We've had a Berkey filter for about five years. When I run the red dye test and I show red coming through, sometimes it is just because it isn't tight enough. I have had a clean result on a filter that was showing red when I tightened it a little more. Just saying.
Just ordered our Berkey! We've been waiting until the start of the new year to purchase it and I'm so excited. Thanks so much Lisa for your channel. You have no idea how much you have helped my family. From beginning a sourdough starter (we have a gluten free starter), to learning how to culture vegetables and milk kefir you have literally helped to transform our eating habits. I love watching your channel and learning from your charming and beautiful lifestyle. Blessings to you and your family!
I've had my Berkey sitting in its box for almost 2 years - my last house had a filter in the fridge so I never used it. Now that I've used up my 20 gallons of almost "expired" emergency spring water after yet another move - I was intimidated to get started with Berkey but your videos are excellent. I just subscribed and am looking forward to catching up on your content. I lived in a renovated farmhouse for almost 4 years and miss it very much.
I just got a Berkey water filter basically because of listening to a post you made a while back ago. I am impressed with the quality of water he gives me. I didn’t count on all the containers I would have to use for water for where I work out at, for my ice tea, for my coffee, for my drinking water
Great idea, thanks. I have the Berkey shower filter. It completely removed the water smell, chlorine. My hair is fluffy and soft. However, I still get that red slime stuff.
I love my Berkey and I love the shower filter as well! I can tell with my skin not getting as dry in the winter and I notice the smell of chlorine is gone when using the filter.
I have this water filter and it's amazing! I live in New York city so I have a medium sized one, it's so efficient. I'm just glad I cant drink safe water. Especially in a polluted city.
We have had our Berkey for many years and I have never known that I need to test it, but it makes sense. Thanks for the video. I have been wondering where you will be putting your Berkey in your new kitchen! Ours is on our kitchen counter next to our sink. It's easy to fill and the spout hangs over the sink which I like, but it partially obscures the window above the sink, which I don't like.
I love our Berkey and have the 6 gallon size...wish it was larger. We are a family of 7 and go through it once a day. Our home is low lying surrounded by pesticide laden fields and all of their runoff is literally piped onto our property. Our water tested in the safe area for pesticides but was too high for my liking. Now I need a whole house filter.
I have a different brand water purifier but the spigot leaked. I ordered the Berkey metal spigot and it works so, so much better. The water flows so much faster and no leaks!
Good video. I just received a set of filters for my Traveler. They sent a little bag with an attachment to charge the filters and two bottles of red dye. No instructions in how to test with them. I’ve had mine ten years and love it.
We are doing the initial red dye test again (since the filters that originally came with it both failed) but only one is producing water! Any insight on trouble shooting a bran new filter that isn’t allowing water filter?
Do you completely cover the filter with the red dye water? Also, do you have to completely clean chamber and filters again after the red dye test? Thanks
Did you check the fitting? Could have been that during the move one of the filters might have god bumped? Worth checking and refitting, tightening the connection.
Berkey question: my husband likes to have ice cold water. Is anyone else like this? If so, do you just fill an ice tray with Berkey water? Do you just use ice out of the fridge? What is you favorite way to get filtered ice?
You would prime your new filters and you can test when you want to...also you usually need to replace when the flow of the water starts slowing ..usually 1,000 gallons or every year. The Berkley website has a specific formula too
Heidi Moeder Agreed. Just because you see red dye doesn’t mean you have to toss the filter. I will reprime the filters and/or readjust them in the unit until I get clear water flowing through. I’m currently doing the red dye test and it is taking several tries to get the water running clear again. It took numerous times the first time I installed it.
ordered 2 systems and both came without plugs to perform red dye test. parts strewn everywhere looking for them. Been 3 weeks now and still unassembled-really unhappy with customer service-they we’re a small fortune and saved 2 years to purchase!!!!!!!
