North Star NSDW500 User manual

Installation and Operation Manual
System tested and certified by NSF International
against NSF/ANSI Standards 42 & 53.
See performance data on page 12 for details.
201-8404054 (Rev. 02 5/27/20)
Manufactured and warranted by
Water Channel Partners
1890 Woodlane Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
Designed, Engineered &
Assembled in the U.S.A.
How to install, operate and
maintain your Undersink
Drinking Water Filter System
Model NSDW500
If you have any questions or concerns when
installing, operating or maintaining your water
conditioner, call our toll free number:
1-800-972-0135
or visit www.northstarwater.com
When you call, please be prepared to provide
the model, date code and serial number of your
product, found on the rating decal, located
inside the cover.
Do not return unit to store

2
Table of Contents
Parts of the System / Materials and Tools Needed / Typical Undersink Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Filter Cartridge Life / Filter Cartridge Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
xploded View / Repair Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Troubleshooting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Performance Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
Before You Start
qRead all steps and guides carefully before installing and using your undersink drinking water filter sys-
tem. Follow all steps exactly to correctly install. Reading this manual will also help you to get all the ben-
efits from the undersink drinking water filter system.
qDo not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfec-
tion before or after the system. This system is certified for cyst reduction and may be used on disinfected
waters that may contain filterable cysts.
qAll plumbing should be done in accordance with local codes and requirements. In Massachusetts,
plumbing code 248 CMR 3.00 and 10.00 shall be adhered to. Consult with your licensed plumber.
qThe undersink drinking water filter system works on water pressures of 30 psi (minimum) to 100 psi
(maximum). If your house water pressure is over the maximum, install a pressure reducing valve in the
water supply pipe to the filter system.
qDo not install the undersink drinking water filter system outside, or in extreme hot or cold tempera-
tures. Temperature of the water supply to the undersink drinking water filter system must be between
40°F and 100°F. Do not install on hot water.
Min. - Max. Supply Water Pressure 30 - 100 psi (207 - 689 kPa)
Min. - Max. Supply Water Temperature 40 - 100 °F (4 - 38 °C)
Inlet - Outlet 3/8" quick connect fittings and tubing included
Specifications and Dimensions
9-3/8” 4-3/8”
12-3/4”
4-3/8”9-3/8”
12-3/4”

3
Parts of the System
Materials and Tools Needed
Typical Undersink Installation
• filter system assembly
• filtered water faucet for sink or countertop mounting
• 3/8" tubing to make all needed connections
N TE: Gather the required tools before starting installation. Read and follow
the instructions provided with any tools listed here.
• filtered water faucet for sink or countertop mounting
• slotted and Phillips screwdrivers
• pliers and adjustable jaw wrench
• tubing cutter
• electric drill and 1-1/4" drill bit if mounting hole is needed for the faucet
IMP RTANT: To avoid damaging the sink, consult a qualified plumber or
installer for drilling procedures in porcelain or stainless steel.
Locate the water filter housing on the cold water supply pipe, under the kitchen and/or bathroom sink, to
filter the cold drinking water. Refer to the following drawing.
shutoff valve
filtered water faucet
(not included)
Filter 2
(post filter)
Filter 1
(pre filter)
Blue
WAT R
UT
Yellow
WAT R
IN
water supply
fitting
SINK
N TE: Be sure to allow a minimum space of 1-1/2" under the system
for removing the filter cartridges, in order to change the cartridges.
Fig. 1
4-1/4”
HOT COLD

