NORITZ BLOG

For many homeowners, tankless water heaters are relatively unknown. You may be used to thinking that water has to come out of that giant tank in your basement or garage. Hearing about tankless technology for the first time might, therefore, prompt a bunch of questions: Where does the water come from? How is the water heated? Thankfully, Noritz has designed the homeowner portion of its website to address precisely this.

Go to https://www.noritz.com and take advantage of the following:

• Scroll down and check out the “Why Noritz” video for basic information about how tankless water heaters work and their many cost-saving and comfort benefits. It’s the perfect introduction if you know nothing about tankless water heaters. The scrolling banners at the top of the homepage provide additional information on the newest products from Noritz, like the Combi boiler.

• If you like what you see in the video and want to learn about installing a tankless water heater follow our “Path to a Tankless Water heater.” In this section, simply type your zip code in three different search boxes to find (1) The right tankless model for your home’s hot water needs; (2) A local tankless installer who could give you a quote; (3) Information about local energy rebates you can qualify for if you install a tankless water heater.

• For those who aren’t quite ready to make the decision to go tankless, more information can be found in our Learn Section. The link is on the top menu and leads to a page with detailed information about tankless operation, the benefits of tankless over tank-style heaters and energy savings possible by making the switch.

• Already have a tankless water heater but need service or a specific question answered? Visit our Support Page by clicking the wrench icon on the homepage labeled “Support.” Although some of this information is for professionals, you can search for any answers you may need. Most convenient is our Need Service? feature, which allows you to search for a local service professional who will perform routine maintenance on your water heater, such as descaling and error code resolutions.

The Noritz website is not limited to the above aspects, but they represent some of the most helpful features we offer. We are constantly seeking new ways to make our website more applicable and user-friendly for homeowners, so stay tuned—there’s more to come.

The New Noritz  Combination Boiler Exceeds All Your Hot Water and Hydronic Space Heating Needs

Consumers can now kill the two birds of domestic hot water and space heating with one stone. The Noritz Combination Boiler  is a year-round, whole-home solution that delivers hot water to both plumbing and hydronic heating applications.

This means having one unit doing the work of two — and more resourcefully at that. The unit performs at a 95 percent AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency); that is, 95 percent of the fuel consumed goes to heating the water to the preset temperature, as opposed to being lost through the flue. This fuel-saving performance meets “Energy Star Most Efficient” standards, meaning that, with the Combination Boiler, you will be able to qualify for various state energy rebates around the country and offset the initial cost.

On the space heating side, the Combination Boiler accommodates a host of applications including radiators, baseboards, low and high mass radiant heating (i.e. in-floor, snow melt, etc.) and air handlers.

Two models are available for different levels of demand:

• The CB180DV has a maximum input Btuh of 180,000 for hot water and 100,000 Btuh for space heating.
• The CB199DV has a maximum input Btuh of 199,000 for hot water and 120,000 Btuh for space heating.

Other Combination Boiler features

• Weighing only 90 pounds, the wall-hung Combination Boiler is also significantly lighter than a traditional boiler, requiring only one installer to do the job instead of two or more. Its compact size allows it to take up as much as 80 percent less space than a traditional floor-standing boiler and water heater.
• The Combination Boiler allows you to enjoy stable temperatures in your shower and other water uses. Unlike competitors, a flow control valve ensures consistent temperature for domestic hot water demand, regardless of incoming water temperature.
• The units allow different temperature settings for the domestic hot water heating and space heating applications. For domestic hot water, temperatures range from 90 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. On the space heating side, the range is 100 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Both models contain three superior-grade stainless steel heat exchangers as well as scald prevention for domestic hot water safety.
• The use of plastic venting materials — rather than the stainless steel venting required by non-condensing water heaters — substantially lowers costs by reducing installation time as well as the cost of the piping materials.
• The Combination Boiler can deliver up to 4.5 gallons per minute of domestic hot water at 77⁰ temperature rise, nearly double that of the competitors.