I have a barky also. And I have found moving out to the country we have hard water. Do you, and if you do, do you do anything about it with your Berky? Also do you not clean your filters or do you feel that that’s not the thing to do?
that was cute when your baby made a sound.. I didn't know he/she was there until that moment lol.. you make really good videos.. stock up on prep non perishable foods.. think about getting gold in your hands.. water supply .. and self defence.. yup my comment really took a turn.. cheers
While waiting for the new filter, did you just use one filter or did you just keep it in there until the new one came? I ran the red dye test twice and it failed. We have had the filters about 2 years but the water out here is full of iron and is very hard. :(
@@lindsaybeilby8395 right. I'm just super conscious. one of my kids has a allergy to soy and they still react under the certain parts per billion that's allowed in soy-free food. So the idea of dye touching the inside of what we drink just makes me cautious
I mistakenly did the red dye test with my fluoride filters still attached. Red dye came through, so I bought new black filters. However, I'm still getting red dye in my water weeks later. The red dye is lingering in the fluoride filters. I feel like I need to replace my fluoride filters now which are relatively new. 😢
Wow! This was super informative! Good to know. I am new Berkey owner and so am paranoid about bad water. Thank you for posting this! Also, just wondering, did everyone's Berkey come with a little red dye? I just came across a site that said it should have a hologram sticker on box to show it's an authentic Berkey and mine does not. I am worried now that the Berkey gifted to me might not be authentic.
Just a warning!!! I have the stainless steel spigot and my 1.5 year old has learned how to turn it on. And the stainless steel one doesn’t turn off when you let it go like the black one does (you have to twist it back into place). Twice now I’ve found my berkey pouring water all over my kitchen floor 😫🤦🏼♀️
Im doing the test right now (never did it before) and water is pink. Im dissapointed because the 2 filters were supposed to last around 3 years and its only been 1 year and 8 months.
A commenter said that they had to reprime their filters a few times, and then they did work and take out the red dye. Try repriming a few times first, before replacing them.
My problem is that all 4 of my filters that I did the red die with. left a tiny bit of very light pink tinge to the filtered water. Does that mean they are bad?
First, make sure that you are using reds FD&C 40/or 3. There are actually natural red food dyes on the market that are made with foods that can get through. If you use artificial dye and the water is pink then yes, you need a new filter.
help! I've just primed and screwed the fluoride filters on (8 times round) and then watched this video about the red dye! is it ok for me to unscrew the fluoride filters or will I just have to go without the test? thank you to anyone who responds!
Zero One is the better water filter in the marked. I tried Berkeley filter and I used the water testing provided by Zero One and your filter didn’t filter properly.
Hey Lisa, what are you doing for your Berkeley black filter? I was just told that they are no longer making them and I’m confused. Some kind of lawsuit is going on with Berkeley as far as the black filters. I hope you’re reading your messages help.
I text them because you can’t get anyone on the phone and there they haven’t respond to me where what should I do to filter my water this is unbelievable. Thank U for responding to my text. Happy holidays.
Jamie Lynne-Magney, I live in California too. You said the Berkey doesn’t meet the standards for clean water in California. Im wondering if you know of a better brand for us Californians? Thank you.
I live in Iowa. The Berkey company can't sell directly to customers in Iowa due to state legislation that was passed to protect existing water filtration companies in our state and NOT to protect the consumer. The testing Berkey has done actually exceeds state standards. But because they dont use the same exact tests, they are considered to not meet state standards and therefore cannot be sold within state boundaries. Perhaps that is similar to the situation in California.
Ta Ch that sucks also doesn’t create competition/ nor care about the consumer/nor freedom. I am sorry that sucks so much. Must be frustrating. I am always fascinated by the states. They all seem so different with their rules and laws. I am from Canada and most provinces are fairly similar with rules and we can purchase a Berkey.
You should probably throw in here, that the fact that you didn't have a "large enough" Berkey might not have been the total problem. All (or almost all) Berkey filters have the ability to have 4 filters installed. This will dramatically increase your flow rate, which fills whatever size Berkey you might have, faster, allowing it to keep up with demands easier.
