North Star NST30ED User manual

7366546 (Rev. B 1/24/18)
Systems tested and certified by the Water Quality
Association against SA B483.1.
Systems tested and certified by NSF International
against NSF/ANSI Standard 44
for hardness reduction and efficiency,
and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 372.
Installation and Operation Manual
If you have any questions or concerns when
installing, operating or maintaining your water
softener, call our toll free number:
1-800-972-0135
or visit www.northstarwater.com
When you call, please be prepared to provide
the model and serial number of your product,
found on the rating decal, located on the back
of the controller top cover.
Manufactured and warranted by
North Star Water Treatment Systems
1890 Woodlane Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
Designed, Engineered &
Assembled in the U.S.A.
How to install, operate
and maintain your Demand
ontrolled Water Softener
Models NST30ED
NST45ED1
NST70ED1

2
TABLE F C NTENTS
Page
Specifications & Performance laims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Installation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Typical Installation Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Programming the Electronic ontroller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
ontroller Features / Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wiring Schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-17
Exploded View & Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-23
WATER S FTENER WARRANTY
Warrantor: North Star Water Treatment Systems, 1890 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
Warrantor guarantees, to the original owner, that:
ne Year Full Warranty:
● For a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, all parts will be free from defects in materials and workman-
ship and will perform their normal functions.
Limited Warranties:
● For a period of ten (10) years from the date of purchase, the salt storage tank and fiberglass mineral tank will not rust,
corrode, leak, burst, or in any other manner, fail to perform their proper functions.
● For a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase, the electronic control board and valve body will be free of
defects in materials and workmanship and will perform their normal functions.
If, during such respective period, a part proves to be defective, Warrantor will ship a replacement part directly to your
home, without charge.
General Provisions
Damage to any part of this water softener because of misuse, misapplication, neglect, alteration, accident, installation or
operation contrary to our printed instructions, or damage caused by any unusual force of nature such as, but not limited to,
freezing, flood, hurricane, tornado, or earthquake is not covered by this warranty. In all such cases, regular parts and serv-
ice charges will apply.
We assume no warranty liability in connection with this water softener other than specified herein. This warranty is in lieu
of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. We do not authorize
any person or representative to assume for us any other obligations on the sale of this water softener.
Should a defect or malfunction occur, contact your contractor. If you are unable to contact your contractor, return the part,
freight prepaid, directly to the factory at the address below. Enclose with the part a full description of the problem, with
your name, full address, date purchased, model and serial numbers, and selling contractor's name and address. We will
repair or replace the part and return it to you at no cost if our repair department determines it to be defective under the
terms of the warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
This water softener is manufactured by
North Star Water Treatment Systems, 1890 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
ustomer Information Telephone No. 1-800-972-0135
Inspe t Shipment
The parts required to assemble and install the water
softener are included with the unit. Thoroughly check
the water softener for possible shipping damage and
parts loss. Also inspect and note any damage to the
shipping carton.
Remove and discard (or recycle) all packing materials.
To avoid loss of small parts, we suggest you keep the
small parts in the parts bag until you are ready to use
them.

