Girard Tankless Water Heater Not Working: Troubleshooting Guide

When your Girard GSWH-2 tankless water heater starts malfunctioning, don’t panic! Start by inspecting the control panel for any signs of life or error messages. Verify that the water temperature is reaching the desired 120 degrees. If not, you’ll need to dig deeper to identify the root cause – whether it’s a faulty ignition, water flow issues, or something else entirely. Let’s plunge into the common issues and troubleshoot together to get your hot water flowing again.

Symptoms and Troubleshooting

When your Girard GSWH-2 tankless water heater doesn’t function as expected, it’s essential to identify the symptoms to troubleshoot the issue effectively.

Check the control panel for icons or activity; if you see none, it may indicate a problem.

Monitor the water temperature, as it should reach 120 degrees.

Inspect the shower head for debris and adjust the valve on the back of the tankless water heater to guarantee proper water flow.

Verify the water pressure is at least 45-50 PSI, as low pressure can cause issues.

Common Issues and Causes

Identifying the root cause of an issue with your Girard GSWH-2 tankless water heater is crucial to resolving the problem efficiently.

You may encounter common issues like failure to ignite, water temperature problems, leaks, or system malfunctioning.

These can be caused by:

• Incorrect valve settings, stuck flow sensor, or pressure issues preventing ignition
• Flow restrictors, kinked lines, or low water pressure affecting water temperature
• Imperfect installation, maintenance, or winterization leading to leaks and water damage

Flow Sensor and Pressure Problems

When you’re troubleshooting your Girard tankless water heater, you’ll need to check the flow sensor to guarantee it’s not stuck, as this can prevent the burner from staying on and heating the water.

A stuck sensor can be cleaned or replaced if necessary, but if you’re not getting the minimum 1 gpm flow rate, the burner will shut off.

You’ll also need to investigate pressure issues, as the unit requires at least 45-50 PSI to operate properly and confirm that everything is working as it should.

Flow Sensor Issues

Your Girard tankless water heater may be experiencing flow sensor issues, which can manifest as a failure to heat water or inconsistent temperatures.

To troubleshoot, check the following:

• Certify the water pressure is at least 45-50 PSI, as low pressure can prevent the unit from firing.
• Verify that the propane is turned on after de-winterization, as this can also prevent proper operation.
• Check the valve settings, especially bypass valves, to guarantee they’re not restricting water flow to the flow sensor.

Stuck Sensor Troubleshooting

Stuck sensors can cause significant disruptions to your Girard tankless water heater’s operation, and it’s not uncommon for flow sensors to malfunction due to debris or mineral buildup.

You’ll need to troubleshoot the sensor to resolve issues like the unit not heating water consistently or not igniting at all. Check the water pressure regulator to verify it’s set correctly, as low water pressure (less than 45-50 PSI) can cause malfunctions.

Clean the flow sensor with a toothbrush and vinegar to remove debris or mineral buildup. If the problem persists, consider replacing the sensor to guarantee your Girard tankless water heater is up and running again.

Bypass Valves and Winterization

Girard tankless water heaters feature bypass valves, which play a crucial role in winterization, a process that prevents damage from freezing temperatures.

When you’re preparing your unit for winter, you’ll need to close the bypass valves to drain the water from the heater. This prevents water from freezing and causing damage to the unit.

• Close the bypass valves to drain the water from the heater
• Disconnect and drain the hoses from the unit
• Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing

Unit Installation and Setup

When troubleshooting your Girard tankless water heater, you’ll need to validate that the unit was installed correctly and set up properly to rule out any installation-related issues.

Incorrect installation can lead to component faults, so it’s vital to review the owner’s manual and verify that all components were installed as specified.

Incorrect Installation

Because you’ve never had a functional unit, it’s likely that installation issues are to blame.

Review the Girard manual and other component manuals to guarantee proper installation. Check for mistakes in the installation of bypass valves, which shouldn’t be used on tankless water heaters.

• Contact Thor and Camping World management to report issues and seek assistance.
• Remove and replace three-way valves with plain elbows to prevent future issues.
• Document all maintenance and repairs for future reference.

Component Faults

Incorrect installation and setup can lead to a multitude of issues with your Girard tankless water heater, particularly if it has never functioned properly from the start.

You should review the owner’s manuals, including the Girard GSWH manual, to guarantee correct installation and setup.

Check for incorrect valve settings, especially bypass valves, which can affect the flow rate of your tankless water heater. Also, verify that bypass valves aren’t installed, as they’re not intended for tankless systems.

Additionally, inspect the stick-built shelves holding your water heater and furnace for signs of failure, and reinforce them if necessary.

Proper Setup Required

You must guarantee your Girard tankless water heater is installed and set up correctly to maximize its performance and longevity.

Improper setup can lead to reduced hot water flow, increased energy consumption, and premature wear on the unit.

Certify a successful setup by:

• Verifying the unit is installed level and plumb to prevent scale buildup and corrosion
• Configuring the temperature and flow rate settings according to your specific hot water needs
• Guaranteeing adequate gas supply and venting to support efficient and safe operation

Additional Information and Recommendations

When troubleshooting your Girard tankless water heater, it’s essential to ponder a few additional factors to prevent future issues and guarantee peak operation.

Remove and replace three-way valves with plain elbows to avoid potential problems.

Documenting all maintenance and repairs will help in future reference and troubleshooting.

