Introduction
The Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect Under Sink Water Filter System (Model AQ-MF-1) provides clean, healthy filtered water directly from your existing kitchen faucet. Designed for easy DIY installation, this system significantly reduces common contaminants while retaining beneficial natural minerals.
Key features include:
- Easy DIY Under Sink Filter Installation: Installs on any cold water line, no dedicated faucet required, no need to drill a hole in any countertop. A 3" clearance is required for filter changes. Unit measures 4 x 4 x 20.5 inches.
- Clean & Healthy Water Filtration: Carbon filter removes up to 99% of 77 contaminants including lead, PFAS (specifically PFOA and PFOS), mercury, asbestos, herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and more!
- Retains What Makes Your Water Healthy: Filters out harsh contaminants while retaining naturally-occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Does not reduce TDS.
- Designed With The Environment In Mind: One filter replaces more than 6,250 plastic water bottles.
- All Parts Included: Includes all parts needed for installation including dual port adapter for 3/8" water hoses.
What's in the Box
Your Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect system includes the following components:
- Filter System Head
- Claryum Direct Connect Filter Cartridge
- Dual Port Adapter
- 3/8" Water Hoses (tubing)
- Mounting Brackets
- Screws and Anchors

Setup & Installation
The Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect system is designed for straightforward installation. Please follow these steps carefully.
Pre-Installation Considerations:
- Ensure a 3-inch clearance is available below the filter base for future filter replacements.
- The system can be installed horizontally or vertically on the back or side of your cabinet.
- The system must be installed less than 3 feet from the cold water supply line.
Installation Steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Filter and Mounting Location
Lightly place the system head onto the cartridge. Temporarily place the assembled system under your sink to determine the optimal mounting location. Ensure sufficient clearance for filter changes. Mark the mounting holes using a pencil.


Step 2: Mount the System Head
Drill pilot holes with a 1/8" drill bit at the marked locations. If installing on drywall, drill 7/32" holes and use the provided anchors. Using a Phillips head screwdriver and the provided screws, securely mount the system head to the cabinet wall.
Step 3: Connect Tubing to Water Line
Place a bucket under the cold water line and turn off the water supply. With an adjustable wrench, disconnect the cold water line from the shut-off valve. Attach the threaded ends of the dual port adapter to the water line and reattach the cold water line to the top of the tee valve. Tighten all connections with a wrench.
Cut the provided 3/8" tubing to the necessary lengths. Connect one piece of tubing to the bottom port of the dual port adapter and the opposite end to the left side of the system head marked "IN". Connect the second piece of 3/8" tubing to the top port of the dual port adapter and the opposite end to the right side of the system head marked "OUT".

Step 4: Flush System and Check for Leaks
Slowly open the water shut-off valve. Turn on cold water to the kitchen faucet and let water flush for 15 minutes. Do not drink this initial flushed water. While the system is flushing, carefully check all connections for any leaks. Once the system is flushed, turn off the kitchen faucet.
Installation Video Guide:
For a visual guide on the installation process, please watch the official Aquasana installation video below:
Operating Instructions
Once installed, the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect system operates seamlessly with your existing cold water faucet. Simply turn on your cold water tap to access filtered water for drinking, cooking, and other uses.
The system is designed to filter cold water only. Hot water from your faucet will bypass the filter.

Maintenance
Regular filter replacement is crucial to ensure optimal performance and continued water quality.
Filter Replacement:
The filter cartridge should be replaced approximately every six months, or after filtering 784 gallons of water, whichever comes first. The quick-connect design makes replacement simple and tool-free.
- Turn off the cold water supply to the filter system.
- Twist the old filter cartridge to the left to remove it from the system head.
- Align the new filter cartridge with the system head and twist to the right until it clicks securely into place.
- Slowly turn on the cold water supply and flush the new filter for 15 minutes before consuming water.

Performance & Specifications
The Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect filter is rigorously tested and certified to provide superior water filtration.
Contaminant Reduction:
The filter is IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401, reducing up to 99% of 78 contaminants, including:
- Chlorine, taste, odor and particulates (Standard 42)
- Cryptosporidium, lead, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), asbestos, and PFOA/PFOS (Standard 53)
- Microplastics, herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals (Standard 401)
It retains beneficial minerals such as Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Potassium (K).


Product Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 20.5 inches (5.09 Pounds)
- Material: Plastic
- External Testing Certification: NSF
- Manufacturer: Aquasana
- First Available: May 11, 2020
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect system, please refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Low Water Flow | Clogged filter cartridge; kinked tubing; partially closed shut-off valve. | Replace filter cartridge; check tubing for kinks and straighten; ensure shut-off valve is fully open. |
| Unpleasant Taste/Odor | Filter cartridge needs replacement; initial flushing not completed. | Replace filter cartridge; ensure initial 15-minute flush is completed. |
| Leaks at Connections | Loose connections; improperly seated tubing. | Tighten all threaded connections with a wrench; ensure tubing is fully inserted into quick-connect fittings. |
If problems persist, please contact Aquasana customer support for further assistance.
Warranty & Support
For detailed warranty information, please refer to the documentation provided with your product or visit the official Aquasana website.
A digital version of the user manual is available for download: Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect User Manual (PDF).
For additional support, visit the Aquasana Store on Amazon.