The compact size, ease-of-installation, high-efficiency and superior domestic hot water performance make the Noritz Combination Boiler the solution for all of your home’s heating and hot water needs.

For more information  www.noritz.com/combi

It happens to most plumbing contractors every day. You are completing an installation for a homeowner when suddenly you have a technical question about the product or need to resolve an issue. This why the Noritz Professionals Site was created. If the product being installed is a Noritz tankless water heater, you can rest assured that you will find your answers at Noritz.com.

Similarly, if you are a homebuilder and need warranty or product information on the water heating unit you plan to install in your building, the Noritz “Professionals” website is your one-stop shop for such information.

To help you navigate your way through the “Professionals” side of our website, we have developed this post that highlights several of its most useful features.

First, you need to make sure you are on the website’s Professionals side. When you type in Noritz.com, your browser will take you to the Homeowner’s side. Find the red “Professionals” button on the top-right of the page and click it. (See image on right.)

Once on the Professionals side, you will notice some of the helpful features we offer:

Technical Support: You can navigate to our Technical Support page by clicking Tech Support on either the top menu or farther down the page. Here you will find everything, from service to parts to technical literature. You can also search by model number for specific product support. Our Frequently Asked Questions page is a helpful resource as well that answers a host of queries, from error code resolutions to cleaning the inlet filter.

Training: Click on the Training icon with the wrench in the middle of the page to sign up for a variety of technical course offerings, both in-person and online. We offer courses in the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels on topics ranging from basic residential tankless installation to commercial troubleshooting. You can even request offsite training at your place of business.

Resources-Tech Tips: The newest addition to our website is a video library that you can access by clicking Resources in the top menu, and then Tech Tips. Here you will find videos that cover topics such as descaling procedures for a tankless water heater and unit installations. We anticipate releasing new videos roughly once per month.

Resources-Media Kit: If you have your own business site and would like to include literature and logos related to Noritz, click on Resources in the top menu, and then Media Kit. A variety of downloadable files are available that can serve as great assets for your own business.

Find a Distributor: Click on the Find a Distributor icon with the magnifying glass in the middle of the page. Here you can locate the nearest Noritz distributor by typing in your zip code.

The Noritz Professionals website is not limited to the above features. We have other resources, including a products database and plumbing diagrams. We are confident that you will find what you need on our website. Feel free to contact us with additional questions.

One of the most important details in installing your tankless water heater is how you vent your tankless water heater. Proper venting of a tankless water heater can ensure efficient operating and save the lifespan of your unit.

Choosing the tankless route for your family’s water heating needs surely comes with all sorts of benefits--like cutting down on resources, saving your monthly bill and eliminating excess waste--but it also comes with its own unique maintenance and management. While known for saving homeowners money because they’re not constantly running and reheating mass amounts of water, tankless models save energy because they only fire up when needed.

Tankless water heaters thus tend to outlast outdated and oversized models because they are compact, convenient and efficient. But tankless water heaters that are gas fired can also have their own issues if not installed properly, like failing to live up to their intended lifespan because of poor venting. Venting a tankless water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions is essential to the installation process for the water heater to function at length and effectively, and most importantly, to avoid any chance of danger and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Tankless water heaters allow for either horizontal venting (out a side wall) or up through the roof. Because tankless water heaters require PVC or special stainless steel piping as the vent material (which is much more expensive than copper, PEX or CPVC), a  short venting run is better for both the heater itself, as well as your savings, so many homeowners choose to move the location of their heater closer to an outside wall and run water lines to it instead. The Category III AL29-4C stainless steel is necessary because the combustion efficiency of the heater is likely to create a highly acidic condensate that destroys your standard vent material in just short amounts of time. The special stainless steel venting material also helps to withstand the positive pressure created by the system.

Sticking to the guidelines set out in the manufacturer's instructions will ensure you get the most out of your tankless water heater, saving you time, energy and money with every use. Venting your tankless water heater properly the first time around works to eliminate the possibility of inefficiency and risk, when dealing with something as serious as gas and carbon monoxide. Extra attention spent in the proper installation of your venting saves you the worry later, knowing your tankless water heater is draining condensate and expelling gasses safely.