3
Spe ifi ations & Performan e Claims
Model NST30ED NST45ED1 NST70ED1
Model ode SR30 SR45 SR70
Rated Softening apacity (Grains @ Salt Dose)
11,800 @2.3 lbs.
25,300 @7.4 lbs.
30,200 @12.5 lbs.
13,300 @2.6 lbs.
35,700 @9.9 lbs.
45,300 @17.2 lbs.
20,800 @4.1 lbs.
55,100 @15.2 lbs.
70,000 @26.4 lbs.
Rated Efficiency
(Grains/Pound of Salt @ Minimum Salt Dose) 5,090 @2.3 lbs. 5,070 @2.6 lbs. 5,080 @4.1 lbs.
Water Used During Regeneration @ Minimum
Salt Dose
3.2 gal. /
1,000 grains
4.1 gal. /
1,000 grains
4.3 gal. /
1,000 grains
Total Water Used Per Regeneration @ Maximum
Salt Dose 39.5 gallons 56.0 gallons 101 gallons
Rated Service Flow Rate 7.3 gpm 10.0 gpm 13.5 gpm
Amount of High apacity Ion Exchange Resin 0.78 cu. ft. 1.26 cu. ft. 1.94 cu. ft.
Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow 15.0 psig 11.2 psig 15.0 psig
Intermittent Flow rate @ 15 psi* 7.3 gpm 12.1 gpm 13.5 gpm
Water Supply Max. Hardness 90 gpg 120 gpg 120 gpg
Water Supply Max. lear Water Iron 8 ppm** 12 ppm** 19 ppm**
Water Pressure Limits (minimum / maximum) 20 - 125 psi***
Water Temperature Limits (minimum / maximum) 40 - 120 °F
Minimum Water Supply Flow Rate 3 gpm
Maximum Drain Flow Rate 2.0 gpm 2.0 gpm 3.0 gpm
These models are efficiency rated. The efficiency rating is valid only at the minimum salt dose. The softeners have
a demand initiated regeneration (D.I.R.) feature that complies with specific performance specifications intended to
minimize the amount of regenerant brine and water used in its operation.
These softeners have a rated softener efficiency of not less than 3,350 grains of total hardness exchange per pound
of salt (based on sodium chloride) and shall not deliver more salt than its listed rating or be operated at a sustained
maximum service flow rate greater than their listed rating. These softeners have been proven to deliver soft water
for at least ten continuous minutes at the rated service flow rate. The rated salt efficiency is measured by laboratory
tests described in NSF/ANSI Standard 44. These tests represent the maximum possible efficiency that the system
can achieve. Operational efficiency is the actual efficiency after the system has been installed. It is typically less
than the rated efficiency, due to individual application factors including water hardness, water usage, and other con-
taminants that reduce a softener's capacity.
*Intermittent flow rate does not represent the maximum service flow rate used for determining the softeners’ rated
capacity and efficiency. ontinuous operation at flow rates greater than the service flow rate may affect capacity
and efficiency performance.
** apacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by laboratory test data. State of Wisconsin requires addi-
tional treatment if water supply contains clear water iron exceeding 5 ppm.
*** anada working pressure limits: 1.4 - 7.0 kg/cm2.
These systems conform to NSF/ANSI 44 for the specific performance claims as verified and substantiated by
test data.
Variable Salt Dose: The salt dose is selected by the electronic controls at regeneration time based on the amount
needed.

4
18"
DIA.
39"
C
14"
3-3/4"
OUTLET
INLET
INLET -
OUTLET
A
B
FIG. 1
Dimensions
INLET
OUTLET
INLET -
OUTLET
18”
dia.
39”
A
B
C
D
=The water softener requires a minimum water flow of 3 gallons per minute at the inlet. Maximum allowable inlet
water pressure is 125 psi. If your house water pressure is over the maximum, install a pressure reducing valve in
the water supply pipe to the system (Adding a pressure reducing valve may reduce the flow). If your home is
equipped with a back flow preventer, an expansion tank must be installed in accordance with local codes and laws.
=The water softener works on 24V D electrical power, supplied by a direct plug-in power supply (included). Be
sure to use the included power supply and plug it into a nominal 120V, 60 Hz household outlet that is in a dry
location only, grounded and properly protected by an overcurrent device such as a circuit breaker or fuse.
=Do not use this system to treat water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate dis-
infection upstream or downstream of the system.
European Directive 2002/96/E requires all electrical and electronic equipment to be disposed of accord-
ing to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) requirements. This directive or similar laws are
in place nationally and can vary from region to region. Please refer to your state and local laws for prop-
er disposal of this equipment.
Before You Start
NST30ED NST45ED1 NST70ED1
Nominal Resin
Tank Size
8” dia.
x 40”
10” dia.
x 40”
12” dia.
54”
Dimension A48-3/4” 50” 65-3/4”
Dimension B41-1/4” 41-1/4” 57”
Dimension C8-1/4” dia. 10-1/2” dia. 12-1/4” dia.
Dimension D3-3/8” 3-3/4” 3-3/4”
Dimension E11-1/2” 14” 14”
E

