I remember the first time my Navien tankless water heater stopped working mid-shower. One minute I was enjoying the steamy comfort, the next—I was freezing and confused. After fumbling with buttons and Googling like mad, I realized it wasn’t a major issue. It just needed a reset. If you’ve been there (or are there now), don’t worry. I’ll walk you through how to reset Navien tankless water heater units in a simple, local-expert kind of way—because no one should have to start their day with cold water.
Why Does a Navien Tankless Water Heater Need Resetting?
You might be wondering why your high-tech heater is suddenly acting up. The truth is, even the best plumbing systems have their hiccups. Whether it’s a power outage, mineral buildup, or a temporary sensor glitch, Navien heaters are built to protect themselves by shutting down when something seems off.
Resetting it clears minor faults so it can get back to doing its job. Think of it like restarting your phone after it freezes—sometimes all it takes is a quick reboot to bring things back to normal.
What Are the Signs You Need to Reset It?
Here’s how to tell if your Navien just needs a reset (and not a full-on repair):
- No hot water, even though your gas and water are on
- Error code on the display, especially codes like E003, E110, or E012
- Flashing or unresponsive screen
- Unusual noises or odd cycling during operation
These signs don’t always mean something’s broken—it might just mean your heater needs a second chance to start fresh.
Where Is the Reset Button on a Navien Tankless Water Heater?
Image Credit – Al Huda International
This one’s a bit of a scavenger hunt depending on your model. For most Navien units, the reset button is right on the front panel. It’s usually small, labeled clearly, and you’ll spot it near the digital display.
On newer models like the NPE-240A or NCB-210E, the reset button may even double as the power button. If it’s not labeled, check your user manual or peek under the front cover (only if you’re comfortable). Don’t yank anything—Navien units are sleek, but they’re sensitive.
How to Make the Most of How to Reset Navien Tankless Water Heater
Resetting your water heater is easy once you know how.
Here’s the basic process:
First, turn off the power to your unit. You can do this by switching off the breaker that controls it, or simply unplugging it from the outlet. Wait about 30 seconds to give it a full internal pause.
Now, turn the power back on, and look for the reset button. Press it once—firmly, but not aggressively—and wait. Your unit may beep, flash, or restart with a fresh screen.
Once it boots up, check the display. If the error code is gone and hot water is flowing again, you’re in business.
Still seeing the same issue? That might mean your system needs more than a reset. It could be a blockage, an ignition problem, or something deeper in your plumbing systems. But for most common hiccups, this reset will do the trick.
Could the Problem Be Something Else?
Absolutely. Resetting can only fix what’s fixable through a reboot. If your unit continues to show errors or doesn’t respond at all, you may be dealing with:
- A dirty flame sensor
- Clogged air intake or exhaust
- Gas supply issues
- Low water pressure or frozen lines
In that case, it’s time to call in a licensed plumber or a Navien-certified technician. And trust me—doing that sooner rather than later can save your whole plumbing system from extra wear and tear.
What If Resetting Doesn’t Work?
If you’ve tried resetting and nothing changes, don’t panic. Here’s what you can try next:
- Check the water and gas supply to make sure everything’s turned on.
- Look for obvious blockages—like snow or leaves—around your vent pipes outside.
- Inspect for error codes and write them down before they disappear. These can help a technician figure out what’s really going on.
- Power-cycle it again, but only once or twice. Repeated resets can do more harm than good if there’s a real issue hiding behind the scenes.
Remember, while you can do a basic reset yourself, diagnosing deeper problems usually means calling in help—especially if it’s affecting your whole home’s plumbing systems.
FAQs About How to Reset Navien Tankless Water Heater
How long should I wait after pressing the reset button?
Usually, your Navien unit will respond within 30–60 seconds after you press the reset button. If nothing changes after a minute, you may want to try turning the power off and on again before attempting another reset.
Will resetting my heater erase saved settings or schedules?
Nope. A simple reset just clears errors and reboots the system—it won’t wipe out your programmed settings. Your temperature presets and other configurations should stay intact unless you’re doing a factory reset (which is a totally different process).
Can I reset Navien Tankless Water Heater too often?
Yes. If you find yourself hitting that reset button every week, that’s a red flag. It means your unit is struggling with a recurring issue that needs professional attention. Think of the reset as a first-aid kit, not a cure-all.
Is it safe to reset the water heater myself?
Absolutely—as long as you follow basic safety steps like turning off power and not opening internal compartments you’re unfamiliar with. If anything smells like gas or you feel unsure, always call a pro. Your safety matters more than a hot shower.
Keeping It Cozy: My Final Thoughts
Here’s the thing—I believe no one should need a technician just to get warm water again. Knowing how to reset Navien tankless water heater units can save you time, stress, and maybe even a service call fee. It’s a simple trick, but one that makes a big difference when you’re managing your home’s comfort.
And here’s a warm tip from me: consider having your Navien checked once a year. Preventive care keeps your heater (and your plumbing systems) in peak shape. It’s like a wellness checkup for your water!
Stay warm, stay safe, and don’t be afraid to press that reset button when your heater just needs a little encouragement.