Over time, all water heaters, be they storage tank- or tankless-type, inevitably build up scale deposits that can decrease their operating efficiency. The rate of scale build-up depends on a given geographic area’s water hardness, but sooner or later, it becomes appropriate to descale any unit. This blog will instruct you on how to a descale a Noritz tankless water heater.

To this end, Noritz has created a simple descaling procedure, outlined below. Although it’s possible for savvy homeowners to follow this themselves, a plumbing contractor should be brought in if there is any hesitation. For a visual explanation, view our video on How to Descale a Noritz Heater.

To descale a tankless water heater, you will need:

• a five-gallon bucket;
• three to four gallons of distilled, food-grade white vinegar;
• two ¾ inch connection drain hoses;
• a submersible pump.

Descaling a 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.”

1.  Keep the unit on but turn the gas valve off.

2.  Turn both hot and cold valves off. 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.

3.  Repeat step two on the cold water side.

4.  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.

5.  Connect the pump outlet hose to the cold water drain valve.

6.  Connect a drain hose to the hot water drain valve and place the end of the drain hose into the bucket.

7.  Pour between three and four gallons of vinegar into the bucket so that the pump is completely submerged. 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.

8.  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.

9.  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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

Although Noritz builds its water heaters to the highest standards, from time to time you might get an error code on your unit. “These codes can diagnose problems that otherwise might remain unnoticed until unit failure, thus saving on repair and replacement costs,” says Randy Oshiro, Assistant Manager of Engineering at Noritz. However, the error codes’ meaning may not always be clear to a homeowner.

For that reason, we’ve constructed the following helpful outline of the seven most common error codes and their resolutions. Some resolutions are simpler than others, but you should always err on the side of caution and contact a licensed contractor.

The Seven Most Common Noritz Tankless Error Codes

Noritz Error Code 11

This indicates ignition failure in your tankless water heater. It means that your unit is not firing up to heat the water, a situation that can be caused by insufficient gas supply, insufficient airflow or debris on the ignition plug.

After checking to see if the gas is turned on, call a licensed contractor. He or she will make sure your gas valve is open, the exhaust vent is unobstructed and the ignition plug is firmly attached and free of debris.

Noritz Error Code 12

A code 12 means the unit has a weak flame and that water is not being heated properly. Similar to a code 11, this is caused by lack of gas or airflow.

Call your licensed contractor who will likely take similar steps as outlined for code 11.

Noritz Error Code 16

A sharp spike in outlet water temperature will cause a code 16. This often results from scale buildup, which hampers heat-transfer efficiency and makes the unit try to compensate by burning hotter.

Since this error can be caused by scale buildup or hard water, performing a descaling procedure or using a water softener may resolve it. Contact your licensed contractor to make sure this is the case.

Noritz Error Code 29

This code indicates a problem with condensate drainage. In condensing tankless water heaters, a special drain line equipped with a neutralizer (to reduce the acidity of the outflow) removes the condensate. A blockage in the condensate drain line or incorrect condensate drain piping would cause the burner to flood if not for this error code.

Call your licensed contractor, and he or she will check to make sure the condensate drain line is properly routed and unobstructed.

Noritz Error Code 73

Improper circuit board settings will cause a code 73 error. Changing a jumper connection or dip switch while power is supplied to the heater can trigger the problem, as can an improperly programmed circuit board.

Unplug the heater for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. If the error code persists, call a licensed contractor.

Noritz Error Code F76

This error code involves a breakdown in communication between two tankless water heaters using the Quick Connect Cord. It can occur when more than one remote is hooked up to handle two Quick-Connected units.

Make sure that only one remote control is hooked up when two units are connected. If the error continues, contact a licensed contractor.

Noritz Error Code 90

A code 90 indicates a combustion abnormality caused by an improper mixture of air and fuel. Possible culprits are insufficient gas supply, a blockage in the fuel vent or debris in the fan motor.

