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Noritz America, an international leader in tankless and electric heat pump water heaters and high-efficiency combination boilers, will unveil a new commercial water heating marketing campaign at the 2026 AHR Expo in Las Vegas on February 2 – 4, 2026. The new “Commercial One” initiative will showcase Noritz’s expanding commercial water heater offerings, led by its flagship product line — the NCC199 CDV Pro — which can be viewed in Booth C4929 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
A “True Commercial” tankless water heater, the NCC199 is engineered specifically for high-demand commercial and industrial water heating applications. CSA-approved for common venting up to six units, this high-efficiency condensing water heater has a maximum input of 199,900 BTU per hour, a flow rate of up to 11.1 gallons per minute, and an Energy Factor of 0.98 UEF. Incorporating two corrosion-resistant stainless steel heat exchangers to maximize durability, the heater carries an industry-best 10-year warranty on these components.
Commercial One will emphasize not only the engineering excellence of the NCC199 itself, but also its ability to deliver scalable solutions by linking multiple units in a single system, ensuring uninterrupted hot water flow, maximum efficiency, and reliable long-term performance. The NCC199 is the key component in commercial multi-unit rack systems designed, built, installed, and serviced by another Noritz Group company: Facilities Resource Group LLC, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Specializing in assisting fast-food and casual dining operators with their hot-water needs, FRG’s client list includes Texas Roadhouse, Panera Bread, Love’s, and Chili’s.
“Our commercial systems are designed with redundancy firmly in mind,” says FRG vice president Ben Wirick. “By linking multiple Noritz tankless units, we don’t need to interrupt the hot water supply when it comes time to service any one heater.
“In a multi-system setup,” he explains, “the Noritz units will communicate with one another and work in unison to even out the load on each heater, maximizing output and system life. Isolation valves and system controllers ensure even wear and proper operation, providing peace of mind for facility owners and managers. Noritz units can be linked together for outputs up to 9.1 million BTU per hour and 316 gallons per minute.”
Noritz offers several different types of commercial rack assemblies to meet the hot-water needs of a variety of commercial applications:
CR61 Rack: This pre-fabricated, multi-unit racking system is designed for installation on a flat rooftop or in a mechanical room of large commercial facilities.
Commercial Manifold and Rack Kits: Pre-assembled by Noritz in the United States, wall-hung CMK Manifold Kits and floor-mounted CRK Rack Kits are flat-packed for jobsite shipment in easy-to-carry boxes and engineered to streamline the contractor’s task of erecting commercial tankless water heater rack systems in the field, whether for new construction or time-sensitive emergency replacement.
Total Tankless Solutions: The highly customizable TTS Synergy Series helps system designers and installers accelerate the replacement of large, centralized domestic water-heating systems. By combining up to six NCC199 units in a single rack, TTS needs only a single point of connection for each incoming utility: water, power, gas, vent, condensate, and circulators. Coupled with integrated storage-tank options, the system cuts on-site labor for faster, smoother turnarounds on new and retrofit commercial projects.
“Our products are engineered and built to remove the worry over having enough hot water,” says Noritz Executive Vice President and General Manager Jason Fleming. “Noritz commercial water heaters are tough enough to handle the hot water demand for any business, from busy restaurants to schools and hospitals, to hotels and apartments, to even agricultural and industrial applications — any operation that depends on large and timely supplies of hot water.”
For more information on Noritz’s dedicated commercial product offering, including a wide variety of case studies highlighting real-life applications, visit: https://noritz.com/commercial
Read our press release here: Press Release
Tankless water heaters are known for their energy efficiency, compact design, and ability to deliver hot water on demand. Still, for many homeowners, they also come with a steep learning curve. From mysterious error codes to unclear warranty terms and inconsistent maintenance advice, it’s no wonder users often turn to online forums like Reddit for answers.
Unfortunately, much of the information found online can be vague, outdated, or incorrect. That’s why we’ve compiled clear, reliable answers to the most frequently asked questions about Noritz tankless water heaters.
The following Q&A addresses common concerns with straightforward, easy-to-follow guidance. It will help you make informed decisions and keep your system running efficiently for years to come.
1. When Should I Perform Maintenance on My Tankless Water Heater? Homeowners should have their systems maintained once a year to ensure they are working properly. However, other factors may cause your system to need to be maintained multiple times a year. The most common are usage and water quality.
Larger families or households that use large amounts of hot water will experience mineral buildup more quickly. More water flowing through the unit equals more wear over time. If you live in an area with hard water (such as the Southwest, Midwest, and parts of the Southeast), your system will accumulate scale and minerals faster, shortening its lifespan and reducing efficiency. Hard water is simply water that’s packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and manganese. While these chemicals might not sound like troublemakers, they can cause buildup in your plumbing over time, clog pipes, and even wear down your water heater, leading to costly repairs.
Checking water hardness maps for your area can give you a good idea if your water is hard. But for the most accurate answer, it’s worth doing a quick test. Once you know your results, you can take steps to protect your system.
