DIY Big Berkey Water Filter: A Budget-Friendly Emergency Water Solution

Access to clean water is crucial, especially in emergencies. The Big Berkey Water Filter is a popular choice for many due to its efficiency, but the cost can be prohibitive to some people. And, it seems to be out of stock often.

In this tutorial I’ll teach you how to make a DIY budget-friendly Big Berkey-style water filter system. This DIY alternative offers the same quality filtration without the expensive stainless steel housing, using instead affordable food-grade plastic 5-gallon buckets and Big Berkey Black filters.

The PRO ONE Filter System is a similar style filter system that I’ve heard good things about: https://amzn.to/3RBs6mv

Order a Stainless Steel Big Berkey System here: https://amzn.to/48s37Z2

I’ve filmed a full video of this build as well if you want to watch it below.

Materials:

  • 2 Big Berkey Black Filters ($200+)

  • 1 Spigot (Stainless Steel recommended)

  • 2 Food Grade 5-Gallon Buckets w/ lids

  • Drill with various bits

  • Step-Up Drill Bit is nice but not necessary: https://amzn.to/3FbZvx3

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Install the Spigot:

Choose a side of the bucket to install the spigot. Measure about one inch from the bottom and drill a hole. Ensure the hole is slightly smaller or the exact size as the spigot for a tight fit. Install the spigot with the rubber gaskets and tighten securely. The spigot should be installed about half an inch up from the bottom of one of the buckets. It should be positioned so that it does not interfere with the bucket's ability to stand steadily. Below are links to purchase the spigot and buckets if you want to do that.

Order spigot here: https://amzn.to/3tfeOlx

Order Food Grade 5-Gallon Buckets here: https://amzn.to/3RA30on

Step 2: Mark the holes for the filter installation.

Use a piece of cardboard to mark the positions for the filter holes, ensuring they are equidistant from the center. In the template I’m using I have a center hole in the cardboard that I can line up with the center of the bucket and I have placed a hole 4-inches on either side of that center hole. This will put the filters 8-inches apart once installed.

You’ll need to mark holes on the bottom of the upper bucket and on the lid that goes on the lower bucket.

Step 3: Install the Filters:

The filters should be installed in such a way that they protrude through the bottom of the top bucket as shown in the upper photo. Then, they should goes through the top of the lid that snaps onto the lower bucket. The rubber O-ring should go in the upper bucket to prevent leaking. Tighten the wing nuts securely to prevent any leakage.

Mounting the lid to the underside of the upper bucket.

Order Big Berkey Black Filters here: https://amzn.to/48vOLqm

PRO ONE Filters will also work for this style of build: https://amzn.to/3PzqvLl

Step 4: Assemble the Unit:

Snap the lid into place on the bottom bucket. Your DIY Big Berkey Water Filter is now ready to use! Pour water into the top bucket and allow it to filter through the Big Berkey Black filters to the bottom bucket.

Conclusion:

This DIY Big Berkey Water Filter is an economical and efficient solution for clean water in emergencies. It’s simple to assemble and effective in providing safe drinking water. If you have any questions or need further assistance with assembly, feel free to shoot me an email.

Creek Stewart