Be thorough when inspecting the system after winterization, as improper procedures can cause issues.

If you’re not the original owner, contact Thor for goodwill out of warranty if the previous owner’s mistakes are to blame.

Issue Description and Possible Causes

You’re now ready to identify the specific issue with your Girard tankless water heater.

Temperature issues, such as inconsistent or scalding hot water, can be caused by faulty temperature sensors or scaling buildup.

You may also encounter water flow problems, like low pressure or no hot water, or system malfunctions, such as error codes or complete shutdowns, which can be attributed to various factors including faulty components or improper installation.

Temperature Issues

Temperature issues with your Girard tankless water heater can manifest in a few ways, such as the water not reaching the target temperature of 120 degrees, resulting in cold showers.

This can be frustrating, especially when you’re expecting a warm shower.

Possible causes of temperature issues include:

• Debris in the shower head, incorrect valve settings, or kinked lines to and from the heater
• Issues with the flow sensor, pressure, or propane supply preventing the heater from turning on
• The tankless water heater’s limited ability to raise the water temperature by only 50°F, or low flow rates at the shower blend valve

Water Flow Problems

Water flow problems with your Girard tankless water heater can be a real inconvenience, resulting in weak water streams or even complete system shutdowns.

You may experience low water pressure, or hot and cold water flows that are inconsistent. Possible causes include mineral buildup in the water flow sensor, restricted gas flow, or low water flow rates.

Check for blockages in the filter or pipes, and guarantee the gas supply line is unobstructed. If you’ve recently installed a water softener or filter, it may be restricting water flow.

Inspect your system to identify the root cause of the issue, and certify that all components are functioning properly.

System Malfunction

When your Girard tankless water heater malfunctions, it can be frustrating and disrupt your daily routine.

In this situation, it’s essential to identify the root cause of the issue to resolve it efficiently.

Common causes of system malfunction include:

• Flow sensor malfunction, valve settings, or pressure problems preventing the unit from reaching the target temperature
• Propane supply issues, such as not turning it on after de-winterization, or incorrect bypass valve installation
• Pressure regulator or DC power supply issues causing the control panel not to display icons during water flow

Using Fresh Water Tank and City Water

You’ve opted for a hybrid setup, combining a fresh water tank with city water to supply your Girard tankless water heater.

This common RV configuration allows you to switch between the two sources depending on your needs.

When using city water, certify the tank is turned off to avoid contamination.

Conversely, when relying on the water tank, make sure the city water supply is shut off.

Failing to do so may lead to inconsistent water pressure, affecting the heater’s performance.

Always check the tank’s water level and city water pressure to guarantee a smooth operation.

Experiences With Similar Issues and Technical Specifications

Similar issues have been reported by other users, and their experiences can provide valuable insights into resolving your Girard tankless water heater problems.

You’re not alone in dealing with inconsistent water temperatures or cold showers. Other users have encountered similar issues, and their troubleshooting efforts can help you identify the root cause of your problem.

• Check your lines to and from the heater for kinks, which can restrict flow rate and affect performance.
• Be aware that your tankless water heater may only be able to raise the water temperature by 50°F, which could impact your shower experience, especially with low-flow shower heads on the hot side.
• Inspect your shower blend valve’s flow rate, as it may be too low to trigger the water heater, resulting in cold showers.

User Feedback and Frustrations

Many frustrated users have taken to online forums and review sites to express their disappointment and anger with their Girard tankless water heater‘s performance.

You’re not alone if you’re experiencing back-to-back cold showers or inconsistent hot water flow. Users report issues with inadequate hot water supply, especially during peak usage.

You might’ve noticed that your heater struggles to keep up with your household’s demands, leading to lukewarm water or even complete shut-off. Some have also reported faulty temperature sensors, causing the heater to malfunction.

If you’re fed up with your Girard tankless water heater’s subpar performance, it’s time to troubleshoot the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Reset a Tankless Water Heater?

You’ll need to troubleshoot the issue first, as there’s no reset button on some models. Check for a faulty thermostat, cold water shock, or error code mystery, then locate the reset button, if available, to resolve the problem and get your tankless water heater up and running.

Why Won’t My Tankless Water Heater Ignite?

You’re struggling with ignition issues – first, check for a faulty igniter, clogged burner, or inadequate gas supply, as these common culprits can prevent your tankless water heater from firing up; also, guarantee proper venting to avoid combustion issues.

Why Is My RV Tankless Water Heater Not Getting Hot?

Are you tired of freezing showers on the road? You’re not getting hot water because you might have low pressure, a cold inlet, a faulty sensor, or incorrect installation – check these common issues to get your RV’s tankless water heater firing again!

Why Is There No Water Coming Out of My Tankless Water Heater?

You’re not getting any water from your tankless water heater because you might be experiencing water supply issues, Filter clogs, or Pipe freezing, which can be caused by Scale buildup; check and clear these potential blockages to restore water flow.

Conclusion

As you troubleshoot your Girard GSWH-2 tankless water heater, bear in mind that finding the root cause is like solving a puzzle – every piece must fit together perfectly. One misaligned piece, and the entire system fails. Take the time to inspect every component, from the control panel to the bypass valves, and don’t overlook the smallest details. By doing so, you’ll be able to identify the problem and fix it efficiently, getting your hot water flowing again in no time.