We recommend descaling every one to three years to keep your tankless water heater performing at its best and protect your warranty.
Noritz tankless water heaters require a specific maintenance sequence to register a successful flush. That’s why it’s best to hire a certified plumber or use Noritz’s online “Find an Installer” tool to locate professionals trained on their systems.
2. What Do Noritz Error Codes Mean—and How Do I Fix Them? Error codes are your heater’s way of waving a red flag. Each code points to a different issue, and some can be quite technical. ● Error Code 11 —Ignition Failure: This usually means the heater couldn’t start a flame. Causes include low gas pressure, a faulty igniter (like the spark on a stove), or airflow issues like blocked vents. ● Error Code 16 — Abnormally High Outlet Temperature: If your water is set to 120°F but comes out at 140°F, it may be due to scale buildup or a stuck internal valve. These factors prevent proper heat regulation. ● Error Code 29 — Condensation Drainage Problem: Tankless units produce condensation, which needs a clear drainage path. Blockages caused by debris (like leaves) can cause this error. ● Error Code 45 — Water Leak Detection: This code indicates an internal water leak. A sensor located at the bottom of the unit, behind the circuit board, detects when water has accumulated in the well to a level that triggers the sensor. ● Error Code 71 —Gas Solenoid Valve Drive Circuit Abnormality: This code typically indicates that the voltage supplied to the gas valve is either incorrect or absent. Most error codes are not beginner-friendly fixes. If you notice any of these, contact a professional and avoid attempting DIY solutions.
3. Should I Repair or Replace a Cracked Water Heater? If you notice a crack or leak, the most common cause may be a problem with the heat exchanger. Your next steps depend on the severity and cost of repair.
If the leak is minor and caught early, replacing just the heat exchanger might be sufficient. Let the internal cabinet dry, and your system may be as good as new. Suppose the leak causes significant internal damage, such as a component breaking or the heat exchanger cracking and causing issues inside the cabinet. In that case, you may need to replace everything that was damaged.
However, is it cost-effective? A complete replacement could be more economical than part-by-part repairs, especially if the unit is nearing the end of its warranty.
For example, suppose you have a Noritz unit that is around 11 years old. You're experiencing issues and need to replace the heat exchanger. Noritz's heat exchanger is covered under a 12-year warranty (as long as the system is maintained correctly). In that case, Noritz can send you a replacement heat exchanger at no cost for the part itself. However, labor is not included under the warranty, so you'll still need to pay a plumber for the installation. Depending on your local rates, that could cost you between $600 and $700.
At that point, it may be more practical and budget-friendly to invest that same amount in a brand-new unit, which comes with a refreshed full warranty, rather than spending it on repairs for a system nearing the end of its coverage.
Ask yourself: "Is the juice worth the squeeze?" Starting fresh might be a more financially sensible option if your plumber quotes a repair that costs nearly as much as a new unit.
4. How Does a Noritz Warranty Work? Does It Transfer to New Homeowners? Noritz warranties are intended for the original purchaser and become effective upon proper installation and registration of the unit. If you are buying a home that already has a Noritz water heater, it is important to know that the warranty does not transfer to you as the new homeowner. The only exception to this is in the case of a brand-new construction home; in that situation, you will still be covered as the first owner.
Noritz offers different warranty lengths depending on the tankless water heater model. Non-condensing models come with a 12-year warranty on the heat exchanger, while newer condensing models, including the gunmetal gray cabinets, are covered for 15 years. The EZ Pro Series, which features a top-mounted connection design, offers the longest coverage with a 25-year heat exchanger warranty.
Regardless of the model, all units come with a standard five-year parts warranty and a one-year labor warranty. To determine if your unit is still covered by warranty, contact Noritz technical support and provide your unit’s serial number. They will help you confirm registration and let you know how much warranty time remains.
5. Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise When Using Hot Water? When you hear a noise coming from your tankless water heater, the first thing to ask is whether it is mechanical or machine noise.
It is common for tankless units to make noise when they turn on and start circulating water, similar to a quiet humming or possibly even a vibration or rattling. Other common noise causes include loose mounting brackets, which can cause the unit to rattle against the wall, or internal vibrations from parts that are not properly secured. In some cases, the noise may also be due to a worn or failing component that needs to be inspected or replaced.
However, if your heater starts sounding like a foghorn, honking, or shaking violently, nine times out of 10, you might have a gas pressure issue. Your gas pressure may be too low.
Another possible cause is the manifold pressure, which is adjustable on the unit's gas valve. If this pressure is even slightly off, it can lead to issues like howling or vibrating sounds. You're more likely to encounter this issue with propane heaters, as Noritz units are typically configured for natural gas, the most common gas type.
When homeowners are converting a unit from natural gas to propane, it's crucial to fine-tune the manifold pressure correctly. If it's not properly adjusted during the conversion, unusual noises and performance issues can occur.
