How To Convert A Navien Water Heater To Propane: A Step-By-Step

So, you’ve got a high-efficiency Navien tankless water heater, but your home runs on propane, not natural gas. It’s a common scenario, whether you’ve moved into a new rural property or are making the switch away from natural gas lines. You’re probably wondering if you have to buy a whole new unit. I’ve got good news for you: you don’t.

I promise that with the right official kit and a careful, methodical approach, converting your Navien is a manageable project. It’s a task that can save you a significant amount of money and get you enjoying endless hot water powered by the fuel source you have on hand.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to convert a Navien water heater to propane. We’ll cover the essential safety precautions, the tools and parts you’ll need, a detailed step-by-step conversion process, and how to troubleshoot common issues. Let’s get that water heater speaking propane’s language.

Why Convert Your Navien to Propane? The Benefits Explained

Before we roll up our sleeves and get into the nuts and bolts, let’s talk about why this conversion is such a great option. Understanding the advantages can give you confidence that you’re making a smart move for your home and wallet.

One of the primary benefits of how to convert a navien water heater to propane is fuel accessibility. For homes located beyond the reach of municipal natural gas lines, propane is a reliable and efficient fuel source that can be stored on-site. This gives you energy independence and ensures you have hot water regardless of utility grid issues.

Here are a few more key benefits:

Cost-Effectiveness: Converting an existing unit is almost always cheaper than purchasing a brand-new, propane-ready model. The conversion kit is a fraction of the cost of a new water heater.
Sustained Efficiency: Navien units are famous for their high energy efficiency. By using the official conversion kit, you ensure the heater continues to operate at its peak condensing efficiency, saving you money on fuel bills over the long term. This is a core part of a sustainable how to convert a navien water heater to propane strategy.
Eco-Friendly Performance: Propane is a clean-burning fuel, recognized as a “green” energy source by the U.S. Government. It produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to other fossil fuels, making your conversion an eco-friendly how to convert a navien water heater to propane choice.

Before You Begin: Essential Tools, Parts, and Safety Precautions

Alright, this is the most important section of the entire guide. When working with gas, there is zero room for error. Preparation and safety are non-negotiable. Don’t even think about touching that water heater until you’ve read this and have everything ready.

The Right Part for the Job: The Navien Conversion Kit

First and foremost, you must use the official Navien Propane (LP) Conversion Kit designed specifically for your water heater’s model number. You can find this number on the data plate on the side of the unit.

Do not use a generic or third-party kit. Using the wrong parts can lead to inefficient operation, dangerous carbon monoxide production, or even fire. The official kit contains the precise gas orifices and components calibrated for your unit.

Your Toolkit for Success

Gather these tools before you start. Having everything within arm’s reach makes the process smoother and safer.

Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
Adjustable wrench or a set of open-end wrenches
Needle-nose pliers
A manometer (for checking gas pressure—this is a pro tool, and we’ll discuss why it’s critical)
Gas leak detection solution (a simple mix of soap and water in a spray bottle works great)
Clean rags or paper towels

Safety First, Always

Let’s go over the ground rules. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist.

Turn Off the Power: Unplug the water heater or switch off the corresponding breaker at your electrical panel.
Shut Off the Gas: Find the manual gas shut-off valve on the line leading to your water heater and turn it to the “off” position (the handle should be perpendicular to the pipe).
Shut Off the Water: Close the main water inlet and outlet valves connected to the unit.
Ensure Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. Open a nearby window or door to allow any residual gas to dissipate.

If at any point you smell gas and can’t locate the source, stop immediately. Leave the area, and call your gas provider or the fire department from a safe distance.

How to Convert a Navien Water Heater to Propane: A Step-by-Step Guide

With your tools gathered and safety checks complete, you’re ready to begin the conversion. Follow these steps carefully. This how to convert a navien water heater to propane guide is designed to be clear and direct, but remember—if you feel unsure at any point, it’s always best to call a licensed technician.

Step 1: Open the Front Panel and Access the Components

First, you’ll need to remove the front cover of your Navien unit. This is typically held in place by a few screws at the bottom or sides. Once the screws are out, the panel should lift off easily. Set it aside carefully.

You’ll now see the inner workings of your water heater. We are focused on the gas manifold and the main control board.

Step 2: Replace the Natural Gas Orifices with Propane Orifices

The heart of the conversion is swapping the gas orifices. Natural gas operates at a lower pressure than propane, so it requires larger orifice openings. The propane orifices in your kit will be smaller to deliver the correct amount of fuel.

Locate the gas manifold—it’s the pipe that distributes gas to the burner. You’ll see several brass-colored nozzles (orifices) screwed into it. Using your wrench, carefully unscrew each natural gas orifice. They can be tight, so apply steady pressure.