Good, logical test demonstration here with the two mason jars. I have the white Arsenic chemical filters beneath both of the black filters. I hope the jars can accomodate these for the test. The color differential is instructive and diagnostic. Unfortunately, IMO, can not rely on Berkey filters. Too many knock offs from the past with a history of quality control issues. Don't know if I have some of these rejects still left over in storage. Two of mine currently in use failed the Red Dye 40 test miserably. Checked all the filters, seals etc of course for leaks or visible disassembly of the lower rim on the black cartridges which reportedly was the culprit in the past. But in a true SHTF scenario, I will pass Berkey filtrate through time-honored silver ceramic original Katadyn pump device. I suggest everyone test his Berkey filter upon installation.
@@mommyks1892 You are correct. The red dye, once it is in the PF2 filters, can NOT be washed out and your water will remain pink forever as long as you use those PF2 filters, even if you replace the black filters. Update: I replaced the black filters, tested them with the red dye and these passed the test, and I replaced the nearly new, but ruined, PF2 filters. A costly lesson. I replaced both the black and PF2 filters with new filters.
Isolating the filters with assigned Mason jars to each filter is very wise, kudos!
We've had a Berkey filter for about five years. When I run the red dye test and I show red coming through, sometimes it is just because it isn't tight enough. I have had a clean result on a filter that was showing red when I tightened it a little more. Just saying.
I love how you pat your baby while you speak, so sweet!
Just ordered our Berkey! We've been waiting until the start of the new year to purchase it and I'm so excited. Thanks so much Lisa for your channel. You have no idea how much you have helped my family. From beginning a sourdough starter (we have a gluten free starter), to learning how to culture vegetables and milk kefir you have literally helped to transform our eating habits. I love watching your channel and learning from your charming and beautiful lifestyle. Blessings to you and your family!
I've had my Berkey sitting in its box for almost 2 years - my last house had a filter in the fridge so I never used it. Now that I've used up my 20 gallons of almost "expired" emergency spring water after yet another move - I was intimidated to get started with Berkey but your videos are excellent. I just subscribed and am looking forward to catching up on your content. I lived in a renovated farmhouse for almost 4 years and miss it very much.
I just got a Berkey water filter basically because of listening to a post you made a while back ago. I am impressed with the quality of water he gives me. I didn’t count on all the containers I would have to use for water for where I work out at, for my ice tea, for my coffee, for my drinking water
This is my favorite video showing how to perform the red dye test. Very clear and concise demonstration. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Great idea, thanks. I have the Berkey shower filter. It completely removed the water smell, chlorine. My hair is fluffy and soft. However, I still get that red slime stuff.
We finally bought our Berkey, Crown Berkey, family of 10. Thanks for the great tips!
Just got my berkey. I got it totally put together. Thanks to you. Your amazing. Thank you, Blessings
I love my Berkey and I love the shower filter as well! I can tell with my skin not getting as dry in the winter and I notice the smell of chlorine is gone when using the filter.
I have this water filter and it's amazing! I live in New York city so I have a medium sized one, it's so efficient. I'm just glad I cant drink safe water. Especially in a polluted city.
Victoria Vulpes how is the Berkey today?
We have had our Berkey for nearly three years. I never thought to use clear jars for the red dye test. Brilliant. You changed my life. THANK YOU
Now you can emerge from your cocoon and spread your wings.
Thank you so much for doing this test. I have Berkey and I didn't expected this result.
Thanks for sharing this great way to test! We love our Berkey too and you were the person who inspired me to get one. 😊💕
She inspired me to get one too!
I love the O Christmas Tree violin piece in the background. Play on!
I just got a Big Berkey for Christmas. I'm still trying to get it all figured out so this is so helpful to know. Thank you! Happy 2020! 🙂
We have had our Berkey for many years and I have never known that I need to test it, but it makes sense. Thanks for the video. I have been wondering where you will be putting your Berkey in your new kitchen! Ours is on our kitchen counter next to our sink. It's easy to fill and the spout hangs over the sink which I like, but it partially obscures the window above the sink, which I don't like.
I love our Berkey and have the 6 gallon size...wish it was larger. We are a family of 7 and go through it once a day. Our home is low lying surrounded by pesticide laden fields and all of their runoff is literally piped onto our property. Our water tested in the safe area for pesticides but was too high for my liking. Now I need a whole house filter.