Again, if you fear that these noises are often signs of serious issues, a professional plumber should diagnose them.
6. How Do I Properly Descale My Noritz Tankless Water Heater? Note before starting: On the unit, the red isolator valve indicates the hot water side, while the blue isolator valve indicates the cold water side. Drain caps are located on top of the hot side and on the left of the cold side. Turning the valves to the vertical position indicates they are “on” and that water is free flowing. Turning the valves to the perpendicular position indicates they are “off.”
Special Notes for Newer Models: ● For newer models, there is a blue clip labeled “Flush” in the bottom left-hand corner that must be plugged in for the unit to register the flush. ● For the newest Pro Series models, there is a Descale Mode that must be enabled through the app before beginning.
Keep the unit on but turn the gas valve off.
Turn both hot and cold valves off and remove the drain caps on both valves. Place the five-gallon bucket underneath the hot-water side. Carefully turn the red drain valve to the “on” position and use the bucket to drain the unit of excess water still inside.
Repeat step two on the cold water side.
Connect a hose to the submersible pump and place the pump with the connected hose into the five-gallon bucket. Make sure the power cord stays out of the bucket.
Connect the pump outlet hose to the cold water drain valve.
Connect a drain hose to the hot water drain valve and place the end of the drain hose into the bucket.
Pour three to four gallons of vinegar into the bucket to completely submerge the pump. Open both drain valve lever handles on the isolation valves and turn on the pump for at least an hour. For maximum effectiveness, change the vinegar solution after 30 minutes and repeat. The unit will try to fire up, but will fail due to the gas being off. Eventually, an Error Code 11 will appear, which is normal during the procedure. DO NOT RESET.
After a minimum of one hour, turn the pump off and close the cold water drain valve. Remove the hose from the cold water drain valve and replace the cap onto the drain valve outlet.
Remove the pump and drain hose from the bucket and drain the liquid. Place the hot water drain hose back into the empty bucket and open the cold water main valve. This procedure will flush out the heater with fresh cold water. Flush for at least five minutes or until 20 gallons of water have passed through the heater.
For condensing units, place a bucket under the unit and twist open the drain cock located directly under the water heater to drain out any descaling medium that may have collected in the unit. Turn the main inlet valve to the “OFF” position.
For additional maintenance, unscrew and remove the water filter for cleaning—some water may flow out. Clean the filter under running water to remove any debris. Place the dry filter back into the port, making sure it’s twisted tightly by hand.
Turn the drain valve to the “OFF” position. Unscrew and remove the drain hose. Replace the drain cap and make sure it’s screwed on tightly.
Turn the main hot and cold valves back to the “ON” position and turn the gas supply back on. To get rid of the Error Code 11 that resulted from descaling, reset the unit by powering it off, then powering it on again.
See this descaling guide for more step-by-step information on the process.
Owning a Noritz tankless water heater has numerous benefits, but it's helpful to understand how it works like any advanced appliance. Whether you're troubleshooting error codes, dealing with unusual noises, or determining if your unit is still under warranty, having accurate information is crucial.
This guide was created to address the most common questions and concerns we encounter from real users, particularly those seeking answers online. With the proper knowledge, you can make informed decisions, protect your investment, and ensure your hot water system runs smoothly for many years.
Launching August 1, the new operation will receive shipments directly from Japan, avoiding U.S. tariffs to lower distributor and contractor costs, while streamlining order fulfillment and shortening lead times.
Noritz America is announcing the grand opening of a new Canadian warehouse focused exclusively on serving wholesaler-distributors and their contractor customers in this country. Effective August 1, 2025, all Canadian wholesaler purchase orders for seven designated Noritz residential and commercial tankless water heater and boiler products will be fulfilled by the new warehouse operation in Vancouver, British Columbia.
In addition, these products will have been shipped directly to the new Canadian facility from Noritz’s manufacturing operations in Japan. As a result: “None of these products will be subject to the tariff markups that would necessarily be imposed were they coming from the United States,” says Noritz Executive Vice President and General Manager Jason Fleming. He anticipates that the Canadian warehouse inventories will be replenished quarterly or sooner, depending upon demand. Fleming notes four additional benefits of the Canadian warehouse for distributors:
Faster deliveries: Lead times should be between five to seven days for most of Canada, “with no border concerns or holdups,” says Fleming.
Pricing stability: Having an in-country warehouse should reduce border fees and their inevitable fluctuations, meaning steadier costs for Canadian distributors.
Simplified logistics: With products coming directly from Japan, Canadian order fulfillment should be streamlined and customs delays minimized.
Improved product availability: Inventories at the new facility will align specifically with Canadian market demand. The following residential condensing tankless water heater models will be available for shipment: EZ71, EZ98, and EZ111, plus the NRCR92 and NRCR111.
In addition, the facility will also stock Noritz’s flagship commercial condensing tankless unit, the NCC199CDC, as well as the residential combination boiler, the NRCB.
