What Do I Do With My Berkey When I Go on Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

Going on vacation can be an exciting time, but it can also leave you wondering what to do with your Berkey water filter. You’ve invested in this high-quality filtration system, and you certainly don’t want to let it go to waste while you’re away. In this article, we’ll explore some options for keeping your Berkey safe and effective while you’re on vacation.

Option 1: Shut down your Berkey

The first option is to simply shut down your Berkey before leaving for vacation. This means that you will remove the filters and let them dry out completely before storing them in a cool, dry place. You may also want to clean the system thoroughly before packing it away.

Pros:

  • This option is simple and requires minimal effort.
  • It ensures that your filters won’t be used up unnecessarily while you’re away.

Cons:

  • You won’t have access to clean, filtered water when you return from vacation.

Option 2: Leave your Berkey running

Another option is to leave your Berkey running while you’re away. This means leaving the filters in place and keeping the system filled with water.

Pros:

  • You’ll have access to clean, filtered water when you return from vacation.

Cons:

  • Your filters will continue to be used up while you’re away, which means they may need to be replaced sooner than if the system was shut down.
  • If there’s a power outage or other issue while you’re away, there’s a risk that the system could malfunction or become contaminated.

Option 3: Ask a friend or neighbor to maintain your Berkey

If you have a friend or neighbor who is familiar with your Berkey system, you may want to ask them to maintain it while you’re away. This could involve checking the water levels, ensuring that the filters are working properly, and cleaning the system if needed.

Pros:

  • Your friend or neighbor can ensure that your filters are being used efficiently and that the system is working as it should.
  • You’ll have access to clean, filtered water when you return from vacation.

Cons:

  • You’ll need to trust that your friend or neighbor will take good care of your Berkey system.
  • If they’re not familiar with how the system works, there’s a risk that they could accidentally damage it or cause contamination.

Conclusion

There are several options for what to do with your Berkey when you go on vacation. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific situation and preferences. If you’re comfortable shutting down the system and don’t mind going without filtered water for a while, option 1 may be best.

If you want easy access to clean water when you return from vacation, option 2 may be more appealing. And if you have a trusted friend or neighbor who can maintain your Berkey while you’re away, option 3 may be the way to go. Whatever you decide, make sure to follow proper procedures for shutting down or maintaining your Berkey so that it stays safe and effective for years to come.