That’s such a great idea, Lisa! We love our Berkey!! 🥰
I have a different brand water purifier but the spigot leaked. I ordered the Berkey metal spigot and it works so, so much better. The water flows so much faster and no leaks!
LOL I totally didn't see the baby until about a quarter of the way through! (: Good video, thank you.
Try priming it again....may solve the problem.
Thank you Lisa, much appreciated. I hope y’all have a fun filled, healthy, prosperous New Year, Chris-Raleigh NC
Yes! Totally looking forward to the shower filter!
Good video. I just received a set of filters for my Traveler. They sent a little bag with an attachment to charge the filters and two bottles of red dye. No instructions in how to test with them. I’ve had mine ten years and love it.
Have you even experienced algae growth on the filters? If so are you able to clean and still use or toss it?
Thanks for the information since I’m a new Berkey owner! 🌺
I got my burkey thanks to you. Then soon got one for work. The one for work came with a bad filter. They are sending a replacement.
Thank you for this video. I have a question though. Does this test stain the inside of your Berkey red? Thanks.
We are doing the initial red dye test again (since the filters that originally came with it both failed) but only one is producing water! Any insight on trouble shooting a bran new filter that isn’t allowing water filter?
I am so glad to know this as I have a berkey and didn't know about this test!
💧Thank-you Lisa!💧 Happy you are getting the new spigot! !!!💧
Do you completely cover the filter with the red dye water? Also, do you have to completely clean chamber and filters again after the red dye test? Thanks
No, if the bottom chamber is clear with no red dye then just dump out any red dye left in the top and refi and drink.
In the meantime, will you discontinue use of the whole system?
Just got a travel Berkey. Ran 3 tests and the water was pink every time. Any ideas on what could be wrong?
I was thinking just the other day that I needed to do this. Thanks for the motivation.
Did you check the fitting? Could have been that during the move one of the filters might have god bumped? Worth checking and refitting, tightening the connection.
order on the way. i hope they fixed that issue with gluing filter together. then it breaks off and is ruined .
Supposed to have the black filters submerged
Hi Lisa. I was just checking to see what you thought of the shower filter?
Berkey question: my husband likes to have ice cold water. Is anyone else like this? If so, do you just fill an ice tray with Berkey water? Do you just use ice out of the fridge? What is you favorite way to get filtered ice?
This test is such a great idea. THANK YOU!!!
Do I need to do this with new filters? Also, how do I know if I need to replace my fluoride filters?
You would prime your new filters and you can test when you want to...also you usually need to replace when the flow of the water starts slowing ..usually 1,000 gallons or every year. The Berkley website has a specific formula too
I often have a problem with red dye leaking through when I do the test. After I remove and reattach the filter it works again.
Heidi Moeder Agreed. Just because you see red dye doesn’t mean you have to toss the filter. I will reprime the filters and/or readjust them in the unit until I get clear water flowing through. I’m currently doing the red dye test and it is taking several tries to get the water running clear again. It took numerous times the first time I installed it.
Can someone tell me if the Berkey water filter destroys the minerals that we need? Thank you
ordered 2 systems and both came without plugs to perform red dye test. parts strewn everywhere looking for them. Been 3 weeks now and still unassembled-really unhappy with customer service-they we’re a small fortune and saved 2 years to purchase!!!!!!!
Love your videos! I love that you’re “wearing” your baby. May I ask wear you found that baby wrap?
How often should you do dye test
when cleaning the filters with a sponge the water became greyish/ with like a bit of black is that normal
Doesn’t some red dye residue remain after the test?
I have a barky also. And I have found moving out to the country we have hard water. Do you, and if you do, do you do anything about it with your Berky? Also do you not clean your filters or do you feel that that’s not the thing to do?
that was cute when your baby made a sound.. I didn't know he/she was there until that moment lol.. you make really good videos.. stock up on prep non perishable foods.. think about getting gold in your hands.. water supply .. and self defence.. yup my comment really took a turn.. cheers
Could u tell me again what oils that u used for ear infection?