You will need a licensed contractor to resolve this error. He or she will check gas pressures, venting length, dip switches, etc.

For help with finding a licensed contractor to fix these various error codes, please use the Noritz Find a Service Rep tool.

How to Perform Tankless Water Heater Internal Maintenance

If you have installed a Noritz tankless water heater, then you know the convenience and water-saving benefits it yields by providing hot water on demand for your clients. To keep that hot water flowing at the correct temperature, however, they need to know to call you back to perform regular maintenance every two to three years.

In this post, we will look at how to perform tankless water heater internal maintenance.

• Make sure to turn the gas valve off and unplug the unit.
• Remove the heater’s front cover with a Phillips head screwdriver and inspect the inside, looking for any corrosion or discoloration.
• Detach the white detectors from the flame rod and ignition plug and remove the screws on the sides with a Phillips head screwdriver. Do not use power tools, as they might strip the screws.
• Carefully remove the flame rod and sensor. The flame rod and ignition plug can be cleaned with fine grit sandpaper. Do not touch the end of the probes that go into the burner, but make sure there is no buildup on them.
• Next, disconnect the gas manifold connection from the wiring harness by pressing the top connector. To remove the C clamp, hold the gas manifold in place and pull out the clamp.
• Remove the gas manifold by using a Phillips head screwdriver to remove its four large screws. It will loosen but not fully release. Push up on the gas manifold pipe and remove the gas manifold to reveal the burner chamber.
• Now it’s time to inspect the fan. Remove the GFCI mounting bracket plate. Carefully push the wires aside and remove the two screws. Gently move the plate away. Disconnect the fan from the wiring harness by pressing the top connector. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the three fan screws. Pull the entire fan motor and blades from its housing.
• If the fan is dirty or clogged with debris, you can clean it using a brush. Brush under the burner plate to remove any bugs or debris. Continue to clean the entire fan by brushing around as necessary. Use compressed air to remove any remaining particles. If the fan is really dirty, soak it in a degreaser. The fan blade will need to be removed from the motor and completely dried before reinstalling. Use compressed air to blow out all of the components until they are clean. Repeat as needed.

The tankless unit has now been serviced and is ready to put back together. All maintenance info can be found in your Noritz homeowner’s guide.

To view video instructions for this maintenance process, please click here.

Tips for Performing Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance

If you own a Noritz tankless water heater, you know the convenience and water-saving benefits it yields by providing hot water on demand. To keep that hot water flowing as long as possible, it is important to perform regular tankless water heater external maintenance.

In this post, we will look at how to perform external maintenance of your tankless water heater. The following is based on an instructional video called How to Perform Noritz Periodic Maintenance.

• Start by doing a visual inspection around the heater, looking for combustible materials that could be a future hazard.

• Listen closely to the heater to detect abnormal sounds during operation.

• Check for abnormalities in the external appearance, like discoloration. Wipe the outside surface of the water heater and remote control with a wet cloth, then dry. Use a neutral detergent to clean any stains. Do not use benzene, oil or fatty detergents to clean the remote. Although the unit is water-resistant, it is not water-proof.

• For DV condensing models, remove the SV conversion kit piece from the intake valve and check for dust and soot in the exhaust. Use the end of a screwdriver to pop out and remove the screen, checking for dirt and debris. It’s always best to clean both sides of the screen with water and a brush to ensure that air can properly flow into the system. Cleaning the screen is important to avoid an Error Code 90. Make sure the screen is dry before returning the conversion kit to the intake.

• Check the pressure relief valve to ensure it does not have any leaks. Continue to check all other connections and make sure that everything is fitted correctly.

• Open the pressure relief valve to ensure that everything is in working order and that it turns off. If the pressure relief valve is leaking or dripping, it will need to be replaced.

• To replace the pressure relief valve, close the inlet supply valve by turning it to the right. Next, turn on a few hot-water fixtures in your home or building. With a bucket ready to catch draining water, remove the inlet and outlet drain caps on the water heater’s isolator kits. Then open up both drain valves. Take the water drain valve with filter out of the inlet port. Clean the filter thoroughly with your fingers under running water to remove any debris. Dry it and put it back into the inlet port, close the drain plugs, and replace the caps. Close the water fixtures you opened in the beginning. Open the water supply valve and check for any water leaks from the drain plug or water drain valve.

