just primed my new black berkey filters but the water is barely dripping through, takes hours to get a gallon, is this normal?

Diagnosis

The slow drip you are experiencing is caused by an "airlock" within the micropores of the Black Berkey elements. While you may have performed a basic priming, air pockets are often trapped deep within the carbon-impregnated matrix. Because these filters rely on a precise pressure differential to push water through the medium, even a small pocket of trapped air creates a physical barrier that prevents water from flowing freely, reducing your output to a frustrating trickle.

This happens most frequently with new filters because the manufacturing process leaves the elements completely dry. If the pores are not fully saturated, surface tension prevents the water from penetrating the core. You can confirm an airlock if you notice the water level in the upper chamber remains high while the bottom chamber stays nearly empty, or if you see intermittent "burps" of air bubbles escaping from the bottom of the filter during the slow drip process.

How to Fix It

To resolve this, you must perform a "deep prime" to force all air out of the filter elements. Follow these exact steps:

1. Remove both Black Berkey elements from the upper stainless steel chamber.
2. Fill a clean basin or bowl with lukewarm water (approximately 70-80°F). Do not use boiling water, as this can damage the filter structure.
3. Submerge the filters completely. While underwater, vigorously shake each filter side-to-side and rotate them 360 degrees.
4. Apply gentle pressure to the top of the filter while submerged to "squeeze" trapped air bubbles out of the bottom. Continue this until you see absolutely no more air bubbles escaping from the base of the element.
5. Reinstall the filters into the upper chamber, ensuring the rubber gaskets are seated firmly and the wing nuts are tightened snugly (but not over-tightened to the point of warping the gasket).
6. Fill the upper chamber to the brim with water immediately.
7. Allow the system to sit for 30 minutes. If the flow is still slow, remove the filters and repeat the submersion process, focusing on tilting the filters at a 45-degree angle to release stubborn pockets.

If That Didn't Work

• Check the Gasket Seal: Inspect the black rubber gaskets at the base of the filters. If they are pinched or improperly seated, they can create a vacuum effect or cause leaks that disrupt the pressure needed for a steady flow. Ensure the gasket is flat against the bottom of the upper chamber.
• The "Flush" Technique: If the filters are new, they may contain fine carbon dust that is clogging the initial flow. Remove the filters and run a high-pressure stream of cold water directly into the top of the element for 60 seconds to flush out any loose particulates that may be obstructing the micropores.
• Verify Water Temperature: Extremely cold water (near freezing) has higher viscosity and can flow more slowly through the carbon matrix. If you are using refrigerated or very cold well water, try priming and filling the system with room-temperature water to establish the initial flow path.
• Check for Biofilm or Scale: If these filters are not brand new but were recently "re-primed," check for a white calcium buildup at the base. Use a soft brush and white vinegar to clean the bottom of the elements and the holes in the upper chamber to ensure there is no physical blockage.

Heads Up

• Avoid Over-Tightening: When securing the wing nuts, tighten them until they are firm. Over-tightening can compress the rubber gasket too much, which can actually restrict the flow of water into the lower chamber.
• First Gallon Rule: Always discard the first 1-2 gallons of water produced by new Black Berkey filters to ensure all residual carbon dust is removed from the system.
• Avoid Soap: Never use soap or detergents when cleaning the filters or the stainless steel chambers, as the carbon elements will absorb the chemicals and ruin the taste of your water.
• Proper Storage: If you plan to store your system for more than a week, keep the filters moist. Completely drying out a primed filter can lead to airlocks returning, requiring you to repeat the priming process.