Installation Instructions
Coldstream FTO Plus filters are designed for easy, tool-free installation. Moreover, unlike Black Berkey filters, these filters do not need to be primed before installation.
To install your filters, follow these steps:
- Separate the upper and lower chambers of your stainless steel system. If you’re replacing filters, unscrew the old filters from the upper chamber to remove them. Then clean both chambers with dish soap and water.
- Attach one of the two black rubber washers to the threaded stem of the filter.
- Insert the filter stem into the hole at the bottom of the upper chamber, then place the second washer onto the threaded stem.
- Secure the filter in place by attaching the wing nut to the threaded stem. Tighten it to ensure a watertight seal, but avoid over-tightening to prevent damage to the wing nut threads.
- Repeat this process for all filters and plug any unused holes with the blocking plugs provided with your system.
- Place the upper chamber on the lower chamber of your system. Fill the upper chamber with water and allow it to filter through. NOTE: The flow time for the first batch of water will be longer as the filters saturate with water.
- Discard the first batch of water as it may contain carbon dust and other particles typical of new filters. Refill the upper chamber with water, and if the filtered water is clear, it is ready to drink. Otherwise, discard the water and repeat the rinsing process until the filtered water is clear.
Important information:
- Please note that Coldstream FTO Plus filters filter water faster than Black Berkey filters, so don’t be surprised if the flow rate is faster than what you are used to with your Berkey filters.
- The lifespan of Coldstream FTO Plus filters is 1500 liters per filter or 6 months. If you install 2 filters, you can replace the filters after 3000 liters or 12 months. Performance will diminish over time, so periodic replacement is essential to ensure pure water free of harmful contaminants.
- Over time, if you notice that the flow rate of the Coldstream FTO Plus filters slows down, scrub them with a clean scouring pad to unclog the surface of the filters. Never use soap, vinegar, or chemicals to clean the filters.
Lab Test Results
Coldstream FTO Plus filters are certified under NSF/ANSI standards: Tested for compliance with stringent U.S. and international water quality standards.
- Removes 99.9% of Bacteria and Viruses: Certified to eliminate harmful pathogens like Klebsiella terrigena, microspheres, and rotavirus.
- Filters Out Heavy Metals: Including lead, mercury, aluminium, antimony, arsenic, copper, nickel, zinc, silver, chromium, and other harmful metals.
- Removes Pesticides and Herbicides: Including contaminants like glyphosate, atrazine, and other agricultural chemicals.
- Removes Microplastics and Chemicals: Ensures clean water free from emerging pollutants and particles like microplastics, inorganic chemicals such as chlorine, fluorine, and sulphate, in addition to Volatile Organic Contaminants such as chloroform and trichlorofluoromethane.
- Preserves Essential Minerals: Filters retain beneficial minerals and electrolytes.
Click here for the full results of the lab tests of the Coldstream FTO Plus filters.