4
Installation Steps
Step 1 - Cold Water Supply Fitting
Fig. 2
A. Water supply connection
(using included water supply fitting)
B. Water supply typical connection
(using compression fitting)
- parts not provided -
cold water shutoff
3/8" compression fitting
insert
ferrule
cold water
pipe
3/8" tubing to
water filter inlet
cold water shutoff
cold water
shutoff
3/8" tubing to
water filter inlet
cold water
line
water supply
fitting
Check and comply with local plumbing codes as you plan, then install a cold water supply fitting. The fit-
ting must provide a leak-tight connection to the water filter 3/8" tubing. A typical connection using the
included water supply fitting is shown in Figure 2A. An optional connection using standard plumbing fit-
tings (not included) is shown in Figure 2B.
Included Water Supply Fitting
1. Close the cold water shutoff valve (angle stop valve) that the water supply fitting will be installed on,
and open faucet(s) to relieve pressure.
2. Disconnect the existing cold water line from the water shutoff valve.
3. Make sure that the water supply fitting’s gasket is inside the female threaded portion of the fitting.
4. Install the water supply fitting onto the cold water shutoff valve, where the existing cold water line was
removed, and hand tighten. Be careful not to cross thread or overtighten.
5. Connect the existing cold water line to the male threaded portion of the water supply fitting and hand
tighten. Be careful not to cross thread or overtighten.
ptional Pipe Fittings (compression type shown)
N TE: Be sure to turn off the water supply and open a faucet to drain the pipe.
Complying with plumbing codes, install a fitting on the cold water pipe to adapt 3/8" OD tubing. A typical
connection is shown in Figure 2B. If threaded fittings are used, be sure to use pipe joint compound or
thread sealing tape on outside threads.
gasket
Questions? Call Toll Free 1-866-972-0135 or visit www.northstarwater.com
When you call, please be prepared to provide the model, date code and serial number,
found on the rating decal, located inside the cover.

5
Installation Steps
Step 2 - Make Hole For Filtered Water Faucet (not included)
Step 3 - Install Faucet (not included - North Star faucet shown)
IMP RTANT: To avoid damaging the sink, consult a qualified plumber or installer for drilling procedures
in porcelain or stainless steel. Special drill bits are made for this.
1. Select one of the following places to install the faucet. Be sure there's room underneath so you can
make the needed connections.
•In an existing sink spray attachment hole.
•Drill a hole in the sink top.
•Drill a hole in the countertop next to the sink.
2. If drilling is needed make a 1-1/4" dia. (minimum) hole for the faucet.
Fig. 3
hole in sink
or countertop
tubing adaptor,
7/16-24 thd. to 3/8” Q.C.
faucet
base
o-ring
slotted
washer
spacer
lock washer
hex nut
3/8” tubing from
water filter outlet

6
Installation Steps
Step 4 - Make Tubing Connections
To Disconnect Tubing:
1. Push the collet inward and hold with a finger while pulling the tubing out.
Fig. 5
tubing
collet (depress to remove tubing)
Fig. 4
N TE: Remove protective foam plugs before connecting tubes (See Fig. 4). Discard foam plugs.
1. Allowing some slack, measure and cut a length of 3/8" tubing to connect between the supply fitting
and the filter system inlet, Figure 1. Cut the ends of the tubing square.
2. Insert tubing all the way into the supply fitting and inlet fitting. Pull on the tubing to be sure that it's
held firmly in the fittings.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to connect tubing from the faucet to the filter system outlet, Figure 1.
Tubing Connection (all push-in fitting locations):
This system includes push-in fittings for quick tubing connections. If working with the fittings, do the fol-
lowing.
Connect Tubing:
1. Use a sharp cutter or knife to cut the end of tubing square.
2. Inspect the end (about 1") of the tubing to be sure there are no nicks, scratches or other rough spots.
If needed cut the tubing again.
3. Push tubing through the collet and all the way into fitting. Full engagement is 3/4" length of tube into
the fitting.
If tubing other than supplied with the system is used, be sure it is of high quality, exact size and round-
ness with a smooth surface.
end of tubing round and smooth,
with no cuts, nicks or flat spots
correct full 3/4" engagement
Tubing correctly cut and connected
Incorrect partial engagement
Remove and discard foam plugs
foam plug
push in fitting

