Just what is the "red" food coloring test and why do I have to perform this test on my system?
First and most important, the "red" food coloring test is only for the Black Berkey™ purification elements and not ceramic or other filter
elements that do not filter out food color. This test is also not
recommended for the Sport Berkey™ Water Bottle. Your
Black
Berkey™ purification elements are
powerful enough to remove food coloring from water; this feature allows
you to make sure your system is operating properly. Simply remove your
PF-2™ Post Filter elements (if installed) fill the upper
chamber with water and add a tablespoon of red food coloring per gallon
capacity of your system. If the food coloring is removed entirely, your
purification system is working properly.
At what interval should I conduct the "red" food coloring test?
We recommend this test be done upon first use, then every 3 to 6 months,
before you take your system out of the country, or any time you use your
system after drying and storing the elements for an extended period of
time.
So, exactly how much "red" food coloring do I add to my water? I've heard everything from a few drops to a whole bottle.
At a minimum, you should use one teaspoon of "red" food coloring per
gallon of water. We recommend up to one tablespoon of "red" food coloring
per gallon of water, especially if you are going to be taking your
elements out of the country for any period of time. We also recommend
one tablespoon for extreme conditions.
Further, when comparing other systems to a genuine
Black
Berkey™ water
purification system, one tablespoon of "red" food coloring tells all.
Why "red" food coloring and not some other color. Is there really a difference?
"red" food coloring doesn't have any minerals so the filter
recognizes it as a contaminant. While other colors "may" work, we always
recommend using "red" food coloring .
What else could be happening
if my Black
Berkey™ elements seem to
be allowing "red" food coloring to pass through them?
There are several things that you can check first.
1. Are the wing nuts too tight? If the wing nuts are on too tight, this
could cause stripping on the threads of the stem, preventing a correct
seal. If you have inadvertently stripped the threads on your element,
please call our Customer Service Center for additional assistance, 888-803-4438.
2. Are you using actual
"red" food coloring or another color or type of color? Red food coloring is what is recommended for the test.
3. Is the washer on the stem inside the upper chamber and is the wing
nut secured outside at the bottom? If the washer is on the outside of
the chamber with the wing nut, you will not have a proper seal which
will cause your system to fail the test. Place the washer on the
interior of the upper chamber and re-run the test.
4. Is the wing nut tight on each element? If your system fails the test,
tighten the wing nuts a bit more and re run the test. However, please do not tighten the wing nuts using any tools, they should be hand tightened to a snug fit, but not more.
5. Are the blocking plugs properly sealing the unused holes without elements? Are the plugs installed tight with a washer on each side? If the plugs are leaking this will cause your system to fail the test. Tighten the plugs more securely and re run the test.
6. Are you retesting an element that you think may have failed the test? If so, rinse off and re-prime the element first. Additionally, make sure you pour any excess water out of the bottom tank or whatever you are using to catch the water coming out of the element. Also, if you are using the lower chamber to catch water, run clean water through the spigot to clean it out as well. Now you are ready to repeat the test.
So, I've done everything I can and it seems like there may be a problem. What do I do now?
If you purchased your system through one of our fine distributors, please contact them directly. If you purchased your system through us, please refer to our FAQ regarding our return policy.
Do the Black
Berkey™ purification elements have a warranty?
Yes, the Black
Berkey™ purification elements have a
two-year prorated warranty calculated in six months intervals. Our
guarantee is prorated similar to the guarantee on tire tread. In other
words, if you have used the filters for six months, 75% of the guarantee
still applies and so you can get a replacement set for 25% of the normal
cost.
The systems themselves and their components have a six-month warranty as stated below.
General Warranty
Information
New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. Warrants this
product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of 6 months from date of purchase. Black
Berkey™
purification elements have a two-year prorated warranty calculated in
six months intervals. New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. will replace or
repair any product that it deems is not properly functioning during the
stated warranty period. Relief under this warranty is limited to the
replacement or repair of defective materials or workmanship only. 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. No
warranty will apply to units which have been used for purposes not
intended, which have been altered so as, in the manufacturers judgment,
to affect adversely its performance. This warranty is for the original
retail purchaser only, and cannot be transferred. Repair or replacement
of parts will be made upon delivery to manufacturer's plant or
authorized service dealer at customer's expense. 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 fitness for a particular
purpose, constitutes the only warranty made by New Millennium Concepts,
Ltd.