Once they are all removed, take the new propane orifices from your conversion kit. Screw them into the manifold by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then tighten them snugly with your wrench. Do not over-tighten, as this can damage the brass fittings.

Step 3: Adjust the DIP Switches on the Control Board

This is a critical step that many people miss. Your Navien’s control board needs to be told that it’s now running on propane. This is done by adjusting a small set of switches called DIP switches.

Look for the main circuit board (it’s usually green and covered in electronic components). On the board, you’ll find a small block of tiny switches, often labeled “SW1” or “SW2”. Your conversion kit’s instructions or the manual printed inside the unit’s cover will show you the exact configuration for LP (Propane).

Using a small screwdriver or a pen tip, carefully flip the designated switches to the correct “ON” or “OFF” position for propane. Double-check this setting. An incorrect DIP switch setting is one of the most common problems with how to convert a navien water heater to propane, leading to poor performance and error codes.

Step 4: Reassembly and Leak Testing

Now, work in reverse. Re-secure any components you moved to access the manifold. Before putting the front cover back on, we need to perform a leak test. This is one of the most important how to convert a navien water heater to propane best practices.

Slowly turn the gas supply back on. Using your spray bottle of soapy water, spray every gas connection you worked on, including where the orifices screw into the manifold and any other fittings on the gas line. Look for bubbling. If you see bubbles forming, you have a gas leak. Immediately turn the gas off and tighten the leaking connection. Repeat the test until you see no bubbles.

Step 5: Power Up and Commission the Unit

Once you are 100% certain there are no leaks, you can turn the water valves back on and restore power to the unit. The water heater should power on and go through its startup sequence.

Run a hot water tap in your home to call for heat. Watch the unit fire up. The flame should be steady and blue with little to no yellow tipping. Listen for any unusual sounds.

A professional technician would now connect a manometer to the unit’s gas valve to verify and adjust the manifold pressure to the exact specifications for propane listed in the manual. This step is highly recommended and is often required to maintain the warranty.

Common Problems with How to Convert a Navien Water Heater to Propane (And How to Fix Them)

Even with a careful approach, you might run into a snag. Here are a few common issues and some quick troubleshooting tips.

Problem: The unit won’t ignite or gives an ignition failure error.
- Solution: Double-check that you turned the gas supply back on fully. Ensure the DIP switches are set correctly for propane. An incorrect setting can prevent ignition.
Problem: The flame is yellow, sooty, or “lazy.”
- Solution: This is a sign of improper combustion, which is dangerous. The most likely cause is that the wrong orifices are installed or the DIP switches are not set correctly. Shut the unit down immediately and re-verify your work.
Problem: The unit seems to run rough or makes strange noises.
- Solution: This often points to incorrect gas pressure. The difference between natural gas and propane pressure is significant. This is where a manometer is essential to properly calibrate the unit. If you don’t have one, it’s time to call a pro.

Post-Conversion Care: A Simple Maintenance Guide

Congratulations on your successful conversion! To keep your Navien running efficiently for years to come, a little regular maintenance goes a long way. Think of this as your how to convert a navien water heater to propane care guide.

Once a year, it’s a good idea to:

Inspect the Burner: Check the flame for a consistent blue color.
Clean the Air Intake Filter: A clogged filter can starve the unit of air, reducing efficiency.
Flush the System: If you have hard water, flushing the heat exchanger annually prevents scale buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Navien Propane Conversions

Can I use a conversion kit from a different brand on my Navien?

Absolutely not. You must use the official Navien LP conversion kit made for your specific model. Each unit is engineered differently, and using incorrect parts is a major safety hazard.

How long does the conversion process take?

For an experienced technician, the job usually takes about an hour. For a first-time DIYer taking their time and being meticulous with safety checks, it’s wise to set aside 2-3 hours.

Do I really need a manometer to check the gas pressure?

While the unit may operate without this final adjustment, you won’t know if it’s running safely and at peak efficiency. For peace of mind, warranty compliance, and optimal performance, having the gas pressure professionally set is highly recommended. It’s one of the most valuable how to convert a navien water heater to propane tips we can offer.

Converting your Navien water heater from natural gas to propane is a fantastic way to adapt a great piece of equipment to your home’s fuel source. By prioritizing safety, using the correct parts, and following the steps methodically, you can ensure a steady supply of efficient, on-demand hot water.

Remember, there’s no shame in calling for backup. If you feel out of your depth at any stage, a qualified HVACR technician can complete the job safely and give you total peace of mind. Stay safe, and enjoy that endless hot water!

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David Clark

Founder & Lead HVAC Specialist at HVACRLY

David Clark is the founder of HVACrly and a certified HVAC specialist with 10+ years working on residential and light-commercial systems. He turns complex heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration topics into clear, actionable guides focused on safety and energy efficiency. When he’s not on a service call, he’s testing tools and writing step-by-step tutorials.