Navien NPE-180A nightmare...

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jlpwtx

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Hi all,

Builder installed a Navien NPE-180A in our new home about 6 months ago. The condensate drain lid was leaking, and the incompetent plumbers couldnt fix it for months so the builder ordered a brand new unit and had a new plumber install it. (After some googling, i found out they could have greased an O ring to fix it lol)

Well, after the new one was installed, we received the error E110(air flow issue) days later after a rare snow here in West Texas. Turns out, there was water in the exhaust vent and the previous plumbers didnt have it vented correctly.

Now we have another issue... when the hot water is turned on, it sounds like an idling truck humming/vibrating. It starts when the hot water is first turned on and lasts for a while after its shut off. It's horrific and impossible to pick up on a recording.

The new plumber is acting like its normal - but the first unit NEVER made low frequency humming/vibrating noises.

Im exhausted from all of the issues ive had and dealing with these plumbers - can anyone here give me some advice? Do all tankless water heaters stay on for awhile after the water is turned off?

thank you!!
 

Plumber69

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Hi all,

Builder installed a Navien NPE-180A in our new home about 6 months ago. The condensate drain lid was leaking, and the incompetent plumbers couldnt fix it for months so the builder ordered a brand new unit and had a new plumber install it. (After some googling, i found out they could have greased an O ring to fix it lol)

Well, after the new one was installed, we received the error E110(air flow issue) days later after a rare snow here in West Texas. Turns out, there was water in the exhaust vent and the previous plumbers didnt have it vented correctly.

Now we have another issue... when the hot water is turned on, it sounds like an idling truck humming/vibrating. It starts when the hot water is first turned on and lasts for a while after its shut off. It's horrific and impossible to pick up on a recording.

The new plumber is acting like its normal - but the first unit NEVER made low frequency humming/vibrating noises.

Im exhausted from all of the issues ive had and dealing with these plumbers - can anyone here give me some advice? Do all tankless water heaters stay on for awhile after the water is turned off?

thank you!!
They do make noise, but if you can pick it up on a recording it can't be that loud
 

SoCal Plumber

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Hi all,

Builder installed a Navien NPE-180A in our new home about 6 months ago. The condensate drain lid was leaking, and the incompetent plumbers couldnt fix it for months so the builder ordered a brand new unit and had a new plumber install it. (After some googling, i found out they could have greased an O ring to fix it lol)

Well, after the new one was installed, we received the error E110(air flow issue) days later after a rare snow here in West Texas. Turns out, there was water in the exhaust vent and the previous plumbers didnt have it vented correctly.

Now we have another issue... when the hot water is turned on, it sounds like an idling truck humming/vibrating. It starts when the hot water is first turned on and lasts for a while after its shut off. It's horrific and impossible to pick up on a recording.

The new plumber is acting like its normal - but the first unit NEVER made low frequency humming/vibrating noises.

Im exhausted from all of the issues ive had and dealing with these plumbers - can anyone here give me some advice? Do all tankless water heaters stay on for awhile after the water is turned off?

thank you!!


Was the venting corrected? Condensation build up in the exhaust can cause that. Your unit is either starving for gas or can’t “breath” properly, or both. If the condensation drain line is clogged it can cause the excess water in the exhaust vent, they are directly connected, as can an poorly slopped exhaust line. Were any of the gas connections change with the new install? A gas flex, if installed usually yellow or stainless steel in color, is to long or the wrong size diameter will cause gas starvation. As others have asked, are you on natural gas or LP? They usually come ready for natural gas and need to be field converted for LP. Check for blocked intake and exhaust terminations. Any changes in water pressure? Yes they do stay on after the burner has shut down, its cooling down. Pictures would really help. You can also check your area for Certified Navien Plumbers, they should be able to figure it out. If not, they should know how to call tech support and get help to figure it out. If not, you need open a plumbing company in your area...
 

Navien Inc

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We are very sorry to hear that you are experiencing issues with your unit. We recommend that your service provider call into our tech support at 1-800-519-8794 option 2 so that we can have our team diagnose the issue and provide a solution. Our tech support is available Mon-Fri from 8am - 9pm EST and Sat-Sun from 8am - 8pm EST.

If you need a plumber, please refer to our installer/service locator on our website to help you find contractors in your area that work on Navien units. You can find the installer/service locator here: https://www.navieninc.com/installers. Thank you!
 

Fitter30

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Looks like their reaching out. If their installer is the same company you have been dealing with ask if they have factory service rep that can help them by coming out with them. It's a teaching experience for them. Plumbing and hvac equipment are changing so fast and controls so fast just saying unless working for a large contractor and that always doesn't guarantee that the people are trained.
 

QueBall

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Some other options to consider for noise sources:

If the noise is only while burner is running it could be noise in the gas line. If you used CSST pipe (the flexible gas pipe that has the ridges all along it) it can hum. Usually very low frequency noise, a bit like a tuba. Likely to happen for longer runs of pipe and not for short appliance connectors using this flexible pipe.

If burner is not lit when you hear the noise then the re-circulation pump in -A models might be running causing the noise. If there is air in the top of the pump it makes some ugly noise. There is an air purge valve on top of the pump with a little red cap you can loosen to let the air past. If there is any calcium build up on that cap the assembly should be removed and rinsed out in vinegar solution and if that happens frequently (like more than once a year) consider replacing it or if its not working to let the air out then get it replaced. With air in the pump it is for sure going to make noise but it is very quiet with no air bubbles trapped inside.
 
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Bannerman

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Do all tankless water heaters stay on for awhile after the water is turned off?
Navien 'A' (Advanced) models include a recirculation pump and a small buffer tank to reduce the cold water sandwich effect common with other tankless systems. If the water in the buffer tank and recirculation loop is below the set temperature, the burner will continue to run for a short time after water usage has ceased.
 
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