Understanding Common Navien Tankless Water Heater Error Codes and How Local Plumbing Can Help Residents in Tiburon, San Rafael, and Kentfield

Conor Crawford • April 17, 2024

Understanding Common Navien Tankless Water Heater Error Codes and How Local Plumbing Can Help Residents in Tiburon, San Rafael, and Kentfield

Tankless water heaters are a modern convenience that save space and energy, providing homes with a continuous supply of hot water. Navien is a leading brand known for its efficiency and reliability. However, like any sophisticated appliance, Navien tankless water heaters can sometimes display error codes that indicate various issues. For residents of Tiburon, San Rafael, and Kentfield, understanding these error codes can be key to quick resolutions. Here at Local Plumbing, based in Sausalito and Petaluma, we are committed to helping you manage these concerns swiftly and effectively.


Common Navien Error Codes and Their Meanings:

E001: Water Boiling Error

  • Cause: This error occurs when the water in the heat exchanger gets too hot, typically due to scale buildup or poor water flow.
  • Fix: Flushing the heat exchanger can usually resolve this issue. It’s also wise to check for any clogs or kinks in the water flow system.


E002: Low Water Pressure

  • Cause: Insufficient water flow through the heater, possibly due to a closed water valve or clogged filter.
  • Fix: Ensure that all valves are fully open and clean the inlet water filter. If the problem persists, the water pressure sensor might need attention.


E003: Ignition Failure

  • Cause: The heater fails to ignite, which could be due to a problem with the gas supply, ignition operation, or venting.
  • Fix: Check the gas supply, igniter, and flame rod. Cleaning the ignition components or adjusting the gas pressure may resolve the issue.


E012: Flame Loss

  • Cause: The unit starts up, but the flame is lost. This could be due to improper venting, gas pressure, or a faulty flame rod.
  • Fix: Inspecting and cleaning the flame rod, checking vent pipes for obstructions, and verifying proper gas pressure are essential steps.


E010: Abnormal Exhaust Temperature

  • Cause: Excessive exhaust temperatures generally suggest venting issues.
  • Fix: Check the venting system for blockages, leaks, or improper installation. Ensuring correct vent pipe length and configuration is crucial.


E004: Water Temperature Sensor Fault

  • Cause: A faulty or improperly positioned water temperature sensor.
  • Fix: Replace or reposition the water temperature sensor.


E021: Cold Water Inlet Temperature Sensor Fault

  • Cause: The sensor measuring the temperature of the incoming cold water is malfunctioning.
  • Fix: This typically requires a sensor replacement.


E022: Hot Water Outlet Temperature Sensor Fault

  • Cause: Similar to E021, but with the hot water outlet sensor.
  • Fix: Replacing the hot water outlet temperature sensor should correct this error.


How Local Plumbing Can Assist:

For homeowners in Tiburon, San Rafael, and Kentfield, encountering an error code on your Navien tankless water heater can be a significant inconvenience. Local Plumbing is here to help! Our team of skilled technicians can swiftly diagnose and address issues indicated by these error codes. We specialize in:

  • Regular maintenance: To prevent common issues that lead to error codes.
  • Comprehensive repairs: Including sensor replacements, system flushes, and more.
  • Expert advice: On whether to repair or replace an aging unit.
  • Emergency Services: Understanding that water heater issues can arise at any time, we offer emergency services to ensure that you are never left in the cold.



At Local Plumbing, serving the communities of Sausalito, Petaluma, Tiburon, San Rafael, and Kentfield, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch service and expertise, especially when it comes to high-efficiency appliances like Navien tankless water heaters. Whether you're facing a simple sensor issue or need a more complex system overhaul, our team is ready to provide fast, reliable solutions.

For more information or to schedule a service, visit our website or call us directly. Trust Local Plumbing to keep your water heating system running smoothly!


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