To promote the launch of the new Vancouver facility, Noritz is now offering FFA (full freight allowed) terms on orders of 12 or more water heater or boiler units, plus extra discounts for larger orders of the NRCB through September 30. Distributors should contact their local Noritz manufacturers representative for more information.
“The grand opening of our new Canada warehouse is a major step forward in enhancing distribution for our Canadian wholesale partners,” explains Fleming. “This is more than just a new facility. Noritz is committed to helping our distributors grow faster, serve their customers better, and operate more efficiently. We look forward to demonstrating the positive impact this initiative will have on the businesses of our wholesaler partners.”
For more information on the new Noritz warehouse in Canada:
In Western Canada, contact Barclay Sales at 1-800-416-3033 or info@barclaysales.com. In Eastern Canada, contact Fowler Sales, Inc. at (519) 502-7545 or http://www.fowlersalesinc.com.
(BPT) Over the past few years, more and more American families have opted for multigenerational living arrangements. A survey by Generations United found that 26% of American adults live in multigenerational households.
With so many people under one roof, it can be hard to make space for everyone to live their lives without stepping on anyone’s toes, literally and figuratively. Luckily, a new trend may make living with family more feasible and economical: accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
ADUs — also known as inlaw suites or granny flats — are affordable detached living spaces, usually 6001,200 square feet, that allow families to live close together. They’re especially useful for supporting aging parents or housing younger adults just starting out in life.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, almost anything can be an ADU with the right setup, such as detached garagestyle conversions or those attached to main homes in basements or separate units.
Because ADUs tend to be small compared to other housing alternatives, space is at a premium. ADU owners will need to downsize their possessions to live in one comfortably, especially their appliances.
When you think of household appliances, refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry machines are probably the first things that come to mind. However, one appliance that you can’t live without and that can take up a considerable amount of space is your water heater.
A conventional tank water heater in a residential area can vary in size. Still, even a 12 person household needs at least a 30gallon tank. As you can imagine, a tank that large takes up a considerable amount of space indoors.
You may be able to install a water heater outdoors, but you may not have enough space on your land to do so. Also, if you live in a colder climate, your water heater must work much harder to heat water, driving up your electricity bill.
Tankless water heaters: A spacesaving solution
You don’t have to give up space to have hot water in an ADU. A technology that efficiently heats water with minimal space already exists, and it’s the perfect fit for small dwellings.
Unlike traditional water heaters with large tanks, tankless water heaters save valuable square footage in an ADU. They’re typically wallhung, requiring zero footprint. In milder climates, tankless water heaters can be mounted outside the home on an exterior wall.
How small are tankless water heaters? Noritz sells a unit that is about the size of a carryon suitcase. The company also offers wallmounting brackets that provide easy installation and flexibility in placement. Units can slide from left to right, allowing installers to adjust postinstallation while freeing up valuable floor space.
A world of benefits
Space isn’t the only thing you’ll save with a tankless water heater. You’ll also save on energy. Conventional tank water heaters store 3080 gallons of water and continuously heat it, using energy 24/7 yearround. It would be like leaving the stove’s pilot light on all the time to keep it warm for when you decide to cook.
Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand. Because the heater does not store water, it flash heats water on demand. If you’ve ever used a Keurig to make coffee, then you’ve seen flash heating at work. As soon as the demand for hot water stops, the burners turn off, and no more energy is used.
This “ondemand” heating reduces energy consumption by eliminating standby heat loss, resulting in potential energy savings and lower utility bills in the long run. ADU homeowners can save up to 40% on their utility bills over the life of the tankless unit.
Additionally, local gas and utility rebates help offset the upfront cost of tankless water heaters. These rebates are provided by local governments or utility companies to encourage the adoption of energyefficient appliances like tankless water heaters. Coupled with the potential savings from ondemand heating, these rebates offer significant utility bill reductions for ADU homeowners.
Convenience is another benefit. A tank water heater can run out of hot water, and when it does, you’ll have to wait until the tank refills and reheats. Meanwhile, tankless water heaters provide a continuous hot water supply at the desired temperature, so you’ll never have to worry about running out. No more arguments between family members about using up all the hot water!
When choosing between tank or tankless, you should also consider durability. A typical tank water heater lasts 1012 years on average. Over time, mineral sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, decreasing efficiency as it ages. When a key part breaks, you have to replace the entire unit. And if the tank fails, it does so in a dramatic fashion. Nearly three of every four water heaters fail due to a tank bursting or leaking 30 to 80 gallons of rusty water — depending on tank size — in your finished basement, attic or garage.
When you install or replace a tankless water heater, you’re investing in an appliance built to last a quarter of a century. Tankless water heaters are equipped with technology to prevent sediment buildup and corrosion, while their modular parts are easily replaceable, thereby extending the water heater’s life. If you choose a model like one from the Noritz EZ series, you’ll get the industry’s only 25year warranty. You can rest easy knowing your ADU will have hot water for years to come.