7
Filter Cartridges
Filter Cartridge Life
Filter Cartridge Replacement
Taste and dor Cartridges: A taste and odor cartridge contains activated carbon, a black powder.
When new, open the filtered water faucet and allow fine, carbon particles to purge from the cartridge.
Close the faucet when you no longer see the “fines” (carbon particulates) in the filtered water, or approxi-
mately 10 minutes.It is recommended to replace the filter cartridges every six months of use. There are
several variables that determine how long a cartridge will last. These include:
1. How much water you use, and
2. How much sediment, taste and/or odor, or other unwanted substance, is in the water.
Use the following information as a guide. However, no matter which type of cartridge you are using, you
will know it is time to replace it when you first notice the return of the unwanted substance in your water.
North Star Undersink Drinking Water Filter system model NSDW500 with replacement element pack
7358195 conforms to NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 for the specific performance claims as verified and substanti-
ated by test data. The rated capacity for this system is 270 gallons (1022 liters) at a rated service flow of
0.5 gpm (gallons per minute).
Fig. 6
filter cartridge
head
Turn filter cartridge to the left
to remove from head
Turn filter cartridge to the right
to attach to head
1. Turn filter cartridge to the left to remove cartridges from the filter heads.
2. Dispose of the cartridges in a proper manner.
3. Install new cartridges. Turn cartridges to the right to re-attach to the filter heads.
Taste and dor Cartridges: A taste and odor cartridge contains activated carbon, a black powder.
When new, open the filtered water faucet and allow the fine carbon particles to purge from the cartridge.
Close the faucet when you no longer see the ``fines'' in the filtered water, or approximately 10 minutes.
Questions? Call Toll Free 1-866-972-0135 or visit www.northstarwater.com
When you call, please be prepared to provide the model, date code and serial number,
found on the rating decal, located inside the cover.

8
Exploded View
8
1
2
3
4
3
6
5
7

9
Repair Parts List
Key No. Part No. Description
1 7276262 Cover, order decal below
– 107-8404138 Decal, Cover
2 119-8600088 Water Supply Fitting, 3/8” Q.C.
3 7168435 Tubing, 3/8” x 72” long, White
4 7280106 Head Assembly
5 7358195 Rep’l Filter Cartridge (2 pack) Ù
– 7333129 Mounting Hardware Kit
(includes 2 ea. of Key Nos. 6 & 7)
6áHanger Washer (2 req’d)
7áScrew (2 req’d)
¢201-8404054 Owner’s Manual
PTI NAL ITEMS (not included)
8WH FCHR Faucet, Chrome
WH FSAT Faucet, Brushed Nickel
ÙPlease purchase replacement cartridges from the retailer
where you bought your drinking water system.
¢Not illustrated.
To order repair parts call toll free 1-800-972-0135.
Manufactured and warranted by
Water Channel Partners
1890 Woodlane Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125

10
Troubleshooting the System
Problem: Taste and/or Odor.
Cause: Pre & Post filter expended. Correction: Replace the filter cartridges.
Cause: System contaminated. Correction: Sanitize system. Call 1-800-972-0135 for
instructions.
Problem: Water leaks at push connect fittings.
Cause: Tubing not pushed in all the way. Correction: Push tubing in all the way into fittings.
Cause: Tubing not cut square. Correction: Cut tubing square.
Cause: Tubing nicked. Correction: Remove nicked portion, reinsert tubing into fit-
ting.
Cause: Outer tubing surface not smooth. Correction: Remove rough portion, reinsert tubing into fit-
ting.
Warranty
NE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY N UNDERSINK DRINKING WATER FILTER SYSTEM
(except filter cartridges)
Warrantor: Water Channel Partners, 1890 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
Warrantor guarantees, to the original owner, that the Undersink Drinking Water Filter System, when installed and
maintained in accordance with the instructions, will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year from the date of purchase. If, within the first year, a part proves, after inspection, to be
defective, Warrantor will, at its sole option, either replace or repair the part without charge except normal shipping
and installation charges. Labor to maintain the equipment is not part of the warranty. Filters, which are expendable,
are not covered by the warranty.
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY PARTS, SIMPLY CALL 1-800-972-0135 for assistance.
General Provisions
The above warranties are effective provided the Undersink Drinking Water Filter System is operated at water
pressures not exceeding 100 psi, and at water temperatures not exceeding 100°F; provided further that the
Undersink Drinking Water Filter System is not subject to abuse, misuse, alteration, neglect, freezing, accident or
negligence; and provided further that the Undersink Drinking Water Filter System is not damaged as the result of
any unusual force of nature such as, but not limited to, flood, hurricane, tornado or earthquake. Warrantor is
excused if failure to perform its warranty obligations is the result of strikes, government regulation, materials short-
ages, or other circumstances beyond its control.
THERE ARE N WARRANTIES N THE UNDERSINK DRINKING WATER FILTER SYSTEM BEY ND TH SE
SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED AB VE. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
F MERCHANTABILITY R F FITNESS F R A PARTICULAR PURP SE, ARE DISCLAIMED T THE
EXTENT THEY MIGHT EXTEND BEY ND THE AB VE PERI DS. THE S LE BLIGATI N F WARRANT R
UNDER THESE WARRANTIES IS T REPLACE R REPAIR THE C MP NENT R PART WHICH PR VES
T BE DEFECTIVE WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TIME PERI D, AND WARRANT R IS N T LIABLE F R C N-
SEQUENTIAL R INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. N WARRANT R DEALER, AGENT, REPRESENTATIVE, R
THER PERS N IS AUTH RIZED T EXTEND R EXPAND THE WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY DESCRIBED
AB VE.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or exclusions or limitations of incidental
or consequential damage, so the limitations and exclusions in this warranty may not apply to you. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty applies
to consumer-owned installations only.

