LifeStraw MAX High Flow Water Purifier User Manual

User Manual
LIFESTRAW MAX

LIFESTRAW MAX
HIGH-FLOW WATER PURIFICATION

LifeStraw Max:

• Meets US EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards for the removal of viruses, bacteria, and parasites
• Meets NSF 42 standards for chlorine reduction
• Meets NSF 53 standards for reduction of lead

LifeStraw Membrane Ultrafilter Set:

• Removes 99.99% viruses (Rotavirus, etc.), 99.999999% bacteria (E.coli, Salmonella, etc.), 99.999% parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc.), 99.999% microplastics
• Pore size: 0.02 micron
• Filters up to 26,500 gallons (100,000 liters)

LifeStraw Advanced Carbon Filter:

• Reduces lead, chlorine, organic chemical matter, and odors for improved taste
• Filters up to 4,000 gallons (15,000 liters)

REQUIREMENTS FOR USE

WATER PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS:
LifeStraw Max is powered by water pressure from existing piped water systems. The minimum recommended pressure is 1 bar / 14.5 PSI. Below this pressure, the flow rate will be affected.

CAUTION!
Maximum pressure: 6 Bar / 87 PSI
LifeStraw Max can be used with a maximum pressure of 6 Bar/87 PSI, as certified by ……. Any water above this pressure will cause damage to the LifeStraw Max product.

HOSE ADAPTER:
The LifeStraw Max includes a pre-installed hose adapter at the water inlet for use with standard U.S. hoses (3/4” MGHT). If using a hose of different threading, please remove the pre-installed hose adapter. The inlet will become 3/4” BSP compatible.

CARBON FILTER:
In order to preserve the longevity of the filter, do not remove the LifeStraw Max advanced carbon filter from sealed packaging until ready to use. When removing the LifeStraw Max advanced carbon filter from its separate packaging, please handle it carefully to avoid any damage. The top lid must be in place when using LifeStraw Max.

lifestraw.com/max

For more resources on how to use, videos, lab results, and further instructions, please visit our website: www.lifestraw.com/max

KNOW YOUR FILTER

SETUP | CARBON FILTER INSTALLATION

1. REMOVE TOP LID
   Slide the LifeStraw Max lid locks towards the middle of the unit to unlock. Lift the lid off of the Max and set it to the side. Lid locks do not need to be held together while lifting the lid.

2. DISCONNECT WHITE FILTER HOUSING BRIDGE
   Disconnect the top filter housing bridge (white) from the filter cartridges by pushing the two tabs toward the center of the box while pulling the white housing bridge upwards.
   Push the two rectangular tabs toward the center of the box.
   Pull the white housing bridge upwards until it is disconnected.
   

3. UNSCREW AND OPEN THE TOP OF THE ADVANCED CARBON FILTER HOUSING (GRAY)
   Unscrew the top cap of the gray carbon filter housing. Locate the carbon filter block and remove it from the wrapping. NOTE: If you are having difficulty opening the carbon filter housing, we recommend pulling the full gray carbon cartridge out of the Max to unscrew the top and install the carbon filter block.

4. INSERT CARBON BLOCK WITH BLACK O-RING ON TOP
   Place the carbon filter, with the black silicone ring facing outward, into the gray carbon filter housing. Screw the gray carbon cartridge lid on tightly.

5. REASSEMBLE CARBON FILTER HOUSING
   Make sure that the bottom of the gray carbon filter housing is in place by pressing firmly into the fitting. Double-check that the side cartridge connectors are firmly in place with the black seal flush against the inside.
   NOTE: If you removed the carbon filter housing from the Max to insert the carbon block, reinsert by fitting the bottom of the cartridge into the plug fitting located in the bottom of the Max. Ensure the two side connectors are lined up to their matching pieces and press firmly to make sure they are in place.

6. RECONNECT WHITE FILTER HOUSING BRIDGE
   Reconnect the top filter housing bridge by lining up the tabs with their associated slots and pressing down until it clicks into place, indicating it is fully locked.

7. CLOSE TOP LID
   Place the top lid back onto the top of the box, sliding the lid locks toward the corners to secure.
   NOTE: When replacing your carbon filter, follow these instructions. Remember to perform the backwash procedure after any filter replacement.

FIRST TIME USE

1. CONNECT SOURCE WATER HOSE
   Connect the source water hose (3/4” MGHT) to the water inlet by screwing BOTH sides of the inlet adapter tightly. Note: If using a different hose, unscrew the included adapter to connect the source water hose (3/4” BSP).

2. CONNECT BACKWASH HOSE
   Connect the included light gray backwash hose to the orange backwash outlet and route to an area where dirty water can be discarded. CAUTION: DO NOT DRINK WATER FROM THE BACKWASH HOSE

3. TURN ON WATER
   Turn on the water source. Make sure the pressure is greater than 1 bar, then rotate the blue drinking water dial to the open position.

