How to Fix Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Code 11 [Easy Guide]

Rinnai tankless water heaters are known for their high performance and energy efficiency. But sometimes, they may display an error code 11 on their screen. This code means that there is a problem with the ignition system or the gas supply, which prevents the water heater from heating water properly.

If you see this code on your Rinnai tankless water heater, don’t panic. There are some simple steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix this issue. In this blog post, we will explain what causes this error code and how to fix it in no time.

What Causes Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Code 11?

Insufficient gas or incorrect inlet gas pressure

Your water heater needs a steady and adequate supply of gas to ignite and operate. If the gas valve is closed, the gas line is clogged, or the gas pressure is too low or too high, the water heater will not ignite and display the code 11 error.

Defective igniter

The igniter is the component that sparks the gas to create a flame. If the igniter is faulty, dirty, loose, or damaged, it will not produce a spark and cause the code 11 error.

Dirty flame rod

The flame rod is the component that detects the presence of a flame and signals the water heater to continue heating. If the flame rod is dirty, corroded, or loose, it will not sense the flame and cause the code 11 error.

Improper venting

The venting system is responsible for removing the exhaust gases from the water heater safely. If the venting system is blocked, damaged, or installed incorrectly, it will affect the combustion process and cause the code 11 error.

Excess moisture

Moisture can interfere with the electrical components of the water heater and cause short circuits or corrosion. If there is excess moisture in the unit due to condensation, leaks, or spills, it can cause the code 11 error.

How To Fix Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Code 11?

Depending on the cause of the code 11 error, you may need to perform different steps to fix it. Here are some general tips to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

Check the gas supply

Make sure that the gas valve is open and that there is no air in the gas line. You may need to bleed the gas line by opening a nearby gas appliance and letting it run for a few minutes until you smell gas.

You may also need to check the gas pressure with a manometer and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you are not comfortable working with gas, contact a professional plumber for assistance.

Check the igniter

Inspect the igniter for any signs of damage, dirt, or loose connections. You may need to clean the igniter with a soft brush or replace it if it is defective. You can test the igniter by using a multimeter and measuring its resistance. The resistance should be between 40 and 80 ohms. If it is outside this range, replace the igniter.

Check the flame rod

Inspect the flame rod for any signs of corrosion, dirt, or loose connections. You may need to clean the flame rod with sandpaper or steel wool or replace it if it is defective. You can test the flame rod by using a multimeter and measuring its microamps. The microamps should be between 1 and 5 when there is a flame present. If it is lower than this range, replace the flame rod.

Check the venting system

Inspect the venting system for any signs of blockage, damage, or improper installation. You may need to clear any debris, repair any cracks or holes, or adjust any bends or lengths according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

You can also check for proper venting by using a combustion analyzer and measuring the carbon monoxide levels in the exhaust gases.

The carbon monoxide levels should be below 100 ppm. If they are higher than this range, contact a professional plumber for assistance.

Check for excess moisture

Inspect the unit for any signs of water leaks, spills, or condensation. You may need to dry the unit with a towel, fix any leaks, or install a condensate drain or pump to prevent moisture buildup.

You can also check for excess moisture by using a hygrometer and measuring the relative humidity in the unit. The relative humidity should be below 60%. If it is higher than this range, contact a professional plumber for assistance.

By following these tips, you may be able to fix the code 11 error on your Rinnai tankless water heater and restore its normal function. However, if the error persists or you are unsure how to perform any of these steps, it is best to call a licensed plumber who can diagnose and repair the problem safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Rinnai tankless water heaters are designed to provide reliable and energy-efficient hot water for your home. But like any appliance, they can encounter issues from time to time. That’s why it is important to know how to troubleshoot and fix common errors such as code 11.

We hope this blog post has helped you understand what causes this error and how to resolve it quickly and easily. If you have any questions or need professional help with your Rinnai tankless water heater, feel free to contact us today. We are always ready to assist you with your plumbing needs.