• In our next post, we will explore how to perform internal maintenance on your tankless water heater.

Are you planning a new bathroom remodel? Don’t let it become a nightmare. Here are five common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Along with kitchens, bathrooms are the rooms homeowners most frequently want to renovate. A good bathroom is stylish, luxurious, functional and comfortable. But getting there isn’t always easy, and many homeowners make costly or time-consuming mistakes. Here are the top five mistakes to avoid when remodeling your bathroom:

1. Too much bathroom in too little space.

One of the most common problems with bathrooms is that they end up feeling crowded, too small or inconveniently arranged. This is especially true when adding a new bathroom where there wasn’t one before. Think carefully about how doors and drawers will open, whether a sloping ceiling will be a bother, and whether you really have space for the fixtures you’re choosing. Consider a pedestal sink in lieu of a vanity, with some shelving high up on the wall.

2. Getting the most inexpensive contractor.

Bathrooms are among the projects most likely to run over budget and past deadline. This is because they often require plumbing, electrical, and tile work on top of routine renovation. As a result, you need to look at quotes from contractors very carefully. If one is lower, make sure absolutely everything is included before you jump on it, and only pay half up front.

3. Poor ventilation or no ventilation.

Ventilation is absolutely essential in a bathroom, even when there is no shower/bath. There will be moisture in every bathroom and if it isn’t being vented it will lead to mildew or mold, which fuels sickness and allergies. As a general rule of thumb, if you have no way of venting a space then it shouldn’t be a bathroom.

4. Materials that won’t last or low quality materials.

Bathroom fixtures come in a wide range of styles and price points. Likewise, flooring ranges from the low-cost rolls to expensive tile. We all need to stay within budget, but try to aim for at least the mid-level bathroom fixtures. They really will hold up longer and look better for years to come.

5. A wasteful water heater.

If you’re adding a new bathroom, don’t make the mistake of investing in an old fashioned tank-based water heater. A tankless water heater will save you big money on energy bills and provide hot water on demand. By providing proper maintenance and replacing your water heater when necessary will give you years of enjoyment in your new bathroom remodel.

Before installing anything in your home, you probably go through a research process to determine who is best qualified to successfully complete the job. You may browse the internet for contractor reviews or talk to neighbors for recommendations. Even though any contractor in a given field is probably capable of doing the job, you want one who has been vetted and proven to know his or her trade.

The same holds true a Noritz tankless installation. According to Jason Fleming, Sr. Marketing and Customer Care Manager for Noritz America, “Any contractor can install Noritz, but it is in your best interest to utilize contractors that have been trained to install and service Noritz products.”

The importance of a proper tankless water heater installation cannot be overemphasized. “Improper gas line sizing or venting, unclean or insufficient makeup air and cross lines in the plumbing are all potential installation mistakes that can be made if the contractor is not 100 percent knowledgeable,” warns Fleming. “The problem is that many of these mistakes will not present themselves immediately,” he adds.

Thus, your tankless installation may seem sound at first, but a few weeks or months down the road, the error messages might begin to crop up. “Ultimately, an improper installation will significantly reduce your tankless water heater’s life,” admits Fleming.

You might be wondering how on earth to locate an installing contractor who is familiar with Noritz products. After all, sometimes it’s a hassle just to verify that the contractor is insured. “We have developed an online dealer locator to make finding the ideal tankless installer quick and easy,” assures Fleming.

The dealer locator simply asks for your zip code and a distance radius ranging from two to 50 miles. Upon entering the information, you will receive a list of nearby Noritz installers and their contact information.

“Noritz trains contractors daily to ensure they have the most up to date information on our ever-changing product line,” concludes Fleming.  “Do your research and make sure your contractor is familiar with tankless, and familiar with Noritz.”