5
THE PR PER RDER T INSTALL WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT
FIG. 3
Pressure
Tank
City Water Supply
Well Water Supply
Well
Pump
R
Optional
Sediment
Filter
Water
Heater
Water
Softener
Untreated Water to
Outside Faucets
Hot Water
to House
old Water
to House
L CATI N REQUIREMENTS
onsider all of the following when selecting an installa-
tion location for the water softener.
=Do not locate the water softener where freezing
temperatures occur. Do not attempt to treat water
over 120ºF. Freezing temperatures or hot water
damage voids the warranty.
=To condition all water in the home, install the water
softener close to the water supply inlet, and
upstream of all other plumbing connections, except
outside water pipes. Outside faucets should remain
on hard water to avoid wasting conditioned water
and salt.
=A nearby drain is needed to carry away regenera-
tion discharge (drain) water. Use a floor drain,
laundry tub, sump, standpipe, or other options
(check your local codes). See "Air Gap
Requirements" and "Valve Drain Requirements"
sections.
=The water softener works on 24V D electrical
power, supplied by a direct plug-in power supply
(included). Provide nearby a 120V, 60 Hz electrical
outlet, in accordance with national and local codes.
=Always install the water softener between the water
inlet and water heater. Any other installed water
conditioning equipment should be installed between
the water inlet and water softener (See Figure 3
below).
=Avoid installing in direct sunlight. Excessive sun
heat may cause distortion or other damage to non-
metallic parts.
Installation Requirements
PLUMBING C DES
All plumbing must be completed in accordance with
national, state and local plumbing codes.
LAUNDRY TUBSTANDPIPE
1-1/2”
air gap
FL R DRAIN
In the state of Massachusetts: The ommonwealth
of Massachusetts plumbing code 248- MR shall
be adhered to. A licensed plumber shall be used
for this installation.
AIR GAP REQUIREMENTS
A drain is needed for regeneration water (See Figure
2). A floor drain, close to the water softener, is pre-
ferred. A laundry tub, standpipe, etc. are other drain
options. Secure valve drain hose in place. Leave an
air gap of 1-1/2” between the end of the hose and the
drain. This gap is needed to prevent backflow of
sewer water into the water softener. Do not put the
end of the drain hose into the drain.
FIG. 2
1-1/2”
air gap
Drain
Hose
Drain
Hose
1-1/2”
air gap
Drain
Hose

6
FIG. 4
Soft
Water
Hard
Water
Hard Water to
outside faucets
CR SS VER
Use if water supply flows from the left.
Include single or 3-valve bypass.
MAIN WATER PIPE
Hard
Water Soft
Water
To
Softener
Inlet
From
Softener
Outlet
1” NPT Sweat
Adaptor (2)
not included
1” NPT
Installation
Adaptor (2) *
O-ring Seal (2) *
Bypass Valve *
lip (4) *
* Included with softener. Pipe and
fittings supplied by installer.
Valve
INLET
Valve
INLET
1” NPT
Installation
Adaptor (2) *
O-ring Seal (2) *
lip (2) *
1” NPT Sweat
Adaptor (2)
not included
INLET
Valve
OUTLET
Valve
BYPASS
Valve
MAIN WATER PIPE
INSTALLATI N USING 3-VALVE BYPASS
For soft water SERVICE:
- Open the inlet and out-
let valves
- lose the bypass valve
For hard water BYPASS:
- lose the inlet and out-
let valves
- Open the bypass valve
Soft
Water
Hard
Water
120V,
60 Hz
Outlet
Typi al Installation Illustrations

7
1. TURN FF WATER SUPPLY
a. lose the main water supply valve near the well
pump or water meter.
b. Shut off the electric or fuel supply to the water
heater.
c. Open high and low faucets to drain all water from
the house pipes.
2. INSTALL BYPASS VALVE AND/ R
PLASTIC INSTALLATI N ADAPT RS:
a. If installing a single bypass valve, push the bypass
valve, with lubricated o-ring seals in place, into the
valve inlet and outlet ports (See Figures 4 & 6).
- R -
b. If installing a 3-valve bypass system, slide plastic
installation adaptors, with lubricated o-ring seals in
place, into the valve inlet and outlet ports (See
Figures 4 & 6).
c. Make sure the turbine and support are firmly in
place in the valve outlet, as shown in Figure 7.
Blow into the valve port and observe the turbine for
free rotation.
d. Snap the two large plastic clips in place on the inlet
and outlet ports, from the top, down (See Figure 8).
Make sure they snap into place. Pull on the bypass
valve, or installation adaptors, to make sure they
are held securely in place.
3. M VE THE UNIT INT INSTALLATI N
P SITI N
a. Move the water softener into the desired location.
Set it on a solid, level surface.
IMP RTANT: Do not place shims directly under the
salt storage tank to level the softener.
The weight of the tank, when full of
water and salt, may cause the tank to
fracture at the shim.
FIG. 8
O-ring
lip
Bypass valve or
plastic adaptor
END VIEWSIDE VIEW
FIG. 7
Turbine Turbine Support Assembly
Valve Outlet
FIG. 9
Turn the bypass
valve downward if
connecting to floor
level plumbing
INLET
UTLET
FIG. 5
SINGLE BYPASS VALVE
Pull out for “Service”
(Soft water)
Push in for
“Bypass”
FIG. 6
INLET
UTLET
lip (2)
Bypass
Valve
Plastic
installation
adaptors
lip (2)
Turbine
Support
Installation Instru tions