Whether you’re planning on adding an ADU to your home or have an ADU water heater that needs replacing, consider ditching your tank water heater for tankless technology fit for small dwellings. To learn more about installing or replacing a conventional water heater with a tankless version in your ADU, visit .
Available in English or Spanish and designed to deliver tankless knowledge on demand in an easy-to-use format, the new online courses are a free, bite-sized, and information-packed educational opportunity for the professional trades.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA (NOVEMBER 14, 2023) — Noritz America, a leader in tankless water heating systems for over six decades, proudly introduces its newly reinvigorated, bilingual, self-paced training courses through its online Noritz University. The recently updated curriculum replaces the previous slide-and-voiceover presentation with succinct, self-paced video lessons in a modernized format designed to empower professional contractors with the knowledge needed to size, select, install, and maintain Noritz products confidently for their customers.
As part of Noritz’s commitment to ongoing innovation, the new online courses will be available free of charge and on-demand, allowing learners to progress at their own pace, anytime and anywhere. These courses are easily accessible through the Noritz University website from the comfort of a student’s home, workplace, or job site. Historically, the lessons have been available only in English; however, the new online courses will begin to expand Noritz’s Spanish library as part of their continuing emphasis on inclusion.
“At Noritz America, we believe that knowledge is the key to success,” says Noritz Executive Vice President-Sales and Marketing Jason Fleming. “We are introducing our online training courses as a powerful resource for our growing community of tankless water heating professionals.
“Our goal is to democratize access to information and education and equip our community with the skills and confidence they need to use our products effectively,” he continues. “By harnessing the power of online education in a modern video format configured to fit into a working tradesperson’s schedule, Noritz can make valuable training accessible to a wider professional audience than ever before.”
The courses will cover various topics and become an exhaustive guide to proper sizing, selection, and installation techniques, as well as key features and benefits of the Noritz tankless water heater offering. Just as importantly, the modules are typically less than an hour long and segmented into video-based mini-lessons, allowing students to absorb information in short bursts as their schedules permit. Students will explore topics ranging from appropriate sizing techniques to different types of gas burners while concluding their learnings with a quick quiz to aid and confirm knowledge retention. Noritz plans to add new lessons in both English and Latin American Spanish in the near future.
Three courses are currently available:
Residential Level 1 Online Training: Available in English and Spanish, this course provides a solid knowledge base for tankless water heaters while focusing on the Noritz residential line.
Residential Level 2 Online Training: Available in English with a Spanish version soon to come, this course expands on the learnings from Level 1 with a focus on maintenance and troubleshooting tankless water heaters.
Pre-mix vs. Traditional Units: Available only in English at this time, this course compares Noritz pre-mix-style tankless water heaters with water heaters that use conventional gas burner systems.
To learn more about Noritz University’s free online courses, visit our website.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA — Once again this spring, Noritz America hosted its second annual Installation Bracket, bringing a plethora of tankless water heater installation photo entries from professionals throughout North America — all hoping to be deemed the best install. Top installations were carefully selected by Noritz officials and entered into the brackets.
The chosen entries underwent a series of bracket-style votes by plumbing professionals and the general public until only two installations remained. The Noritz team had the honor of choosing the winner, declaring Canadian contractor Geo-K Plumbing and Heating from Lethbridge, Alberta, the grand prize winner.
Geo-K owner George Konrad began his trade career shortly after graduating from high school at the tender age of 17 as a plumber’s apprentice. He worked for a local plumbing and heating contractor for eight years before joining the maintenance department for a local college. Eighteen years later, he took a leap of faith and, with his wife Jane, started his own company, in Lethbridge.
Now, as a veteran journeyman plumber, George is experienced in new-build projects, renovations, retrofits, service, and maintenance. "In all of those years of learning and doing, I have had a keen interest in hydronics, and that interest has evolved greatly," he explains.
So in November 2021, when a shop on a cattle farm in southern Alberta needed assistance with an in-floor radiant heating project, Konrad jumped into action. After assisting with the shop's piping layout and system installation, Konrad and the owner chose as their heat source the Noritz NRCB180 Combination Boiler, both for the product’s robust capabilities as well as for the support of the Noritz technical team.
The boiler supports the radiant floor heating system, while also providing domestic hot water (DHW) for a bathroom in the 4,000 square foot building. The first and only combination boiler for residential applications that simultaneously provides both DHW and space heating, the NRCB offers numerous installer- and user-friendly features, including:
In short, the functionality of this combination boiler made the NRCB an easy choice.
The boiler was installed on an outside wall in the mechanical room, allowing the air intake pipe and the exhaust pipe to easily access the outdoors. "In creating the piping layout of the heating system," adds Konrad, “I preferred to use a low loss header to separate the primary side of the boiler from the secondary, water-heating side. That way, neither side influences the other."
Konrad also focused on labeling sections of the boiler, such as the pumps and other devices, allowing the owner to more easily identify the needed parts if service work were required.