While waiting for the new filter, did you just use one filter or did you just keep it in there until the new one came? I ran the red dye test twice and it failed. We have had the filters about 2 years but the water out here is full of iron and is very hard. :(
Thanks for sharing this wonderful info with us... I voted for you for SUPER MOM AND YOUR WONDERFUL BABY ...SUPER BABY GOD BLESS YOU ALL 🙏
I wonder if there's a different dye that can be used :/ my daughter is sensitive to dyes red and blue specifically.
You have to use that specific dye as it is a chemical (to prove that it is filtering out chemicals). You don't drink the dye.
@@lindsaybeilby8395 right. I'm just super conscious. one of my kids has a allergy to soy and they still react under the certain parts per billion that's allowed in soy-free food. So the idea of dye touching the inside of what we drink just makes me cautious
Great informational video. Thank you.
I have an Aquapure which just like yours. I known that it the filters that do the work. I do need to know how to use as it was given to me.
Hi Lisa, my husband is allergic to red food dye would I be able to use a different type of dye?
How allergic? Like you can't have it in the house/touching the spout? I'm asking because you don't drink this afterwards.
@farmhouseonboone just wondering if you were paid by Berkey for this video? Thanks.
Lisa that little man is growing fast your back must be aching
I heard that the filters are washable. Have you ever done that? Thanks for sharing
Is it necessary to do the red dye test when the Berkey is brand new?
The red dye seems hard to clean off filters after test. I scrubbed them and purged them for at least 2 minutes still leaking red dye. any thoughts?
How often do you test your water?
Is the red dye the only color u can use?
Will great value red dye work?
I mistakenly did the red dye test with my fluoride filters still attached. Red dye came through, so I bought new black filters. However, I'm still getting red dye in my water weeks later. The red dye is lingering in the fluoride filters. I feel like I need to replace my fluoride filters now which are relatively new. 😢
Wow! This was super informative! Good to know. I am new Berkey owner and so am paranoid about bad water. Thank you for posting this! Also, just wondering, did everyone's Berkey come with a little red dye? I just came across a site that said it should have a hologram sticker on box to show it's an authentic Berkey and mine does not. I am worried now that the Berkey gifted to me might not be authentic.
Me too, same thing...
Just a warning!!! I have the stainless steel spigot and my 1.5 year old has learned how to turn it on. And the stainless steel one doesn’t turn off when you let it go like the black one does (you have to twist it back into place). Twice now I’ve found my berkey pouring water all over my kitchen floor 😫🤦🏼♀️
Oooh yikes! That might not be good.
Yeah I’ve flooded my countertop by forgetting to turn it off before haha!
Im doing the test right now (never did it before) and water is pink. Im dissapointed because the 2 filters were supposed to last around 3 years and its only been 1 year and 8 months.
I have the same issue. Tried new wing nut and it’s even redder now
A commenter said that they had to reprime their filters a few times, and then they did work and take out the red dye. Try repriming a few times first, before replacing them.
My problem is that all 4 of my filters that I did the red die with. left a tiny bit of very light pink tinge to the filtered water. Does that mean they are bad?
First, make sure that you are using reds FD&C 40/or 3. There are actually natural red food dyes on the market that are made with foods that can get through. If you use artificial dye and the water is pink then yes, you need a new filter.
Can I do a red dye test with my fluoride filters ?
Wondering why you don't use the floride filters?
she's on well water so there is obviously none added to her water
help! I've just primed and screwed the fluoride filters on (8 times round) and then watched this video about the red dye! is it ok for me to unscrew the fluoride filters or will I just have to go without the test? thank you to anyone who responds!
Great question .. I have been wondering the same too.
Zero One is the better water filter in the marked. I tried Berkeley filter and I used the water testing provided by Zero One and your filter didn’t filter properly.
I heard if you dry out the filter it will ruin it.
What is on her front? Does that have to do with the test?
...it's a baby carrier with baby
Please review the shower filter!
Smart testing
Excellent
Were did you get the baby snug need one for my granddaughter
I have the Boba on here!