4. RUN BACKWASH TO REMOVE AIR FROM THE FILTER
   Switch the dark gray backwash dial to position 1 and wait 30 seconds. Then turn it to position 2, wait 30 seconds, and continue to do so until reaching position 0. Let the
   water run for up to 2 minutes while in position 0; Discard the first batch of water. Note: if water is extremely muddy, cycle through the backwash procedure a second time. If you notice a “sweet” taste after performing the backwash procedure, cycle through again.

5. LIFESTRAW MAX IS NOW READY TO USE
   With the backwash dial in the “0,” position and the drinking water dial on, the LifeStraw Max is ready to use. Simply turn the drinking water dial to the “close” position when done using. The system does have a pressure regulator, but it is advisable to turn off the water source when not in use for a longer period of time.

EVERYDAY USE

1. MAKE SURE THE PRODUCT IS READY FOR USE
   Ensure all hose connections, filter cartridges, and pre-filter lid are in place, as any loose parts may cause leaking. Make sure the dark gray backwash dial is in position 0.

2. TURN ON THE WATER SOURCE (HOSE)

3. ROTATE THE BLUE DRINKING WATER DIAL TO OPEN THE POSITION
   Water will start to flow from the tap once the blue drinking water dial is rotated to “open”.

4. TURN OFF THE WATER SOURCE (HOSE) WHEN FINISHED

5. SWITCH BLUE DRINKING WATER DIAL TO CLOSE POSITION
   Once finished and the water source is shut off, switch the blue drinking dial to the “close” position.
   NOTE: Once the dial is CLOSED, it may take a few seconds for the water to stop flowing. Make sure the internal hoses are emptied of water as much as possible.

CAUTION!

The lid can ONLY be removed when the system is off and the source water hose is disconnected from the water inlet.

Do not remove the lid if the system is on and the hose is connected to the inlet. Opening the lid while the system is under pressure could result in damage to the product or injury.

CLEANING | BACKWASH PROCEDURE

Regular backwashing flushes out contaminants from the filter cartridges and helps to maintain the flow rate.

WHEN TO BACKWASH

• Once a day or when you see a reduction in flow rate
• After pre-filter cleaning
• After any cartridge or filter replacement
• After long periods of non-use

1. TURN ON THE WATER SOURCE (HOSE) AND TURN BLUE DIAL TO OPEN POSITION (Water should be flowing from the tap)
2. ROTATE THE GRAY BACKWASH DIAL TO EACH POSITION FOR 30 SECONDS
   Switch the dark gray backwash dial to position 1 and wait 30 seconds. Then turn it to position 2, wait 30 seconds, and continue to do so until reaching position 0.

NOTE: Once you begin the backwash process, water will stop flowing from the tap. This is normal. During different rotations, water will flow out of the backwash hose. Once the dial is returned to position 0, water will resume flowing from the tap.

1. LET WATER FLOW FROM THE TAP FOR UP TO 2 MINS AND DISCARD
   Let the water run for up to 2 minutes while in position 0. Discard the water until completed.
   Note: if water is extremely muddy, cycle through the backwash procedure a second time.

2. NOW READY TO RESUME USE
   Turn off the water source when finished.
   Tip: Refer to Backwash Procedure when you see a reduction in flow rate during use.
   WARNING: Never consume water from the backwash outlet. It is not safe to drink.

CLEANING | PRE-FILTER

If your water is clear, we recommend cleaning the pre-filter weekly with regular use. If your water is cloudy, you may need to clean the pre-filter more frequently.

1. MAKE SURE THE WATER SOURCE IS TURNED OFF.

2. SET DIALS. Close the drinking water dial to “close”, then turn the dark gray backwash dial to position 1

3. REMOVE THE PRE-FILTER LID AND PULL OUT PRE-FILTER
   Twist off the blue pre-filter lid and take out the pre-filter inside by pulling it up vertically.
   NOTE: If is not required to remove the top lid in order to pull out the pre-filter. However, If you have difficulty removing the pre- filter while the top lid is closed, slide the lid locks inward to remove the top lid before twisting off the blue pre-filter lid.

4. DISASSEMBLE PRE-FILTER
   Unscrew the black pre-filter cap to access the 3 internal mesh prefilters that are stacked inside of one another.

5. CLEAN PRE-FILTER
   Using a soft plastic bristle brush, clean all parts with water. DO NOT USE SOAP, as this could clog the pre-filter.

6. REASSEMBLE PRE-FILTER
   Reassemble the 3 mesh pre-filters by placing all of the filters inside one another and screwing back on the black cap. Insert it back into the blue pre- filter housing by pushing down until the bottom is in place and tightly screwing on the light blue pre-filter lid.

7. PERFORM BACKWASH PROCEDURE
   Refer to page 11 for backwash instructions.

STORAGE

BEFORE STORAGE

1. Make sure the water source is turned off and the blue drinking dial is in the “close” position. Disconnect source water hose.
   Clear any debris from the pre-filter using pre-filter cleaning instructions.

