HVACopediaNoritz · Tankless water heater troubleshooting
Cleaning ignition and flame rods - Noritz
What is going on
Part of annual service and the first check for codes 11 and 12.
Likely causes
- Oxide build-up on rods
Check in this order
- Turn off power and gas.
- Remove the 2 screws holding the rods and pull them out.
- Clean with the rough side of a sponge, a Scotch-Brite pad or fine (300+ grit) sandpaper.
- Check porcelain for cracks and reinstall in the same position.
- Check the ground wires while you are there.
Applies to: All Noritz residential tankless (EZ, NRCR, NCC199CDV, NRC/NRCP)
More tankless water heater guides
- Cleaning the fan and burner - Noritz EZ/NRCR/CDV
- Descaling (flushing) the heat exchanger - Noritz
- Draining to prevent freezing - Noritz EZ/NRCR
- Field gas conversion NG to LP - Noritz NRCR/EZ Pro
- Heat exchanger replacement - Noritz NRC111 / NCC199
- Heater does not fire when hot water is opened - Noritz tankless
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Source: Noritz EZ/NRCR/CDV Level 2 Maintenance & Troubleshooting (Premix R2 V2), Cleaning ignition & flame rods, p.7; Noritz Residential Level 2 Maintenance & Troubleshooting (NRC/NRCP and older, R2 V1), 11 and 12 error codes, p.6-7. Written in our own words; check the manual for your exact model.
For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.