Many people have been raving about the greatness of the tankless water heaters manufactured by Navien. This is because these advanced water heating systems offer advantages that are impossible to attain from other water heaters.
With Navien tankless water heaters, everything can be much more manageable since the bills and the environmental footprint would be smaller. However, this device has its downsides, and the common one is the Navien flow sensor problem.
How to Fix Navien Flow Sensor Problems
Many say that every good thing has its downsides. Even though Navien tankless water heaters are excellent and powerful, they also have several disadvantages. Since Navien water heaters are the first to feature a condensing tech, these units are prone to several common issues, including the Navien problems flow sensor O ring.
The issue generally starts with an ERROR 039, 001, or 038. Still, the Navien water heaters can also show other errors caused by the faulty Navien water pressure sensor.
To fix this issue, when you need hot water, try unplugging the device for 30 seconds and plugging the system back in.
That method will reset your device and provide hot water for quick or temporary use. However, this type of issue usually will reappear again. Therefore, there are several things you can do to prevent or fix the flow sensor problems, such as mentioned below:
- Replace the Flow Sensor
The flow sensor of the Navien water heaters can be replaced with a new one made of stainless steel since this material is less prone to corrosion. However, this issue can be solved without purchasing the latest flow sensor.
You only need to mount a filter the size of a micron in the water inlet. This filter is beneficial for collecting any debris and avoiding its impairment.
If you are handy, installation should only take you 15 to 20 minutes. Watch one of the YouTube how-to videos and follow the detailed instructions.
- Regularly Clean the Flow Sensor
Regular cleaning can prevent sensor problems. Reinstalling the flow sensor is also highly suggested to correct the error code.
From a homeowner’s perspective, one user shared, “After experiencing inconsistent hot water supply, I soaked the flow sensor in vinegar, rinsed it, and applied plumber’s silicone to the o-ring. This improved the performance noticeably.” Such personal experiences underscore the importance of regular maintenance.
- Clean the Water Inlet
The flow sensors in Navien water heaters develop some defects and impede performance. The flow sensor will get rusty, disturb the operation, and shut the device down. These problems are widespread among Navien’s latest models of tankless water heaters.
It is recommended to regularly check the water inlet filter for any debris or clogging. Cleaning this filter can prevent many flow sensor issues and avoid false error readings.
Here is a summarized table of common error codes and their meanings, highlighting the flow sensor-related issues:
| Error Code | Description | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| 001 | Ignition failure | Check gas supply, air filter, ignition |
| 002 | Overheating | Check temperature sensor, heat exchanger |
| 004 | Flow sensor problem | Check sensor, wiring, clean/replace sensor |
| 038 | Combustion chamber/flame rod issue | Check and clean flame rod |
| 057 | Water pressure sensor issue | Check sensor, wiring, clean/replace sensor |
| 012 | Flame loss (possible indirect cause by flow sensor) | Check gas supply, clean burner |
No matter how great the Navien tankless water heaters are, they are prone to many common problems. The Navien flow sensor problems are just one of the many issues found in these devices. You can fix the flow sensor error with the tutorial above or call the technician to replace the flow sensor.
By understanding these steps and maintaining your Navien tankless water heater, you can ensure reliable performance and avoid many common issues. If further assistance is needed, professional help is recommended.