The complete installation, which took two days, including connecting the gas and water lines, had four crucial elements, according to Konrad: design, layout, maintenance, and good water quality. Having designed the system with the cattle farm owner and selected the NRCB as the heat source, he believes the project was successfully executed.
"I did go by the facility a few times in recent months just to check things out," says Konrad, “and I will go back again this fall to service the unit, which will keep the boiler and the farm functioning efficiently.
“I can always trust Noritz products for their reliability and quality performance."
The four most popular error codes and how to resolve them
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA — For more than 60 years, Noritz has built an international reputation as a leading innovator, manufacturing reliable, energy-efficient tankless water heating products with superior quality. Still, error codes are inevitable due to a variety of external and internal factors.
In this article, Noritz Application Engineering and Service Training Supervisor Eric Manzano identifies the most common error codes and their causes, while also providing effective solutions to prevent system malfunction.
Error Code 11
Three elements are needed to ignite a tankless water heater: air, spark, and gas. When a tankless water heater ignites, the fan within the heater will also activate. Through the unit’s sight glass window, you should be able to see the ignition spark a flame.
Error Code 11 indicates that one or more of these elements are not present.
Different factors could cause a malfunction, such as no propane in the storage tank, disruption in gas-supply line, problems with airflow, or debris on the ignition plug. Any of these can cause Error Code 11 to appear.
Solution: Verify the unit and the gas supply match, whether natural gas or propane, and verify the value of the gas pressure with a digital gas manometer. This common tool provides a value reading to indicate gas pressure issues accurately.
If a flame is not visible, check the voltage supply to the ignition plug with a multimeter. You have the option to remove the igniter and physically activate it to see if sparks occur.
Error Code 12
Similar to Error Code 11, Error Code 12 indicates a flame-loss problem. The flame has been ignited, but does not stay lit, causing insufficient heat to bring the water to the desired hot water temperature.
With propane installations, the low storage-tank volume will cause flame loss. The heater will work to adjust to the gas pressure in the unit at some sacrifice to overall volume and pressure performance.
But when multiple heating appliances are used simultaneously, such as during the winter months, an undersized gas supply will prevent the water heater from reaching its maximum performance level. Poor gas pressure supply weakens the flame, so that it cannot meet higher demands of hot water usage
Tankless water heaters favor temperature over volume. The result with this error code? Your water will reach the desired water temperature, but severely decrease the water volume and pressure to all the hot-water outlets in your home.
Solution: Use a digital gas manometer to obtain an accurate reading of the gas pressure. Call Noritz customer care or technical support to help diagnose and repair this issue.
Error Code 90
Tankless water heaters will make three attempts to reach the desired water temperature. After a third failed attempt, the heater will display Error Code 90, which derives from one of two conditions.
Similar to Error Codes 11 and 12, insufficient external gas pressure will trigger Error Code 90. The second scenario is an internal issue requiring maintenance. The combustion air route of the air intake and exhaust must be inspected, as well as the general cleanliness of the unit.
Solution: Once again, a digital gas manometer will accurately identify the gas pressure within the unit. If the problem is internal, an air compressor is used to clean the unit of dirt and built-up lint debris, cleaning the unit's interior and improving the air quality.
Flow Malfunction
If a hot-water fixture is turned on, but does not trigger the tankless unit to send hot water, the unit may not display an error code.
Why no error code in this situation? Noritz tankless units will meet a hot-water demand as small as 0.5 gallons per minute, the minimum. But hot-water demand is what activates a tankless water heater — including the display of error codes. If the heater does not detect any flow demand, no error code can be displayed.
Solution: There are diagnostic channels to the tankless water heater to monitor flow rate and temperature output remotely. Contact Noritz directly to walk you through keypad navigation to determine the current flow rate and temperature output, and to establish whether the demand from that hot-water fixture is sufficient to turn on the water heater.
Noritz customer service or technical support can help remedy all three error codes, as well as flow-malfunction issues. Noritz customer service and technical support are available Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific; Saturday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm PST. Call 1-866-766-7489 (1-866-7-NORITZ).
If you are interested in technical training, Noritz University offers self-paced courses or webinars. Contracting companies interested in additional training can do so online or in person at the Noritz Headquarters facility in Fountain Valley, California.
Local plumbing contractors offered easy accessibility to all Noritz tankless water heaters and parts outside of strict, will-call hours
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA — As the leader in energy savings through superior hot-water delivery, Noritz America recognizes the invaluable role professional plumbing and HVAC contractors play as the face of the company to their residential and commercial customers. The goal is to empower contractors with the most innovative tankless hot water heaters and combination boilers.
With this partnership in mind, Noritz America remains committed to providing contractors ready accessibility to their products. External factors, such as long work hours and traffic delays, often prevent mechanics and technicians from picking up products during normal, daytime will-call hours. Given the demanding nature of their jobs, having product readily available even after hours is a top priority.
