Eemax Tankless Water Heater Troubleshooting [A Complet Guide]

Eemax is undoubtedly a renowned name in the world of water heaters, but let’s face it – even the best can sometimes throw us a curveball. Well, according to Eemax water heater users, they have faced several problems with the Eemax water heater. If you are one of them you may be looking for the Eemax tankless water heater troubleshooting guide. Don’t worry, right now you’ve come to the right guy because I’ve been troubleshooting Eemax for a very long. 

If your heater doesn’t heat then check for the power supply and heating element. Replace them if necessary. Again if the indicator light doesn’t turn on then reset it or change the bulb if the bulb is the problem. For brown water and odor, replace the anode rod. 

This is just the beginning. To troubleshoot everything there is a lot to learn such as the Eemax water heater error code, different LED patterns, etc. Don’t worry, in this article, I’ve covered everything. Just keep on reading and learn how to troubleshoot the Eemax electric water heater.

Eemax Tankless Water Heater Troubleshooting [Easy Solutions]

Before I get into the main segment here is a map overview for this article. As we know Eemax has different models and most of them require different troubleshooting solutions. Considering this I’ve prepared the guide based on different models. 

So, whether you’re a Mini Tank or De-Ionized user, or LavAdvantage™, AccuMix II™, FlowCo™ user, or SP tankless water heater user, you’ll get solutions for your problem. So, let’s move on to the guide now. 

Troubleshooting Eemax Mini Tank And De-Ionized Water Heater

First, let’s start with the Mini Tank and De-Ionized models. If you are a user of any of the 2 models you might face several issues. Let’s learn about the problems and ways to troubleshoot the Eemax Mini Tank and De-Ionized Water Heater.

Problem 1: Water Does Not Get Hot

The first issue users likely face is when the water does not totally get hot. Let’s see the reasons and solution for this problem.

Reasons

There could be a few reasons for this problem.

• Power Supply: If the power supply is not functioning properly, the water heater won’t heat the water.
• Reset Button: If the reset button is not engaged, the heating element might not be activated.
• Plumbing Crossover: When you open the hot water tap and water keeps flowing non-stop, it might mean there’s a problem with your plumbing. Cold water might be mixed with hot water and it won’t make water as warm as it should be.
• Heating Element: A malfunctioning or burnt-out heating element can prevent the water from heating up adequately.

How To Fix:

Here let’s check out the solutions to troubleshoot it.

• Check and ensure that the power supply to the water heater is on and functioning correctly.
• If the indicator light is not on, press the reset button to activate the heating element.
• If the indicator light is on but the water temperature is still not hot, test for plumbing crossover by shutting off the cold water supply to the heater and opening the hot water tap. Any continuous flow indicates a crossover issue. You might need a plumber or contact the manufacturing team to fix it.
• If there is no plumbing crossover issue, the heating element is probably faulty. In that case, replace the water heater. 

Problem 2: Indicator Light Not On

The indicator light on the water heater is not illuminated, even though the water is getting hot. This is another common problem. Now I’ll discuss this issue, 

Reasons

There could be two primary reasons for this problem:

• Faulty Bulb: If the indicator light bulb is not functioning, it won’t illuminate.
• Reset Button: If the reset button is not engaged, the heating element won;r be activated, even though the water is still heating up.

How To Fix:

• Check if the indicator light bulb is functioning properly. If it’s not, replace the bulb to restore the indicator light’s functionality.
• Check the reset button’s status and reset it. This might activate the heating element and the corresponding indicator light.

Problem 3: Brown Water

Have you ever seen the water flowing from the hot water tap appear brown or rusty in color? If so then this segment will be helpful for you. 

Reason

The primary reason for brown or rusty water is a “spent” anode rod. Over time, the anode rod becomes depleted, leading to rusty water. 

How To Fix:

To solve this issue, replace the anode rod with a new one. This should prevent further rusting and improve the water’s color and quality.

Problem 4: Odor in Water

Sometimes you may get an odor from water which is a big issue. Let’s learn more about this problem. 

Reason

If the water smells bad, it might be because the water in your area is reacting with the water heater’s anode rod. When it reacts with certain minerals or chemicals in the water the odor occurs.

