Navien water heaters are highly regarded for their efficiency and compact design, offering both tankless and traditional options. However, even the best appliances can face issues over time. Whether your Navien water heater is not heating properly, is showing error codes, or is making strange noises, troubleshooting can help restore its functionality. This guide will help you identify common problems and provide solutions to get your Navien water heater back to working efficiently.
Common Navien Water Heater Problems and Solutions
If your Navien water heater isn’t working as expected, here are some of the most common problems and their solutions:
1. No Hot Water
If your Navien water heater is not producing hot water, it could be related to the power supply, gas supply, or thermostat.
Possible Causes:
- Power supply issue (electric models): If the power supply is interrupted, the water heater will not work.
- Empty gas tank (gas models): If the propane tank is empty or there is a gas supply issue, the heater will not produce heat.
- Faulty thermostat: If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may prevent the heater from heating the water to the desired temperature.
- Error codes: Navien units often display error codes for issues like flame failure, gas pressure issues, or ignition failure, which may result in no hot water.
How to Fix It:
- Check the power supply: Ensure the unit is plugged into a working outlet and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
- Inspect the gas supply: Make sure the propane tank is full and that the gas valve is open. Check for any blockages in the gas lines.
- Check the thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is set to your desired temperature. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may need to be recalibrated or replaced.
- Check for error codes: If an error code is displayed, refer to the user manual to troubleshoot the specific issue. Common issues might involve gas flow or ignition failure.
2. Error Codes Displayed
Common Error Codes and Causes:
- Code 11: Flame failure – The burner failed to ignite, likely due to an issue with gas flow or the ignition system.
- Code 12: Overheating – This can be due to insufficient water flow or a blocked heat exchanger.
- Code 14: Low gas pressure – If the gas pressure is too low, the heater will not operate correctly.
- Code 17: Water temperature sensor failure – This could indicate a malfunction in the sensor that regulates water temperature.
How to Fix It:
- Code 11 (Flame failure): Check for a gas supply issue. Ensure the gas valve is open, and that the gas line is not blocked. Clean or replace the igniter if necessary.
- Code 12 (Overheating): Check the water flow rate. If the flow rate is too low, open a hot water tap fully or remove any blockages in the pipes.
- Code 14 (Low gas pressure): Check the gas pressure. Ensure the tank is not empty and that the regulator is functioning correctly.
- Code 17 (Water temperature sensor failure): Inspect the temperature sensor and replace it if it’s malfunctioning.
3. Strange Noises
If your Navien water heater is making strange noises, it’s important to address the issue before it gets worse. These noises might include popping, crackling, or rumbling sounds.
Possible Causes:
- Sediment buildup: Mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate on the heat exchanger, causing popping or rumbling sounds as the water heats up.
- Water flow issues: A restricted water flow due to clogged filters or pipes can lead to gurgling or popping noises.
- Burner or ignition issues: If there’s a problem with the burner or ignition system, you may hear sputtering or crackling noises as the heater struggles to ignite the fuel.
How to Fix It:
- Flush the tank: Perform a routine flush to remove any sediment buildup inside the heat exchanger. This should eliminate most rumbling or popping noises.
- Check the water flow: Ensure that there are no blockages in the pipes or filters. Clean or replace filters to improve water flow.
- Inspect the burner: If the burner is dirty, clean it using a soft brush or compressed air. If it’s damaged, replace it.
4. Leaking Water Heater
If your Navien water heater is leaking, it’s important to fix the problem immediately to avoid water damage.
Possible Causes:
- Loose connections: Leaks can occur at the inlet or outlet connections, or the pressure relief valve.
- Cracked or corroded tank: Over time, the tank can corrode or crack, causing leaks.
- Faulty pressure relief valve: If the pressure relief valve is malfunctioning, it could release water.
How to Fix It:
- Tighten connections: Inspect all water connections for leaks and tighten any loose connections. Replace any worn-out seals or gaskets.
- Inspect the tank: If the tank is cracked or corroded, the heater may need to be replaced, as these issues cannot be repaired.
- Check the pressure relief valve: Test the valve by lifting the lever. If it sticks or leaks, replace the valve to prevent further issues.
5. Heater Takes Too Long to Heat
If your Navien water heater is taking too long to heat the water, it could be due to issues with the gas supply, water flow, or thermostat.
Possible Causes:
- Low gas pressure: If the gas pressure is too low, the heater may take longer to reach the desired temperature.
- Clogged filters or pipes: A clogged filter or pipe can reduce water flow, which can delay the heating process.
- Incorrect thermostat setting: If the thermostat is set too low, the heater may not reach the desired temperature in a reasonable amount of time.
How to Fix It:
- Check the gas pressure: Ensure the gas supply is adequate and that the regulator is functioning correctly. If needed, replace the gas regulator.
- Clean filters and pipes: Clean the water filter and check for blockages in the pipes that could be restricting water flow.
- Adjust the thermostat: Set the thermostat to the desired temperature. If the thermostat is faulty, consider replacing it to ensure accurate readings.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps and your Navien water heater is still not working properly, or if you encounter more complex issues such as a gas leak or a malfunctioning internal component, it’s time to call a professional. Heater repairs involving gas or electrical components should always be handled by a licensed technician to ensure safety and proper functioning.
Conclusion
Navien water heaters are efficient and reliable, but like any appliance, they can face issues over time. Whether you’re dealing with no hot water, strange noises, or error codes, many problems can be resolved with basic troubleshooting. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can often get your Navien water heater working again. However, if the issue persists or seems beyond your ability to fix, don’t hesitate to contact a professional technician to ensure your heater operates safely and efficiently.