Our portable water heaters have a control system operated by water pressure. This includes the models L5, L10, EL5, EL7, EL10, CEL5 and CEL10.
This control system senses when there is a demand for hot water and activates the gas and ignition sequence. The system also senses when there is insufficient water pressure to operate without overheating. The operating water pressure range is 25-40psi. Water must maintain pressure between these ranges to operate properly. Fluctuations in water pressure can cause the water heater to shut off or overheat.
If your water heater is not igniting and you do not hear any clicks, below are some things you can check.
1. Water connections
The first thing to check is to ensure the incoming water is on the "right" side of the water heater. There have been a few instances where the "inlet" and "outlet" labels have come off or have been reversed. If the incoming and outgoing are reversed, the water heater will not work. The incoming is on the far right and the outgoing is in the middle.
2. On/Off Switch
The "On/Off" switch should be with the “—“ sign pushed down.
3. Batteries
Are batteries installed and could they be reversed? Are the batteries new?
4. Enough pressure
The number one reason that the water heater does not ignite is that there is not enough water pressure. You need to make sure that you have a minimum of 25 PSI of sustained water pressure.
There is a water pressure sensitivity screw located and accessible from the bottom of your portable water heater. Tightening or loosening this screw can sometimes allow your water heater to work better with low-pressure instances. Please see the illustration below for the screw location. This is dependent on the model of the portable tankless water heater you have.
Some models will require you to take off the front cover to access the screws.
Please note: ONLY TIGHTEN UNTIL YOU FEEL RESISTANCE. DO NOT APPLY ANY KIND OF FORCE, i.e., DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. If there are two screws on your particular water heater, loosen the smaller screw, on the left, one full turn. Then, loosen the screw on the right approximately 1/3 of a turn.
5. Wire Connections
It is possible that a wire has become disconnected inside during shipping. Make sure the gas is OFF and the switch is in the OFF position. Let’s remove the front cover. The front cover is held by several screws, two (or four) on the top and two (or four) on the bottom. The knobs will also need to be removed and will pull off by hand on some models. All of the wiring is connected with push-together plastic connectors. Simply disconnect and reconnect all visible connections. The most common issue with connections is the ignition pack wire harness has become loose. Make sure this is tightly connected. See picture below:
6. Ignition Pack
The wire receptacle behind the ignition pack may be loose or disconnected. Try disconnecting and reconnecting. Make sure it is fully connected, as in the picture below:
7. Debris
It is possible that some debris or epoxy might have entered the water regulator. Check to see if the filter screen on the water inlet is clear of debris. You can also reverse the hookup by taking your water source, hooking it up to the water outlet side, and backflushing the system.
8. Gas regulator
Check your gas regulator does not have air in the line. Simply turn your propane tank off. Loosen the regulator hose on the gas tank and you will hear air released. Then tighten it back up.
Other things to check when troubleshooting your Portable Water Heater
What is your water source?
You must have at least 25 psi (pounds per square inch) to activate and keep the water heater running.
If you’re using a pump, there will be fluctuations in the pressure depending on the type of pump you’re using.
If you’re using city water with adequate water pressure, then you may need to think of doing a water pressure adjustment (step 4) or it could be something else.
Using a water pump?
Make sure your pump is capable of providing adequate water flow and water pressure. We recommend using a pump rated at 2 GPM and 40 PSI.
Propane Tank
Check to make sure you have a full propane tank and check for any leaks.
How old is the water Heater?
The last thing to consider is the age of the water heater. When was the last time the water heater was flushed and descaled? Over time, sediment can build up inside the pipes of the exchanger and restrict water flow, causing the water heater to overheat and shut off.
Please, keep in mind that our Portable Tankless Water Heaters are NOT to be permanently mounted or left unattended as it is not recommended and can be considered a hazard. It is not for indoor usage or to be vented. Also, these models are not to be plumbed into the side or any other part of the house or location and are meant to serve for recreational use only. Using in the manners stated above will void your warranty.