the water level in my berkey upper chamber isn't going down even after a day, seems completely clogged, what do i do?

Diagnosis

The primary cause of a complete flow stoppage in the Berkey Royal system is a phenomenon known as an "airlock." This occurs when air bubbles become trapped within the microporous structure of the Black Berkey elements, creating a physical barrier that prevents water from penetrating the filter medium. This typically happens if the filters were not fully primed during initial installation or if the upper chamber was allowed to run completely dry, allowing air to be sucked back up into the filter core. In rarer cases, the stoppage is caused by "surface blinding." This happens when high concentrations of sediment, iron, or manganese in the source water create a dense, impermeable layer of sludge on the exterior surface of the filter. You can confirm an airlock if the water level remains static but the filters feel saturated; you can confirm surface blinding if the exterior of the filter looks slimy or discolored (orange/brown) and water refuses to penetrate even when the filter is manually pressed. Because the Royal system uses a high-volume upper chamber, the hydrostatic pressure should normally force water through; if it isn't, the internal air pockets are acting as a pressurized plug.

How to Fix It

To resolve a total blockage and properly prime your filters, follow this precise sequence:

1. Drain all remaining water from the lower chamber and remove the upper chamber entirely.
2. Remove both Black Berkey elements from the upper chamber. Fill a clean basin or a large pot with lukewarm water (not boiling, as extreme heat can damage the pore structure).
3. Submerge the filters completely in the water. While submerged, gently shake the filters or tap them against the side of the basin. You will see a steady stream of small air bubbles escaping the bottom of the element.
4. Continue shaking and submerging until no more bubbles emerge. This ensures the internal micropores are fully saturated and air-free.
5. While the filters are still dripping wet, quickly insert them back into the upper chamber, ensuring the washers are seated firmly against the bottom holes to prevent leaks.
6. Immediately fill the upper chamber to the brim with water. Do not wait; filling it instantly locks the moisture into the filter and prevents air from re-entering the core during the transition.
7. Allow the system to sit for 30 minutes. If the flow begins slowly, it is normal; the hydrostatic pressure will eventually stabilize the flow rate.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a "Scrub Down": If the flow is still stalled, the exterior is likely blinded by sediment. Use a clean, non-abrasive scrub brush or a soft sponge to gently scrub the exterior surface of the Black Berkey elements under running water. Remove the outer layer of biofilm or sediment and reinstall.
• The "Force-Prime" Method: If airlocks persist, take a clean syringe or a small pump and gently force a small amount of water directly into the top of the filter element. This can sometimes push stubborn air pockets through the bottom of the filter that shaking cannot reach.
• Check the Gaskets: Inspect the rubber washers at the base of the filters. If they are pinched or improperly seated, they can create a vacuum seal against the plastic of the upper chamber that restricts flow. Ensure the washers are flat and not twisted.
• Chemical Flush: If you suspect mineral buildup (scaling), soak the filters in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 10 parts distilled water for 2 hours. Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling to remove any acidic residue.

Heads Up

• Never use soap, detergents, or bleach on the Black Berkey elements, as this will permanently destroy the electrostatic charge and the filtration capabilities of the micropores.
• Avoid "over-scrubbing" the filters; if you scrub too aggressively, you risk damaging the structural integrity of the element, which can lead to leaks or "channeling" where water bypasses the filtration medium.
• To prevent future airlocks, always keep at least 2-3 inches of water in the upper chamber; avoid letting the water level drop to the very bottom of the filter elements.
• If you are using the system in a very cold environment, the water viscosity increases and air bubbles cling more stubbornly; use lukewarm water for priming in winter months.