkey's last?

Or to put it differently, when should one be replaced?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

FREEMAN99

 

[Dozdoats]

The filters will wear out before the containers. But the filters (candles) can be replaced.

How often depends on how much you use them and how clean the water is to start with. You want to start with water as clean as you can get it by pre-filtering (coffee filters, paper towels, sand or whatever) and settling.

The company in the OP is a good place to get replacement candles, and/or just go ahead and get a siphon filter setup as a spare/backup.

 

[zeker]

did you filter your rain water through something like cheese cloth? If I have to use rain water i'm filtering it before I put it in my berkey.

God is good all the time

Judy

no i had never pre filtered

but will from now on

 

[1911user]

Bump and thanks to Shane for getting this filter arrangement available 20 years ago.
There is definitely interesting info at the link to Shane's site when they sold some of the original filters. (post 22)

 

[1911user]

This thread is worth another view, bump.

 

[Nana]

I agree. Thanks.

 

[1911user]

Looking at the original post, I didn't mention you can buy just the ceramic filter and tubing without the carbon filter for a lower cost. The carbon filter should help with taste, but it is the ceramic that does the real filtering work.

 

[Dozdoats]

One more thumbs up for PWP - good folks!

 

[TKO]

I ordered a Berkey not long back and sent it back. The spigot was just too cheap feeling. Also, I ordered the stand with it and the stand is just too short to fit anything under. For our preps we have some Sawyers around that work well...especially for hiking and camping. It won't do a lot of water fast but it's great for hiking. I may give the Alexapure a whirl and see the differences. If I don't like it, back it will go.

 

[Dozdoats]

Siphon filters from PWP are great for gifting unprepared family/friends or as trade items too.

 

[Sportsman]

I have found that rainwater clogs my berkey black filters very fast

at nearly $200cdn (or more) to replace a pair,

its outta reach for me

when I first got the berkey I tried cleaning the filter with the scrubbie

unfortunately, for me, I used too hot water

and the filter stopped working completely

it just let the water run freely thru it

my mistake the directions say DONT use hot water

but I didnt read the instructions til after..duh

next set of filters I used slightly warm water as recommended

when it was time clean them

seemed to work.. for a while

I only use clean water for cooking and drinking.

for household use, I use rainwater/snow as I dont have running water

I have a cup that I use to dip/transfer rainwater to a pot to heat up for doing the dishes etc

this cup, if not washed constantly,

gets a dark film on its outside

that film is what clogs my filters

in winter I use melted snow with the same results(film)

I have started using a toothbrush for cleaning the filters

and even so, it takes 2-3 days to filter down the 2 gal from top tank to bottom

fortunately for me, I only use about 4-5 gal a week for drinking/cooking

I wish there was some way to backwash the filters with warm water

I,m interested in the filters in this post,

but am skeptical that I mite have the same problem as with the berkey? (film buildup)

Berkey sells a small hand pump kit that you can use to back-flush the filters. They also use it to prime the filters. And the filters last longer if you always fill the top unit completely and then pour out the remainder of the water when it gets down to the bottom half. I get about a year from mine before they slow down. What happens is that the top few inches of water go through, then all the rest of the water goes through the lower portion of the filter, clogging it up faster.


$32 on Amazon. Search for " Black Berkey Primer "

 

[zeker]

thanx sportsman.

I,ll give this a try

 

[kyrsyan]

I have a Berkey at home and love it. For travel, I prefer the Sawyer with an added in-line charcoal filter. Oh, but love the news about a Berkey Black primer. I tried doing that once without the sink water pressure. That did not go well.

 

[KFhunter]

I use a Katydyn pump