How to Fix Navien Error Code 016

Navien tankless water heater may be the cream of the crop, but it doesn’t mean you won’t run into an error code or two throughout your tankless water heater’s lifespan. One of the most common Navien error codes owners in Los Angeles County experience is error code 016.

For 15-plus years, we’ve helped Los Angeles County residents diagnose and address error codes on their Navien tankless water heaters. Our experience in the field has built a strong knowledge base for all things Navien tankless water heaters.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what Navien error code 016 is and how it can be resolved, so you can get your home back in working order. Spoiler alert: you’ll need the help of a professional.

Let’s jump in with finding out what Navien error code 016 indicates.

What Does Noritz Error Code 016 Mean?

When this error code pops up on your Navien tankless water heater’s display, it means there is likely an issue with your tankless water heater’s heat exchanger. More specifically, this error code often points to calcification within the heat exchanger.

If your heat exchanger is experiencing calcification, your tankless water heater can experience several problems, including overheating, pinhole leaks, and issues with the flow sensor. These issues can cause serious damage to your tankless water heater, meaning you should seek to resolve the error code as soon as possible. In some cases, these problems can lead to having to replace major components.

The good news is that not every Navien error code 016 means a certain end for your tankless water heater. Let’s check out what you can do to resolve Navien error code 016.

So, How Do You Fix Navien Error Code 016?

As we hinted at in the introduction, the first thing you need to do is immediately call out a technician to your home. While it sounds like a cop-out, a technician is the only person qualified to resolve Navien error code 016.

Your technician will run a complete inspection of your Navien tankless water heater and your plumbing system to make sure there are no other issues that are contributing to the error code popping up. The reason you need a technician for this is that they’ll be able to spot certain things that may go unchecked by the untrained eye, like a pinhole leak.

Depending on the severity of the calcification in the heat exchanger, your technician may recommend a cleaning to flush out the build-up. On the other hand, if there are more severe issues, like a leak, they will break the news that you’ll need a replacement heat exchanger.

Other big factors in deciding whether you need to replace the heat exchanger are its age and whether you’ve kept up with yearly maintenance. Keeping up on yearly maintenance is key to preventing early breakdowns and can also ensure your warranty stays intact since some manufacturers require you to perform maintenance to stay in warranty.

Having Another Issue?

Chances are that you’ll experience another error code throughout your tankless water heater’s life. Some of these error codes are simple error codes that are easy enough to resolve with the help of a technician. Others are more severe and require immediate attention.

Check out this full list of the top five most common Navien error codes to get acquainted with what you might run into down the road if you live in Los Angeles County or one of its surrounding areas.

The best way to avoid error codes altogether is by keeping up with yearly maintenance. If you live in an area like hard water, like Los Angeles County, then having yearly maintenance performed by a technician is an easy way to prevent early breakdowns. Maintenance can also ensure your tankless water heater lasts as long as possible.

Likewise, the best course of action for any error code is to call out a technician for help. There are some articles out there that simply say to unplug the tankless water heater to resolve the error code. Doing this is similar to disconnecting your car battery if you have a check engine light. It may remove the light from your dashboard, but it by no means resolves the issue.

All Caught Up on Navien Error Code 016

We’ve run through what Navien error code 016 means and how you can resolve it. Now, you can call for help and confidently explain your issue to a technician or dispatch team. Being able to communicate your needs will help get you the service you need and fast.

After over 15 years in the field working with Navien tankless water heaters, we’ve seen all sorts of error codes and know what makes these machines tick. We also know that the best way to prevent these error codes from popping up is with proper maintenance.

If you need help resolving an error code and live in Los Angeles County or one of its surrounding areas, call us at (818) 213-1773 or visit our tankless water heater service page to schedule a consultation.

To learn more about how to prevent error codes from forming in the future, read up on yearly maintenance and how technicians ensure your tankless water heater will serve you and your home for years to come.