11
Performance Data
Model NSDW500 Drinking Water Filter
IMP RTANT N TICE: Read this performance data and compare the
capabilities of this unit with your actual water treatment needs. It is
recommended that, before purchasing a water treatment unit, you have your water supply tested to determine your actual
water treatment needs. This filter system is designed to be used for the reduction of the performance claims listed below.
Do not use where water is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality, without adequate disinfection before or after
the system. Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts.
While testing was performed under standard laboratory conditions, actual performance of this system may vary based
on local water conditions. Some or all of the contaminants reduced by this unit may not be in your water supply. See
elsewhere in this owner’s manual for further instructions on filter cartridge replacement, system installation, operating
procedures, and warranty. The maintenance instructions must be followed for the product to perform as indicated below.
General Information
This filter improves the taste and odor and reduces
many chemical contaminants in drinking water. The
faucet indicator monitors the length of time the filter has
been installed and will flash amber continuously; indi-
cating the filters and battery need to be replaced.
This system has been tested according to NSF/ANSI 42
and 53 for reduction of the substances listed below.
The concentration of the indicated substances in water
entering the system was reduced to a concentration
less than or equal to the permissible limit for water leav-
ing the system, as specified in NSF/ANSI 42 and 53.
The testing was performed using spiked tap water at a
flow rate of 0.5 gpm (1.9 L/min.), pH of 7.5 ± 0.5, pres-
sure of 60 psig, and temperature of 68 ±5°F.
Installation Requirements
Pressure Range................. 30-100 psig (207-689 kPa)
Temperature Range ........................ 40-100°F (5-38°C)
Service Flow Rate ........................ 0.5 gpm (1.9 L/min.)
Service Life ......................... 270 Gallons (1,022 Liters)
Maintenance
Cartridges should be replaced every 270 gallons or six
months, whichever comes first. Replacement filter
prices will vary. stimated costs of replacement filter
elements (part number 7358195) range from $30.00 to
$50.00 per filter element.
PERF RMANCE CLAIMS
Contaminant
NSF Required
Influent Level
(mg/L)2
NSF Max. Per -
missible Eff.
Level (mg/L)2
Average
Influent Level
(mg/L)2
Avg. / Max.
Effluent
(mg/L)2
Avg. / Min.
Percent
Reduction
EPA MCL1
(mg/L)2
Cyst ≥50,000
particles / mL4,5 99.95%393,000
particles / mL4<1 / <4 particles / mL499.99 / 99.99 None7
Lead @ pH 6.5 0.15 ±10% 0.010 0.152 0.001 / 0.001 99.3 / 99.3 0.015
Lead @ pH 8.5 0.15 ±10% 0.010 0.150 0.001 / 0.001 99.3 / 99.3 0.015
Methyl tert-Butyl ther (MTB ) 0.015 ±20% 0.005 0.01467 0.0005 / 0.0005 96.2 / 96.2 None6
Substance
Chlorine Taste & Odor 2.0 ±10% 50%32.0 0.05 / 0.08 97.5 / 96.2 None6
V C Reduction7
Chloroform 0.30 ±10% 95%30.320 0.0005 / 0.0005 99.8 / 99.8 0.080
1nvironmental Protection Agency Maximum Contaminant Level, as required under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
2Milligrams per Liter, which is equivalent to parts per million (PPM).
3NSF minimum percent reduction requirement. Acceptance level for this substance is based on percent reduction, rather than
maximum effluent concentration.
4Cyst reported in particles per milliliter.
5Microspheres was used as a surrogate.
6The PA has not determined an MCL for this chemical.
7Chloroform was used as a surrogate for the reduction of chemicals specified in the Organic Chemicals Reduced by Chloroform
Surrogate Testing table.
System tested and certified by NSF International against
NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for the reduction of chlorine taste and odor,
and Standard 53 for the reduction of cyst, lead, MTB and VOCs.

