What happens if the hot water faucet only produces cold water when you try to use it? There’s always a chance that your water heater won’t function when you want a hot shower. It is unpleasant because you can’t immediately access the internet!
Having an odd water heater code flash in your face is inconvenient. Although troubleshooting the AO Smith tankless water heater may be challenging, we can assist you.
From first-hand experience, a common issue with AO Smith tankless water heaters is the intermittent production of hot water. This could be due to low water flow, which users have found by removing flow restrictors in faucets and showerheads, improving the water heater’s performance.
AO Smith Tankless Water Heater Troubleshooting
A big advantage of AO Smith, tankless water heaters with remote controls is that they contain a self-diagnosing feature that helps identify heating issues.
The fitted remote control will produce a sound, and an error code will appear on the screen if there is a problem with the water heater.
Some versions, including the 240, 340, and 540 series, include remote controllers that may show these codes. Similarly, the temperature will be replaced with an error code on the appliance’s LED display.
However, an LCD device like the 510 series will display an error code notice. Others, like the 110 and 310, feature a red light that blinks quickly on the device.
Read also: Common Issues with Navien Tankless Water Heaters
The LED blinks more frequently when troubleshooting an AO Smith tankless water heater occurs. It is preferable to consult your owner’s handbook to find out what model you have and where the error number is.
In my experience, running the hot water tap while monitoring the heater can reveal inconsistent heating patterns. One user shared that after noticing inconsistent hot water, they discovered that sediment buildup in the filter was the cause, a simple flush resolved the issue.
AO Smith Tankless Water Heater Error Codes
| Error Code | Description | Possible Causes | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| E02 | Overheated water | Broken thermostat, shorted heating element | Air in the waterline, bad sensor |
| E03 | Insufficient water | Air in waterline, bad sensor | Bleed air, replace sensor |
| E04 | Water leak detected | Leak from various points | Check connections, consult professional |
| E06 | High water temperature | Broken thermostat | Replace thermostat |
| E10-E13 | Thermistor issues | Open thermistor | Inspect and replace thermistor |
| E51 & E52 | Loss of contact | Control board issue | Reset control board |
A user shared an experience where an AO Smith water heater repeatedly showed error code E03. After much trial and error, they found that sediment buildup was restricting water flow, triggering the code. Flushing the system resolved the issue entirely.
Final Thought
With your newfound knowledge about AO Smith Tankless troubleshooting, you can start caring for any problems yourself.
Regular maintenance is crucial, such as descaling and checking for mineral buildup. For instance, a user on a forum shared that they avoided costly repairs by scheduling biannual descaling of their AO Smith heater.
If you’re experiencing error codes or the unit fails to heat water adequately, refer to the AO Smith manual for specific troubleshooting guidance. Each error code can pinpoint a particular issue, from gas supply problems to internal system errors, providing a clear path for resolution.
Just remember to speak with a service professional if you have any questions. Safety is of the highest importance when it comes to gas and electricity.
