Navien Ignition Failure: Causes, Error Codes, and Repair Options
- Hot Water Pros

- Jun 7
- 2 min read
Navien Ignition Failure: Causes, Error Codes, and Repair Options
If your Navien tankless water heater is experiencing ignition failure, the unit may stop producing hot water, display error codes, or repeatedly shut down.
Ignition problems are among the most common Navien service calls we encounter throughout Indianapolis and surrounding communities.
Fortunately, many ignition-related issues can be diagnosed and repaired quickly once the root cause is identified.
What Is A Navien Ignition Failure?
An ignition failure occurs when the water heater attempts to light the burner but cannot successfully establish or maintain combustion.
When this happens, the unit may shut down and display an error code to prevent unsafe operation.
Common Causes Of Navien Ignition Failure
Several problems can prevent successful ignition:
Low gas pressure
Gas supply interruptions
Dirty flame rod
Failed igniter
Venting restrictions
Combustion air problems
Condensate drainage issues
Faulty gas valve
Wiring problems
Control board issues
Some causes are simple while others require professional diagnosis.
Common Error Codes Associated With Ignition Problems
Ignition failures often trigger one of the following error codes:
Error Code 003 typically indicates ignition failure. The unit attempted to ignite but could not establish flame.
Error Code 012 indicates flame loss. The burner ignited but could not maintain proper flame detection.
Error Code 109 may occur when airflow restrictions interfere with proper combustion.
Error Code 110 can indicate air pressure or venting issues affecting ignition performance.
Can Homeowners Troubleshoot Ignition Problems?
Homeowners can safely check:
Gas shutoff valves
Circuit breakers
Air intake openings
Exterior vent terminations
Visible condensate drainage issues
If the problem persists, professional diagnosis is recommended.
Warning Signs Of Ignition Failure
Common symptoms include:
No hot water
Repeated shutdowns
Frequent resets
Error codes
Clicking sounds during startup
Unit attempting to ignite repeatedly
Intermittent hot water
Preventing Future Ignition Problems
Routine maintenance can help reduce ignition-related failures.
Annual service may include:
Cleaning ignition components
Inspecting flame rods
Checking venting systems
Testing gas pressure
Inspecting condensate drainage
Flushing the heat exchanger
Regular maintenance helps improve reliability and efficiency.
Why Indianapolis Homeowners Choose Hot Water Pros
Hot Water Pros specializes in water heaters and tankless water heater repair throughout Indianapolis and surrounding communities.
Our team provides:
Navien diagnostics and repair
Tankless maintenance
Tankless flushing services
Venting inspections
Water pressure testing
Same-day service when available
Upfront pricing
We proudly serve Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, Greenwood, Brownsburg, Whitestown, and Zionsville.
Need Help With A Navien Ignition Failure?
If your Navien tankless water heater is not igniting properly, don’t wait for the issue to get worse.
Call Hot Water Pros at 317-922-9043 for professional Navien tankless water heater diagnostics and repair.


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