8
Installation Instru tions
4. C MPLETE INLET AND UTLET
PLUMBING
Pipe fittings must be 3/4” minimum.
Use:
=opper pipe
=Threaded pipe
=PEX ( rosslinked Polyethylene) pipe
=PV plastic pipe
=Other pipe approved for use with potable water
IMP RTANT: Do not solder with plumbing attached to
installation adaptors and single bypass
valve. Soldering heat will damage the
adaptors and valve.Measure, cut, and
loosely assemble pipe and fittings from
the main water pipe to the inlet and out-
let ports of the water softener valve. Be
sure to keep fittings fully together, and
pipes squared and straight.
Be sure hard water supply pipe goes to the water sof-
tener valve inlet side.
N TE: Inlet and outlet are marked on the water sof-
tener valve. Trace the water flow direction to
be sure hard water is to inlet.
IMP RTANT: Be sure to fit, align and support all
plumbing to prevent putting stress on
the water softener valve inlet and outlet.
Stress from misaligned or unsupported
plumbing may cause damage to the
valve.
omplete the inlet and outlet plumbing for the type of
pipe you will be using.
5. C LD WATER PIPE GR UNDING
The house cold water pipe (metal only) is often used
as a ground for the house electrical system, The 3-
valve bypass type of installation, shown in Figure 4,
will maintain ground continuity. If you use a plastic
bypass valve at the unit, continuity is broken. To
restore the ground, do the following:
Purchase and securely install two grounding clamps
and a #4 copper wire across the location where the
softener will be, tightly clamping it at both ends, as
shown in Figure 10.
N TE: heck local plumbing and electrical codes for
proper installation of grounding. The installa-
tion must conform to them.
6. INSTALL VALVE DRAIN H SE
a. Measure, cut to needed length and connect the 3/8"
drain line (provided) to the water softener valve
drain fitting. Use a hose clamp to hold the hose in
place.
N TE: Avoid drain hose
runs longer than 30
feet. Avoid elevat-
ing the hose more
than 8 feet above
the floor. Make the
valve drain line as
short and direct as
possible.
N TE: If codes require a
rigid drain line see
Figure 12.
b. Route the drain hose or
copper tubing to the
floor drain. Secure
drain hose. This will
prevent “whipping'' dur-
ing regenerations. See
“Air Gap Requirements"
section. FIG. 11
Drain Fitting
on valve
Valve
Drain
Hose
1-1/2”
Air Gap
To
Floor
Drain
C NNECTING A RIGID VALVE DRAIN TUBE:
To adapt a copper drain tube to the softener, cut the
barbed end from the drain fitting, as shown. Obtain a
compression fitting (1/4” female pipe thread x 1/2” O.D.
tube) and needed tubing from your local hardware store.
FIG. 12
1/4” NPT
Threads
lip ompression Fitting,
1/4” NPT x 1/2” O.D.
tube (not provided)
ut barbs from drain fitting (pull
clip and remove elbow from valve)
1/2” O.D.
copper tube
(not provided)
FIG. 10
Ground Wire
(not included)
lamp
(2 - not included)