How To Fix:

Check the condition of the anode rod. If it’s heavily corroded or damaged, replace it with a new anode rod.

Problem 5: Water Is Too Hot

Sometimes you may find the water from the hot water tap is excessively hot. This issue isn’t always common but sometimes I face it while troubleshooting the following models. Don’t worry I have the solution, Let’s check it out.

Reason

If the thermostat doesn’t work properly this problem can occur. It’s because it won’t respond to temperature adjustments.

How To Fix:

Turn down the temperature knob to a lower setting. If the water temperature doesn’t decrease within an hour, replace the thermostat. 

Problem 6: Water Is Not Hot Enough

The water from the hot water tap is not reaching the desired or expected temperature.

Reason

The thermostat setting might be too low or the thermostat itself could be malfunctioning.

How To Fix:

Check the “Instructions for Use” manual to adjust the thermostat setting as needed. If the thermostat is faulty, replace it. 

Problem 7: Water Is Leaking

Another problem is water leaking from the water heater. It can potentially lead to water damage or other issues. 

Reasons

There are mainly 3 reasons behind this problem. Let’s check them out. 

• Water Fittings: Loose or damaged water fittings can be the most common reason for water leakage.
• T&P (Temperature and Pressure) Valve: A faulty T&P valve can also be responsible.
• Heating Element Gasket: A worn or damaged gasket around the heating element can cause leaks.

How To Fix:

Here the solutions are quite straightforward. Let’s check them. 

• Tighten or replace the water fittings. 
• Inspect water fittings and the T&P valve for damage or looseness.
• Check the heating element gasket for any signs of wear or damage. Replace the heating element if necessary. 

Eemax Water Heater Error Codes

Eemax water heater error codes are one kind of overwhelming and annoying status, especially for the LavAdvantage™, AccuMix II™ users. Well, by following the error code meaning, reason, and solution you can fix almost every problem of your following 2 Eemax water heaters. So, let’s check it.

Troubleshooting Eemax LavAdvantage™, AccuMix II™ Tankless Water Heater

First I’ll discuss the error codes in a table and then I’ll discuss them in proper detail. So let’s get an Eemax tankless water heater troubleshooting guide to understand error codes. 

Code F23: No Heat – Element Failure

When you come across Code F23 on your water heater, it’s a sign that there’s no heat. This can happen for various reasons. These include heating element failure, a tripped or malfunctioning Energy Cut-Off (ECO), open triac(s), malfunctioning relay/contactor, control board failure, or an inlet water supply that falls outside specified parameters.

This situation triggers a specific response from the heating system. After a continuous 30-second period without heat production, the heating system will be deactivated as a safety precaution.

To address this, one suggested course of action is to measure the element resistance with the unit completely turned off.

Code F24: Low Heat – Undervoltage

Code F24 indicates a situation of low heat, which can occur due to several potential reasons. These include failed open triac(s), control board malfunction, or malfunctioning inlet/outlet thermistor(s).

When you see this code, the heating still works, but the performance shouldn’t be good enough. The water that comes out is not as hot as it should be. To fix this, you can check the power supply while the heater is on to make sure everything is okay with it.

Code F33: Residual Heat – Internal Water Temperature Elevated Without Flow

Code F33 indicates something unusual. The water inside gets hotter even if you’re not using it. This can happen if some parts that control the heat are stuck. When this happens, the heater stops working until the water cools down. This helps prevent any problems. One thing you can do is let water run through the heater to make it normal again.

Code F34: Overvoltage – Inlet Voltage is Too High

When you face issues with Code F34, the issue pertains to overvoltage, specifically an inlet voltage that exceeds the stated heater specifications.

Because of this, the heater still works, but not properly. The water that comes out might be hotter than usual. To solve this, it’s a good idea to ask experts to check the power coming into the heater. They can make sure it’s the right amount and not too high.