Recognizing this importance, Executive Vice President and General Manager Jason Fleming proposed giving contractors full accessibility to Noritz products after normal will-call hours at the company’s Fountain Valley headquarters warehouse — but without requiring the warehouse staff to work extended hours.
This idea triggered the recent implementation of an after-hours pickup program, giving local professionals accessibility to the full Noritz product offering 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Below, Fleming answers questions regarding this innovative new protocol.
Why after-hours pickup?
Question (Q): What influenced the decision to implement after-hours pick-up?
Jason Fleming: Noritz decided to implement this idea to support our contractors. Our will-call hours remain rigid to support the Noritz team within the warehouse. We allow time for our employees to do their work and leave after they complete their shifts.
Factoring in Orange County and Los Angeles traffic, driving distances, and other external factors, contractors may not make it within will-call hours. We wanted to offer contractors peace of mind, knowing they can still pick up product beyond those hours. We’ll make our products available to you based on your schedule.
Q: Is this open to the public or specifically to professional contractors?
Fleming: After hours pickup is available for the first three contractors that place a request. At this time, it is on a ‘first-come, first-serve’ basis.
Q: Is there a specific Noritz employee dedicated to this program?
Fleming: The employees at the warehouse will be actively involved in fulfilling the after-hours requests and ensuring that the products requested are without damage. Our team will inspect items before securing them in the cage.
Q: Can you go into detail on the location of the actual pickup cage?
Fleming: The cage has been installed at our Grace Avenue headquarters in Fountain Valley. We have a gate on the right-hand side when pulling up to the building. The cage is located in front of the gate on the left-hand side.
Q: Can you describe the cage itself?
Fleming: The black cage is fabricated with metal and enclosed on all sides. The front of the cage consists of a mesh wire material, so that the contents are easily visible. There are two medium-sized bins as well as a large bin. A master lock secures the cage and requires a code to unlock.
Question: Is this specifically for parts or any item?
Fleming: The largest bin in the cage can fit our largest water heater, so the cage has the capacity for any type of purchase.
How does it work?
Q: What is the procedure for setting up and completing an after-hour pick-up?
Fleming: Here’s the step-by-step process for pick-up:
1. The contractor calls the Noritz sales administrative staff at 866-766-7489, option 3 to request an after-hours pickup.
2. The contractor is then assigned a locker and pickup time and must download the Master Lock Vault app on their device. The contractor must then arrive at their designated time, or they will no longer have access to the cage.
3. When the contractor arrives at their designating time, the lock will be activated. Access will be sent via email or cell phone from noreply@masterlockvault.com with an organization ID and temporary password. The organization is NoritzAmerica.
4. The contractor then opens the app and will be asked to set up a new password and agree to the terms and conditions. Match the designated lock number to the cage and on the lock and verify accordingly.
5. Push the center button on the lock, and the light should turn blue. The key symbol will appear on your device’s screen. Push the key symbol to unlock the lock. Sign and date the picklist and leave it in the case. Ensure the lock is activated before you walk away with the product!
Q: What happens if the contractor comes across issues with the app?
Fleming: We have the ability to assist the contractor over the phone by walking them through the process. Contractors can contact Aris at 949-468-8795 or Justin at 714-948-6722.
Q: What is the time frame for pickup after the request is placed?
Fleming: The item can be picked up any time after close of business until the following day. If not picked up the space will be cleared for another customer.
Q: Is this something Noritz may implement at other locations?
Fleming: We just installed the cages recently, so if we see Southern California contractors using after hours pickup often enough, it would be a great option to offer at our other locations as well.
The adage, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” has a loophole that puts Noritz and its customers well ahead of the game. As the leader in energy savings and superior hot-water delivery, Noritz recommends a new philosophy: “If it works, let’s make it even better.”
With the new Scale Shield, Noritz did just that.
What is Scale Shield? The new Noritz Scale Shield (SS-HB-3) offers an alternative method to treating hard water entering a tankless water heater for heating. Not only does it prevent the buildup of hard water minerals, but it will also lessen the maintenance workload for a homeowner and reduce the footprint inside the home by eliminating the need for a water softener.
To prevent limescale from forming in the water heater from calcium suspended in the incoming water, Scale Shield uses a polyphosphate material for sequestration of the calcium before it enters the heater. Installed in the water heater’s water-supply line, Scale Shield renders the calcium harmless, sending it down a household drain.
What is hard water? The groundwater in certain regions of the United States — especially in the southern sections of the country, but also the Middle West — contains an abundance of dissolved calcium and magnesium. When a water heater heats this “hard” water, the dissolved calcium and magnesium comes out of the liquid in the form of a chalky material. The chalk coats pipes, fixtures and fittings, creating an insulating layer that can undermine the efficiency of the water heater and the performance of the entire plumbing system.
If this buildup becomes excessive, the water heater may overheat, as it struggles to raise the temperature of the water through the limescale. The inevitable result: bigger fuel bills, reduced water heater longevity, and higher equipment and maintenance costs for the homeowner.