I failed dye test with old filter and new filter. I'm out of ideas. They are plenty tight
I would contact Berkey or look on their website for troubleshooting
@@FarmhouseonBoone thanks. The water just runs through the filter like it's a funnel
Hey Lisa, what are you doing for your Berkeley black filter? I was just told that they are no longer making them and I’m confused. Some kind of lawsuit is going on with Berkeley as far as the black filters. I hope you’re reading your messages help.
I have the filters I need for a while, not sure where to get them after that....
I text them because you can’t get anyone on the phone and there they haven’t respond to me where what should I do to filter my water this is unbelievable. Thank U for responding to my text. Happy holidays.
I did this test and the red came through... So sad as I got this for Christmas and they are not returning the phone calls or text😔
I just received mine and about ready to test it. Did they ever get back to you?
@@bacarty007 ..... yes they sent new filters and they work fine now
@@dianawilliams-coe7747 Excellent! Have a beautiful day 😊
I'd like to be to have a large filter, though we have a very clean well. But, Berkey doesn't met the standards for clean water in California.
Jamie Lynne-Magney, I live in California too. You said the Berkey doesn’t meet the standards for clean water in California. Im wondering if you know of a better brand for us Californians? Thank you.
What does that mean? The berkey isn’t strong enough to clean your water?
Here’s the info on that: theberkey.com/pages/why-some-berkey-products-are-not-available-in-california
I live in Iowa. The Berkey company can't sell directly to customers in Iowa due to state legislation that was passed to protect existing water filtration companies in our state and NOT to protect the consumer. The testing Berkey has done actually exceeds state standards. But because they dont use the same exact tests, they are considered to not meet state standards and therefore cannot be sold within state boundaries. Perhaps that is similar to the situation in California.
Ta Ch that sucks also doesn’t create competition/ nor care about the consumer/nor freedom. I am sorry that sucks so much. Must be frustrating. I am always fascinated by the states. They all seem so different with their rules and laws. I am from Canada and most provinces are fairly similar with rules and we can purchase a Berkey.
Very helpful thanks you. Good to know!!
Key word: “extra plugs” if only have 2 filters as system comes. Berkey does not provide. What to use?
good vid!
You should probably throw in here, that the fact that you didn't have a "large enough" Berkey might not have been the total problem.
All (or almost all) Berkey filters have the ability to have 4 filters installed. This will dramatically increase your flow rate, which fills whatever size Berkey you might have, faster, allowing it to keep up with demands easier.
Good, logical test demonstration here with the two mason jars. I have the white Arsenic chemical filters beneath both of the black filters. I hope the jars can accomodate these for the test. The color differential is instructive and diagnostic. Unfortunately, IMO, can not rely on Berkey filters. Too many knock offs from the past with a history of quality control issues. Don't know if I have some of these rejects still left over in storage. Two of mine currently in use failed the Red Dye 40 test miserably. Checked all the filters, seals etc of course for leaks or visible disassembly of the lower rim on the black cartridges which reportedly was the culprit in the past. But in a true SHTF scenario, I will pass Berkey filtrate through time-honored silver ceramic original Katadyn pump device. I suggest everyone test his Berkey filter upon installation.
H Zilla you’re supposed to remove the white fluoride/arsenic filters before doing the red dye test
@@mommyks1892 You are correct. The red dye, once it is in the PF2 filters, can NOT be washed out and your water will remain pink forever as long as you use those PF2 filters, even if you replace the black filters. Update: I replaced the black filters, tested them with the red dye and these passed the test, and I replaced the nearly new, but ruined, PF2 filters. A costly lesson. I replaced both the black and PF2 filters with new filters.
One month later, replacements so far have passed the red dye test.
I love how you hold your baby. Sweet:)
and now their gone....
Hmm I did the red dye test and my water turned very light purple….
got it. treat like eggs and keep cool
They charge 6 pounds for a bottle of food dye here in UK,it has to be artificial dye ,UK banned …extortion
The wrong type of RED Dye was used.
Oh she is wearing her kid 🤣
😊❤️