Code F36: Undervoltage – Inlet Voltage is Too Low

Code F36 indicates an undervoltage situation, where the inlet voltage falls below the heater’s specified specifications. In this scenario, the heating system remains enabled, but its performance is reduced which leads to lower outlet temperatures. To address this, I suggest calling for a certified professional to verify the inlet voltage and make adjustments accordingly to fix it.

Code F38: High Flow – Flow is Too High

Code F38 indicates an issue of high flow, where the flow of water is excessive. It prevents the water from reaching the desired setpoint temperature. 

Despite this challenge, the heating system remains active and functions as intended. But sometimes, the water that comes out might not be as warm as you want. To fix this, you can try making the water flow slower. You can do this by using the outlet flow restrictor or a faucet aerator.

Code F47: Inlet Thermistor Failure

In the case of Code F47, the problem centers around an inlet thermistor failure. This can occur when the inlet thermistor is interrupted or disconnected. 

Despite this issue, the heating remains active based on default inlet temperature settings. This results in the possibility of both higher and lower outlet temperatures, depending on the specific circumstances. To resolve this issue, I suggest inspecting the connections and wiring of the inlet thermistor.

Code F48: Outlet Thermistor Failure

Code F48 involves an outlet thermistor failure, which occurs when the outlet thermistor is interrupted or disconnected. Just like the previous one the heating system remains enabled even though the issue persists. To solve this problem, it’s suggested to carefully check the connections and wiring of the outlet thermistor.

Code F64: Freeze Warning – Inlet Temperature Too Low

When encountering Code F64, the situation indicates a freeze warning due to the inlet temperature falling below 35°F. As a safety measure, the heating system is disabled while this condition occurs.  To solve this issue, it’s necessary to increase the inlet water temperature above the specified threshold.

Understanding Eemax Water Heater LED Pattern

Now if you’re a user of the Eemax FlowCo water heater you’ll most likely be familiar with different LED patterns. Below I’ll discuss it along with the FlowCo™ Tankless Water Heater troubleshooting guide. 

Troubleshooting FlowCo™ Tankless Water Heater

Not all the LED patterns indicate the heater is faulty. Below I’ll discuss what different LED patterns indicate, when it’s normal, and when it’s an issue. First, get a table overview.

i) Solid Light: Heating

When the FlowCo system displays a steady, solid light, it indicates that the system is actively in the heating process. At this moment, the system is functioning as intended to provide heated water. There are no specific causes to consider in this state, and the system doesn’t require any immediate action.

ii) One Flash Every Four Seconds: Idle

When you see the LED light blinking once every four seconds, it means the FlowCo system is waiting because no water is flowing at the moment.

During this phase, the system is in a standby state, prepared to initiate heating once water flow is detected. You don’t have to worry about any specific problems. The system is supposed to do this as it’s waiting for water to start flowing before it starts heating up.

iii) Two Flashes Once, Three Second Pause: Low Heat

When you see the LED light blinking twice, then stopping for three seconds, it means there’s not enough heat. This occurs when the outlet temperature remains below 90°F (32°C) for a continuous 5-second period of water flow.

The potential causes for this issue include various factors, such as heating element failure, a tripped or malfunctioning Energy Cut-Off (ECO), relay or contactor malfunction, control board failure, or even an inlet water supply not meeting specifications.

To address this situation, the unit continues running, and the LED flashes a warning pattern. To fix this you can try making the water flow slower through the unit.

iv) Two Flashes Twice, Three-Second Pause: Outlet Thermistor Failure

When the LED pattern shows two sets of double flashes with a three-second pause in between, it points to an outlet thermistor failure. This issue arises when the outlet thermistor is interrupted or disconnected.

When this happens, the unit keeps running, and the LED light blinks in a certain way to show a problem. To fix it, you should check the connections and wires of the outlet thermistor to make sure everything is working right again.

v) Two Flashes Three Times, Three Second Pause: Over-temperature Warning

If you see the LED light flashing two times, then stopping for three seconds, and this repeats three times, it means the water is too hot. This happens when the temperature goes above 110°F (38°C).