9
Nozzle/
Venturi
Ferrule Nut
Brine
Valve
Tubing
Brinewell
Grommet
Hose
Adaptor
To
Drain
Overflow
Drain Hose
Brinewell
over
Brine TankResin Tank FIG. 13
8. C NNECT BRINE TUBING
a. Route the tubing attached to the brine valve assem-
bly out of the brine tank through the hole provided in
the tank sidewall. Use the slot in the brinewell to
hold tubing in place.
b. onnect the end of this tube to the nozzle/venturi
assembly, as shown in Figure 13, using a ferrule nut
(provided). Tighten the nut by hand, then an addi-
tional 1/4 turn with pliers.
9. TEST F R LEAKS
To prevent air pressure in the water softener and
plumbing system, complete the following steps in
order:
a. Fully open two or more softened cold water faucets
close to the water softener, located downstream
from the water softener.
b. Place the bypass valve (single or 3 valve) into the
"bypass" position. See Figures 4 & 5.
c. Slowly open the main water supply valve. Run
water until there is a steady flow from the opened
faucets, with no air bubbles.
d. Place bypass valve(s) in "service" or soft water
position as follows:
= Single bypass valve: Slowly move the valve stem
toward "service," pausing several times to allow
the water softener to fill with water.
= 3 valve bypass: Fully close the bypass valve and
open the outlet valve. Slowly open the inlet
valve, pausing several times to allow the water
softener to fill with water.
e. After about three minutes, open a hot water faucet
until there is a steady flow and there are no air bub-
bles, then close this faucet.
f. lose all cold water faucets and check for leaks at
the plumbing connections that you made.
g. heck for leaks around clips at softener’s inlet and
outlet. If a leak occurs at a clip, depressurize the
plumbing (turn off the water supply and open
faucets) before removing clip. When removing clips
at the softener’s inlet or outlet, push the single
bypass valve body toward the softener (See Figure
14). Improper removal may damage clips. Do not
reinstall damaged clips.
7. INSTALL SALT ST RAGE TANK VER-
FL W FITTINGS AND H SE
a. Insert the rubber grommet into the 3/4” diameter
hole in the salt storage tank sidewall (See Figure
13).
b. Push the barbed end of the hose adaptor elbow into
the grommet.
c. Measure, cut to needed length and connect the 3/8"
drain line (provided) to the salt storage tank over-
flow elbow and secure in place with a hose clamp.
d. Route the hose to the floor drain, or other suitable
drain point no higher than the drain fitting on the salt
storage tank (This is a gravity drain). If the tank
overfills with water, the excess water flows to the
drain point. ut the drain line to the desired length
and route it neatly out of the way.
IMP RTANT: For proper operation of the water soften-
er, do not connect the water softener
valve drain tubing to the salt storage
tank overflow hose.
FIG. 14
...depressurize the
plumbing, then push
Bypass Valve body
toward softener
If removing
clips...
Installation Instru tions

10
Installation Instru tions
10. ADD WATER AND SALT T THE SALT
ST RAGE TANK
a. Using a container, add about three gallons of clean
water into the salt storage tank.
b. Add salt to the storage tank. Use nugget, pellet or
coarse solar salts with less than 1% impurities.
11. PLUG IN THE P WER SUPPLY
During installation, the water softener wiring may be
moved or jostled from place. Be sure all leadwire con-
nectors are secure on the back of the electronic board
and be sure all wiring is away from the valve gear and
motor area, which rotates during regenerations.
a. Plug the power supply into an electrical outlet that is
not controlled by a switch.
N TE: The water heater is filled with hard water and,
as hot water is used, it will refill with condi-
tioned water. In a few days, the hot water will
be fully conditioned. To have fully conditioned
hot water immediately, wait until the initial
recharge is over. Then, drain the water heater
(following instructions for water heater) until
water runs cold.
12. PR GRAM THE C NTR LLER
a. omplete the Programming Steps on the next two
pages.
13. SANITIZE THE WATER S FTENER /
SANITIZE AFTER SERVICE
are is taken at the factory to keep your unit clean and
sanitary. Materials used to make the unit will not infect
or contaminate your water supply, and will not cause
bacteria to form or grow. However, during shipping,
storage, installation and operation, bacteria could get
into the unit. For this reason, sanitizing as follows is
suggested* when installing.
a. Slide open the salt lid, remove the brinewell cover
and pour about 3 oz. (6 tablespoons) of household
bleach into the softener brinewell. Replace the
brinewell cover.
bMake sure the bypass valve(s) is in the “service”
(open) position.
c Start a recharge: Press the RE HARGE button and
hold for 3 seconds, until “Recharge Now” begins to
flash in the display. This recharge draws the sanitiz-
ing bleach into and through the water softener. Any
air remaining in the unit is purged to the drain.
d. After the recharge has completed, fully open a cold
water faucet, downstream from the softener, and
allow 50 gallons of water to pass through the sys-
tem. This should take at least 20 minutes. lose
the faucet.
*Recommended by the Water Quality Association. On some
water supplies, the unit may need periodic disinfecting.
14. RESTART THE WATER HEATER
a. Turn on the electricity or fuel supply to the water
heater and relight the pilot, if applicable.
N TE: The water heater is filled with hard water and,
as hot water is used, it refills with conditioned
water. In a few days, the hot water will be fully
conditioned. To have fully conditioned hot
water immediately, wait until the initial recharge
(previous step) is over. Then, drain the water
heater (following instructions for water heater)
until water runs cold.
Questions? Call Toll Free 1-800-972-0135 or visit www.northstarwater.com
When you call, please be prepared to provide the model and serial number,
found on the rating decal, located on back of the controller top cover.