12
Performance Data
1Influent challenge levels are average influent concentrations determined in surrogate qualification testing.
2nvironmental Protection Agency Maximum Contaminant Level, as required under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
3Micrograms per Liter, which is equivalent to parts per billion (PPB).
4Maximum product water level was not observed, but was set at the detection limit of analysis.
5Maximum product water level is set at a value determined in surrogate qualification testing.
6Chemical reduction percent and maximum product water level calculated at chloroform 95% breakthrough point, as determined in sur-
rogate qualification testing.
7The surrogate test results for Heptachlor poxide demonstrated a 98% reduction. These data were used to calculate an upper occur-
rence concentration, which would produce a maximum product water level at the MCL.
Contaminant
Avg.1
Influent
(μg/L)
3
Maximum
Effluent
(μg/L)
3
Percent
Removal
EPA
MCL2
(μg/L )3
Alachlor 50 1.04>98 2.0
Atrazine 100 3.04>97 3.0
Benzene 81 1.0499 5.0
Carbofuran 190 1.04>99 40
Carbon Tetrachloride 78 1.8598 5.0
Chlorobenzene 77 1.0499 100
Chloropicrin 15 0.2599 NA
2,4-D 110 1.7598 70
Dibromochloropropane
(DBCP) 52 0.024>99 0.2
o-Dichlorobenzene 80 1.0499 600
p-Dichlorobenzene 40 1.0498 75
1,2-Dichloroethane 88 4.869565.0
1,1-Dichloroethylene 83 1.0499 7.0
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 170 0.54>99 70
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene 86 1.0499 100
1-2-Dichloropropane 80 1.0499 5.0
cis-1,3-Dichloropropylene
79 1.0499 NA
Dinosorb 170 0.2599 7.0
ndrin 53 0.59599 2.0
thylbenzene 88 1.0499 700
thylene Dibromide ( DB)
44 0.024>99 0.05
Haloacetonitriles (HAN):
NA
Bromochloroacetonitrile
22 0.5598 NA
Dibromoacetonitrile 24 0.6598 NA
Dichloroacetonitrile 9.6 0.2598 NA
Trichloroacetonitrile 15 0.3598 NA
Contaminant
Avg.1
Influent
(μg/L)
3
Maximum
Effluent
(μg/L)
3
Percent
Removal
EPA
MCL2
(μg/L )3
Haloketones (HK): NA
1,1-Dichloro-2-Propanone 7.2 0.1599 NA
1,1,1-Trichloro-2-Propanone 8.260.3596 NA
Heptachlor 25 0.014>99 0.4
Heptachlor poxide 10.770.2798 0.2
Hexachlorobutadiene 44 1.0498 NA
Hexachlorocyclopentadinene 60 0.0024>99 50
Lindane 55 0.014>99 0.2
Methoxychlor 50 0.14>99 40
Pentachlorophenol 96 1.0499 1.0
Simazine 120 4.0497 4.0
Styrene 150 0.54>99 100
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 81 1.0499 NA
Tetrachloroethylene 81 1.0499 5.0
Toluene 78 1.0499 1,000
2,4,5-TP (silvex) 270 1.6499 50
Tribromoacetic acid 42 1.0498 NA
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 160 0.54>99 70
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 84 4.6595 200
1,1,2-Trichloroethane 150 0.54>99 5.0
Trichloroethylene 180 1.04>99 5.0
Trihalomethanes (includes): 300 15 95 80
Chloroform (surrogate chemical)
Bromoform
Bromodichloromethane
Chlorodibromomethane
Xylenes (total) 70 1.0499
10,000
RGANIC CHEMICALS REDUCED BY CHL R F RM SURR GATE TESTING
F R I WA USE NLY
All sales in Iowa require the following signature before consummation of sale. These signatures must be retained by
seller/renter for 2 years minimum.
Buyer/Renter __________________________________________________________ Date _________________
Seller ________________________________________________________________ Date _________________
Seller’s Address _______________________________________________________________________________
Seller’s Phone No. _____________________________________________________________________________
Product: North Star Model NSDW500 Drinking Water Filter
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
"