Even though the unit keeps working, the LED blinks to show a problem. To fix it, try making the water flow faster through the unit. But if you want the water to be hotter, you don’t need to do anything because the system handles it.

vi) Three Flashes Once, Three Second Pause: Over-temperature Protection

When the LED pattern showcases three flashes followed by a three-second pause, it indicates over-temperature protection. This happens if the water gets too hot, going over 150°F (65°C). Then, the system stops heating until the water cools down to a certain level.

To fix this, make the water flow through the unit faster. This will help lower the temperature and get things back to normal.

vii) Three Flashes Twice, Three-Second Pause: Freeze Warning

When you see the LED pattern with three sets of double flashes and pauses, it’s a sign of a freeze warning. This happens if the inlet water temperature goes below 35°F (2°C). To keep things safe, the heating turns off in this situation. To fix it, make sure the inlet water is warmer, meeting the product’s requirements.t.

ProAdvantage Troubleshooting Guide (Single Module Dual Module Triple Module)

This segment is for the ProAdvantage water heater users. While using the heater our experience says there is one major problem and the other problems are very common and usual. So I’ll mainly talk about this problem – water heater not heating.

i) Issue “A”: No Heat, Indicator Light Off

I’ve found these issues for different conditions which I separated by A and B. Let’s discuss the first condition when the indicator light is off.

1. Electric Supply Off: Make sure both main circuit breakers are ON. They need to be connected correctly to the relay. The L1/L2 from one breaker should match the relay. Check for 240V across each relay when starting up. Don’t use small breakers.

2. Low Water Flow or No Flow: Check if enough water is flowing through the heater. For “TC” models, you need at least 0.70 gallons of water per minute. Also, look at the inlet filter screen in the brass inlet boss to ensure it’s not blocked by dirt.
3. Reversed Water Connections: Connect the water pipes the right way; Cold water comes in from the right, and hot water goes out from the left.
4. Burned Out Element: Turn off both circuit breakers. Use a special tool to measure how much the heating element resists the electric flow. It should be around 5.0 ohms. If it’s much more, you might need a new element.
5. ECO Tripped (High Limit Thermostat): Turn off both circuit breakers. Push the red button on each heater module to reset the system. This should help if the ECO stopped the heater. (Only for Triple Module)

ii) Issue “B”: No Heat or Low Temperature with Indicator Light On

Now let’s see the reasons and solutions when the indicator light is on.

1. Too Much Water Flow: If the water flows too fast, slow it down using a valve.
2. Wrong Power Supply: Connect the heater to the right voltage, the one written on the label on the front. Don’t use any other voltage.
3. Burned Out Element: Turn off both circuit breakers. Do the same thing you did before to check the element’s resistance (Issue “A”, Point 4).
4. ECO Tripped (High Limit Thermostat): Turn off both circuit breakers. Press the red button on each heater module to reset the system. (Only for Triple Module)

NB: Due to most of the mentioned issues you may also face another issue: Eemax water heater not turning on. Among them, the electricity supply is off and lower water flow is mainly responsible for the issues. However in the case of LavAdvantage™, AccuMix II™, & FlowCo™ models the Heating element Failure and ECO tripped/malfunctioning is mainly responsible. To learn more read the linked article. 

Eemax Water Heater Maintenance Guide

To maintain your Eemax tankless water heater’s performance and prevent issues it’s highly important to take proper maintenance of your Eemax water heater. I’ve divided this maintenance part into 2 segments. Let’s check the below. 

01. General Maintenance

First, I’ll discuss the general maintenance guide. This guide is for all types and models of Eemax water heater. So, follow these easy steps for general upkeep:

1. Annual Connection Check: Inspect inlet and outlet connections annually for damage, cracks, leaks, or weakness. Deal with any problems quickly to prevent them from getting worse. And remember, don’t tighten connections too much.

2. Electrical Safety: Always prioritize safety when working with electrical components. Turn off power from the fuse or breaker box before installation, repair, or disassembly. Neglecting this can lead to serious injuries or worse.

3. Air Purging: After maintenance or pipe work, ensure to eliminate air from plumbing lines. Turn off the heater power, and remove air from the pipes before restarting the heater. This simple step can prevent costly repairs and prolong your heater’s life.