2. REMOVE CARBON BLOCK FROM LIGHT GRAY FILTER HOUSING FOR DRYING
   Using the same technique as when replacing the advanced carbon filter, disconnect the white filter housing bridge. Unscrew the light gray carbon filter housing cap and remove the carbon block inside. Set aside to dry.

3. PLACE CARBON BLOCK IN SEALED BAG
   Once the carbon block is dry, place it in a sealed bag for storage to preserve the longevity of the filter. The light gray filter housing should remain inside the Max with the cap reattached.

4. REMOVE LIGHT BLUE MEMBRANE ULTRAFILTER SET FROM MAX AND STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE
   Using the same steps as when replacing the membrane ultrafilter set, disconnect the white filter housing bridge. Then disconnect each cartridge, pulling away from the bottom connector, followed by the top connector. Store in a cool, dry location.

DURING STORAGE
LifeStraw Max and all filters must be stored in normal conditions while not in use. Keep away from direct sunlight and high or freezing temperatures for extended periods.

AFTER STORAGE

1. REASSEMBLE CARBON FILTER BY INSERTING CARBON BLOCK WITH BLACK O-RING ON TOP
   Remove the carbon block from the sealed bag, and insert it into the filter housing with the black silicone ring facing upward vertically.
   Screw the gray carbon cartridge lid on tightly.

2. REASSEMBLE MEMBRANE ULTRAFILTER SET BY INSERTING EACH CARTRIDGE.
   Insert each cartridge by connecting the bottom connectors into their respective fittings. Make sure the side connectors on each are connected before use.

3. PERFORM BACKWASH PROCEDURE
   Connect the source water hose to the water inlet by tightly screwing BOTH sides of the inlet adapter tightly.
   In some areas outside of the United States, a 1/2” hose with a male coupling connector might be needed.
   Turn on the water and replace the lid if not already done. Turn on the water source (hose).
   Rotate the blue drinking water dial to the open position.
   Switch the dark gray backwash dial to position 1 and wait 30 seconds.
   Then turn it to position 2, wait 30 seconds, and continue to do so until reaching position 0.
   Let the water run for up to 2 minutes while in position 0; water will start flowing. Discard the water until completed.
   Note: if water is extremely muddy, cycle through the backwash procedure a second time.

TROUBLESHOOTING

LEAKING
Follow the below checklist if you experience leaking with your Max.

• Ensure all hoses are tightly connected and there are no holes in each hose
• Ensure the white filter housing bridge is fully connected with push tabs clicked in place
• Ensure the gray cap of the carbon filter housing is tightly screwed on
• Ensure carbon filter block is properly installed with black silicone seal facing the top
• Ensure all three filter cartridges are properly installed into both top and bottom connectors

If you continue to experience leaking, please contact LifeStraw at info@lifestraw.com.

LOW FLOW RATE/CLOGGING
If you experience a low flow rate or clogging, follow the below procedures.

• Open the lid and ensure none of the hoses are kinked
• Perform backwash procedure. If water is extremely muddly, run through the cycle twice
• Using the instructions provided, clean the pre-filter.

If you continue to experience little to no flow rate, it may be time to replace your membrane ultrafilter set.
Water will stop flowing through once the membrane ultrafilter set has reached the end of its lifecycle.

REMINDERS

WARNING: If the membrane ultrafilters freeze after use, they must be replaced.
Never use LifeStraw Max to filter water contaminated with industrial chemicals, brackish water, or seawater.
Do not mount or hang products unless used with LifeStraw products designed for this use. Limit UV exposure where possible to prevent discoloration.

The quality of the filtered water is not guaranteed if the product is submitted to conditions other than those encountered during its normal use.
To prevent breakage, do not drop or hit LifeStraw Max.
Your use of LifeStraw Max implies that you accept and agree to these terms, conditions, and disclaimer.

DISCLAIMER

Vestergaard Frandsen Inc. and its affiliated entities and related companies shall be neither liable for any damages arising out of or as a result of the use of LifeStraw Max for any purpose other than for which it is clearly intended, nor for any malfunction resulting from the failure of the user of LifeStraw Max to strictly abide by the usage and safety information contained in this manual. Stated microbiological, chemical, and heavy metal and longevity performance of LifeStraw Max is conducted under standard laboratory test conditions; more information regarding test results and conditions can be found on www.lifestraw.com. The effectiveness of LifeStraw Max may be limited by environmental or hygienic conditions that could contribute to the recontamination of water after it has passed through the product’s internal filter. These conditions include but are not limited to:

1. Handling the inside of the LifeStraw Max or the spout with dirty hands.
2. Failure to maintain a clean filter with proper maintenance.
3. Using the Max if cracked, broken, or otherwise compromised.
4. Failure to replace the filters per manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Use in or exposure to extreme heat (higher temperature than 140° F/60°C) or freezing temperatures (below 32° F/0°C).

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