If you own a Berkey gravity-fed water filtration system, you’re already familiar with the slow drip of filtered water and the occasional need to prime the black purification elements. The Berkey Filter Priming Kit is a small accessory designed to make that priming process less of a hassle. It’s not a required purchase, but for some users, it addresses a genuine pain point.
The kit consists of a priming button (a small, handheld pump) and a short length of tubing. The idea is simple: instead of holding the element under a faucet and waiting for water to seep through, you attach the tubing to the element’s spout, press the button repeatedly, and force water through the filter. This can speed up the initial priming and reduce the chance of airlocks that sometimes plague new elements.
In practice, the priming kit works as intended. The button is easy to press, and the tubing fits snugly onto the spout of Berkey’s black elements (including the Berkey Black, Berkey PF-2, and similar). It’s a straightforward mechanical tool with no electronics or complex parts. The main benefit is convenience: you can prime an element in a minute or two rather than several minutes of passive soaking. For those who replace elements frequently or maintain multiple systems, this can save cumulative time and frustration.
However, it’s not a miracle worker. The kit doesn’t eliminate the need to prime elements altogether; it just makes the process more active and controlled. Some users report that the priming button requires a fair amount of thumb strength, especially when the element is new and the pores are tight. Also, the tubing can pop off if you press too hard, leading to a minor spray of water. It’s a bit of a niche tool: if you only prime elements once or twice a year, you might not find it worth the extra cost and storage space.
Compared to alternative methods, such as using a faucet adapter or simply soaking the element overnight, the priming kit offers a middle ground. It’s faster than soaking but requires more effort than a direct faucet connection. It’s also more portable than a faucet-based setup, which could appeal to those who use their Berkey in locations without easy access to a sink, like camping or off-grid cabins.
Who is this for? It’s best suited for Berkey owners who replace their purification elements regularly, or who have multiple elements to prime at once. It’s also helpful for those who struggle with the standard priming method due to hand strength or dexterity issues, as the button can be pressed with the palm rather than a pinching motion. On the other hand, if you’re a casual user who only changes elements every couple of years, the kit may be an unnecessary expense. Similarly, if you already have a reliable priming routine that works for you, this won’t add much value.
In terms of build quality, the kit feels durable enough for occasional use. The plastic button and tubing are not premium materials, but they don’t need to be. The kit is small and lightweight, so it stores easily in a drawer or with your Berkey supplies. One minor annoyance: the tubing can develop a slight kink if stored bent for long periods, which may restrict water flow. Storing it loosely coiled helps.
Overall, the Berkey Filter Priming Kit is a functional accessory that solves a specific problem. It’s not essential, and it won’t transform your Berkey experience, but it can make element maintenance a bit more efficient. If you value convenience and prime elements often, it’s a reasonable addition. If you’re on a tight budget or rarely prime, you can safely skip it.