4. Hard Water Care: For areas with hard water (high mineral content), be extra careful. Regularly inspect for mineral buildup, which can impact efficiency and cause damage. Consider more frequent checks and flushing if needed.

02. Periodic Maintenance

If you’re using LavAdvantage™, AccuMix II™, & FlowCo™ models, remember these periodic maintenance guidelines to keep your water heater functioning optimally. This ensures continuous smooth water flow and extends the lifespan of your heater.

1. Keep Water Flowing: To ensure a constant supply of hot water, it’s good to check things occasionally. Sometimes, tiny particles can slow down the water. You can fix this by cleaning the “faucet aerator” and “filter screen.” These act like filters to keep water clean. The “faucet aerator” is at the faucet’s end where water comes out. The “filter screen” is at the heater’s water inlet.
2. Easy Cleaning: Cleaning these parts is simple. Just remove them and clean away the bits causing the slowdown with water. Then, put them back. It’s like a spa day for your water heater!

If you want to learn more about Eemax water heater maintenance you can check the linked article. 

How To Reset Eemax Water Heater

Now it’s an important part. Here you’ll learn about how to reset the Eemax water heater. As in the article I’ve already mentioned several times about resetting, it’s important to learn it. Here is how to do it: 

1. Switch off the power and unplug the water heater from the electrical source.
2. Drain and remove the heater.
3. Remove the bottom panel of the water heater.
4. Locate the junction box and find a small red button inside it. The junction box is usually easy to spot.
5. Press the small red button situated in the middle of the junction box.
6. Put the bottom panel back in place and reposition the water heater.

Note of Caution: If you find yourself resetting the high-limit switch frequently, contact the help center or a technician. They can diagnose the underlying issue and offer appropriate solutions.

PROSERIES XTP™ Shut Down Procedures

For the Proseries XTP water heater users a different part is here for you. Let’s check how to shut down the heater in different ways. 

01. Normal Shut Down Procedure

The normal shut down procedure is comparatively easy. Let’s check them out below. 

1. Normal Shutdown Sequence: Turn off the power to the unit in the correct order; start with the in-door (on-door) disconnect if available, then the local disconnect, and finally the main breaker. Follow the lockout procedure according to the facility’s requirements.
2. Close Water Valves: Close the appropriate water valves, both inlet and outlet. This step won’t drain the water heater.

02. Emergency Shut Down Procedure

This procedure is a bit complex. Let’s learn how to do it. 

1. Emergency Power Shutdown: Shut down the power to the unit. If there’s an in-door (on-door) disconnect, use it. Otherwise, use the local disconnect.
2. Emergency Water Valve Closure: Shut off both water valves – the inlet and outlet. The water heater won’t be drained during this step.
3. Complete Lock Out: Perform the full lockout process as required by the facility’s procedures.
4. Notify Involved Parties: Inform all relevant parties that the water heaters are now shut down.

03. Long-Term Shut Down Procedure

This is the last shut down procedure and let’s check the way to do it. 

1. Long Term Power Shutdown: Turn off the power systematically; begin with the indoor disconnect (if applicable), then use the local disconnect, and finally, switch off the main breaker. Follow the lockout procedure as mandated by the facility.
2. Close Water Valves: Close the necessary water valves for both inlet and outlet. No water drainage occurs during this step.
3. Drain and Prepare Water Heater: Drain the water heater through the plumbing network. Use compressed air to ensure the heater is thoroughly drained.
4. Secure Water Valves: Lock out all relevant water valves according to the facility’s procedures.

For technical assistance, you can call 1 (800) 543-6163. It’s vital to understand and follow these steps to prevent damage to the water heater and maintain any applicable warranties.

FAQs:

Final Verdict

I think you’re now clear about Eemax water heater troubleshooting. Finally, I’ll say that troubleshooting your Eemax water heater is a manageable task that can save you time, money, and potential inconvenience.

To keep your water heater working well, do regular maintenance like cleaning and checking as advised by the manufacturer. Keep a record of what you do for future reference and warranty claims. If a problem seems hard, don’t hesitate to get help from a professional to avoid making things worse.

Note: You can also read our Camplux Water heater troubleshooting guide.