The traditional method of combating hard water is to treat it with a water softener. The problem is, these appliances take up a substantial amount of space in the home. Softeners also add to maintenance chores, because the salt supply inside must be routinely replenished. Also, this salt and its residue eventually find their way down a household drain, causing damage to the environment.
The original Noritz Scale Shield offered superior limescale prevention and corrosion control within the water heater and the overall plumbing system. It’s successor incorporates a number of important upgrades and innovations that provide even more effective treatment of hard water:
SEDIMENT FILTER
Built into the new Scale Shield is a sediment filter that removes particulate matter from the water. This 5-micron filter sifts through the debris, while introducing the polyphosphate additive to the water. This additive coats the calcium particulates, preventing them from releasing out of the water when heated; instead, they go harmlessly down the drain.
CARTRIDGE GAUGE
Two pressure gauges allow the homeowner to manually check pressure levels. As the particulate matter and debris collect within the filter, the buildup causes water-pressure loss in the house, indicating that a replacement filter is needed. To replace the filter, the homeowner simply unscrews the housing, removes the old cartridge, and replaces it with a new one.
EFFICIENT MATERIAL FOR WATER TREATMENT
The new Scale Shield also uses a different treatment medium than its predecessor. A powdery substance replaces the original’s bead-like material, increasing the efficiency of water treatment and reducing corrosion caused by chlorides, silica and dissolved iron. Although Noritz recommends a 12-month replacement timeframe at 15-grain hard water or less, the increase in media size offers a slightly extended lifespan for the product.
COMPATIBILITY AND CONNECTIONS
The new Scale Shield is compatible with all Noritz residential tankless water heaters and combination-boiler models. It contains a 0.75-inch stainless NPT inlet and outlet connections and, as previously noted, connects the cold water-supply line to the tankless water heater.
COST BENEFITS
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the updated Scale Shield will be roughly the same as that of the original unit. Meanwhile, homeowners will reap cost-savings through lower maintenance costs and a reduced need to periodically descale their Noritz tankless water heaters — even in locales with seriously hard water.
In addition, by reducing limescale, the new Scale Shield inevitably boosts the longevity of the unit, while also minimizing scale buildup in other plumbing fixtures and fittings, thus lowering cleaning and other maintenance expenses.
“Installing Scale Shield is a significantly smaller cost burden than replacing your water heater’s stainless-steel heat exchanger due to excessive scale buildup,” explains Noritz lead engineer Randall Oshiro. “All of these cost and time savings, without a doubt, greatly enhance the value of the homeowner’s tankless water heater investment.”
Now available through Noritz plumbing wholesaler-distributors or on their parts and support website, the product will be sold in a kit (SS-HB-3) that includes a wall bracket, wrench, lubrikit, and pressure gauge.
The kit also includes one HBC-3 cartridge, and individual cartridge replacements will be sold through the website. The kit also has a 12-month warranty for parts only.
It’s no secret that Noritz’s NRCR Residential Condensing Tankless Water Heater — with its built-in recirculation pump — can provide hot water at the shower or the tap almost instantaneously, whenever you need it. Regardless of your home’s current piping setup, this tankless model can be a simple solution to the need for hot water on demand by recirculating warm water throughout your plumbing system.
While the NRCR is already a convenience for home owners by always keeping hot water ready and available, you can now access that hot water through the newest Noritz addition to the NRCR accessory line: the Wireless On-Demand Push Button Kit.
Introduced this spring, the push button kit accessory is sold separately, but is compatible with NRCR models. Offering instant, endless hot water at the touch of a button, the kit includes a wireless receiver and two wireless transmitters to start and stop the NRCR on-demand recirculation mode.
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In short, the kit is an easy and clean method to convert the NRCR to a push button operation. Customers are not required to use this specific kit, but other kits on the market would involve either (1) wiring the transmitters to the unit (the push buttons that are currently available, for example); or (2) building a piecemeal kit using items purchased elsewhere. The Noritz Wireless On-Demand Push Button Kit, on the other hand, offers maximum convenience and flexibility, using either batteries or a wall plug-in (via USB connectivity).
The included receiver and transmitters make the kit easy to install and use. The receiver is wired to the water heater itself, so that whenever the transmitter button is pressed, the pump immediately activates. Whether paired with a crossover valve kit or a conventional return line, the pump will then provide water to prime the line.
The receiver and transmitters replace the previous method of a time- or temperature-based schedule for water heater activation. By offering greater user control, the technology reduces system runtime, saving even more energy.
In addition, the push button kit accessory is Title 24-compliant, offering West Coast customers the ability to have hot water on demand while meeting building code requirements and saving energy.
The Wireless On-Demand Push Button Kit reflects the Noritz “EZ” philosophy. Our mission is to make customer experience easier and more convenient, while also providing superior comfort. The kit is the latest innovation to fulfill that commitment.
Interested in learning more about the Wireless On-Demand Push Button Kit? Reach out to an expert at Noritz today!