How to Reset a Navien Tankless Water Heater and Clear Error Codes

Quick Answer

There are three ways to reset a Navien tankless water heater. A soft reset clears the current error lockout by pressing the Info button 3 times. A hard reset power-cycles the unit by turning the circuit breaker off for 30 seconds. A factory reset wipes all settings and error history via the Settings > Reset menu on the controller. Always fix the root cause of the error before resetting.

NavienWaterheater70% DIY Success

How to Reset Your Navien Waterheater

Three Navien reset methods: soft reset (Info button x3), hard reset (breaker off 30 sec), factory reset (Settings > Reset menu). Fix the error cause first or it comes right back.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Error code lockout requiring manual reset after repair40%

Transient fault from power surge or brief gas interruption24%

Post-maintenance startup requiring soft reset to clear stored fault22%

Accidental settings change requiring factory reset14%

Symptoms You May Notice

Error code displayed and unit locked out from firing
No hot water after error code appears
Unit previously working, now locked on an error screen

Tools Required for Diagnosis

None required for soft or hard resetPen and paper (to record error code before reset)

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Before resetting

Before resetting, write down the exact error code shown on the display, including any sub-code suffix. This record helps diagnose the root cause and tracks whether the same error recurs.

Soft reset

Hard reset (power cycle)

Factory reset (settings wipe)

After any reset

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times should I press the Info button to reset a Navien?

Press the Info button exactly 3 times to perform a soft reset and clear an error lockout on Navien NPE and NCB series units. Pressing it once or twice only cycles through the information display screens without triggering a reset. If the error code is still showing after 3 presses, the fault condition may still be active and the unit is refusing to clear the lockout.

Will resetting the Navien delete my temperature settings?

A soft reset (Info button x3) and a hard reset (power cycle) do not delete your programmed temperature settings. Only a factory reset through the Settings > Reset menu wipes your preferences back to defaults. If you prefer your water at 125F rather than the default 120F, you will need to reprogram that only if you did a factory reset.

My Navien keeps showing an error code even after multiple resets. What does that mean?

If an error code returns immediately or within a few minutes of resetting, the root cause has not been addressed. The unit is detecting the same fault condition each time it tries to operate. Each reset without a repair puts you back at square one. Identify the specific code (E003, E110, E012, etc.) and follow the repair guide for that code before attempting another reset.

Is there a way to view error code history on a Navien?

Yes. Press and hold the Up and Mode buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to enter the Navien diagnostics mode. The error history log shows previous fault codes with occurrence counts. This is useful if you cleared an error and want to confirm it has not recurred, or if a technician needs the full fault history. A factory reset will clear this history.

Can a power outage cause my Navien to need a reset?

Yes. A sudden power interruption during a firing cycle can sometimes leave the unit in a fault state that requires a manual reset even though no component failed. This is especially common after a brief outage followed by a power surge. A soft reset (Info button x3) or a hard reset (breaker cycle) is usually sufficient to restore normal operation after a power event.

Related Navien Waterheater Error Codes

Code: HUBNavien Tankless Water Heater Error Codes: Complete NPE and NCB Series Guide Code: E003Navien E003 Error Code: Ignition Failure Fix for NPE and NCB Series Code: E110Navien E110 Error Code: Exhaust Blockage and Venting Fault Explained Code: E012Navien E012 Error Code: Flame Failure During Operation

Models Known to Experience RESET Errors

This repair applies to most Navien waterheaters with this error code. Common model numbers include:

NPE-240A, NPE-180A, NPE-210A, NCB-240E, NPN-199A

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026