Dear SurvivalBlog Readers:
I purchased a Berkey Light water filter system last year in the spring with my tax refund. The Berkey Light system is the all-plastic Berkey. I also bought the plastic base offered in connection for the unit, for the convenience of it.
Just short of one year later. I noticed a leak at the bottom of the water spigot. After dumping out the water, cleaning all the parts, I tried re-seating the spigot again, but the leak persisted. Finally, I noticed a small tear in the plastic at the bottom of the hole for the spigot.
I contacted the retailer who sold me the unit and they graciously sent me a replacement bottom reservoir (this part has the hole where the spigot is located). However, upon putting all the parts back together, this time the base unit cracked in several places. The cracks are such that it’s not completely un-usable, but it bothers me that I spent $209 plus extra for the base for a product that really didn’t last longer than about a year. It could be faulty design. There doesn’t seem to be much reinforcement , on or near the areas that get the most use – especially at the bottom of the spigot hole. Additionally, the plastic base unit now is “brittle” and easily cracks.
Needless to say, as soon as I am able to afford it, I intend to replace this unreliable but necessary system, with an all-metal one. Please alert your readers before they make the mistake of buying a plastic Berkey Light. Save the extra money necessary and buy a stainless steel Berkey.
Sincerely, – P.J. in Oregon