Navien Tankless Water Heater Error Code 60 - Your Step-By-Step

There’s nothing quite like the jolt of an unexpectedly cold shower to ruin your morning. You head to your Navien tankless water heater, hoping for a simple fix, only to be met with a flashing, cryptic message: Error Code 60. It’s a common scenario that leaves many homeowners feeling frustrated and helpless.

But don’t worry. As an HVACR technician, I’ve walked countless homeowners through this exact issue. That flashing code isn’t a sign of doom; it’s your water heater’s way of telling you something specific needs attention, and it’s often something you can safely investigate yourself.

I promise this guide will demystify the navien tankless water heater error code 60 for you. We’ll break down what it means in plain English, walk through a safe, step-by-step troubleshooting process you can follow, and clearly define the moment it’s time to call in a professional. Let’s get that hot water back on and restore peace to your home.

What Does Navien Error Code 60 Actually Mean?

Before we dive into fixing it, let’s understand what your Navien unit is trying to tell you. In technical terms, Error Code 60 indicates an “Abnormal Exhaust Gas Temperature” or “Exhaust Overheating.”

Think of it like this: your tankless water heater is a master of efficiency. It’s designed to transfer as much heat as possible from the flame into your water. The exhaust gas that leaves through the vent pipe should be at a relatively low, controlled temperature.

When Error Code 60 appears, the unit’s internal sensors have detected that the exhaust gases are dangerously hot. As a critical safety measure, the system immediately shuts down to prevent damage to its components and, more importantly, to eliminate any potential fire hazard. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a vital self-preservation function.

Uncovering the Common Causes of Error Code 60

So, why would the exhaust get too hot? The problem usually boils down to one of two things: either heat isn’t being transferred to the water correctly, or the exhaust can’t escape the unit properly. This is where we start our investigation and explore some of the most common problems with navien tankless water heater error code 60.

Blocked or Improper Venting: This is, by far, the most frequent culprit. The intake (for fresh air) and exhaust vents are the lungs of your water heater. If they can’t breathe, the system overheats. Common blockages include snow, ice, leaves, bird nests, or even insect hives.
Heat Exchanger Scaling: If you live in an area with hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can build up inside the heat exchanger over time. This buildup, known as scale, acts like an insulator, preventing heat from transferring to the water. The trapped heat has nowhere to go but up the exhaust flue, triggering the error.
Faulty Exhaust Temperature Sensor: Sometimes, the problem isn’t the heat itself but the sensor that measures it. Like any electronic component, these sensors can fail and send an incorrect, high-temperature reading to the main control board, causing a false shutdown.
Blocked Condensate Drain: High-efficiency condensing units like Navien’s produce acidic condensation that must be drained away. If this drain line becomes clogged with debris or freezes, the backup can interfere with proper operation and, in some cases, contribute to overheating conditions.
Incorrect Installation: If the unit is new, the error could stem from an installation issue. Vent pipes that are too long, have too many bends, or have an improper slope can restrict airflow and cause the system to overheat.

Your Safe DIY Troubleshooting Guide for Navien Error Code 60

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves. We’re going to walk through a few safe checks together. This navien tankless water heater error code 60 guide is designed for homeowners, but your safety is the absolute priority. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, stop and call a professional.

A Crucial Safety Warning: Before you begin, locate the electrical breaker for your water heater and turn it off. If you are not 100% certain which breaker it is, turn off the main breaker to your home. Your safety is more important than a hot shower.

Step 1: The Simple Reset
Sometimes, a temporary glitch can cause an error. Once you’ve turned the power off and on again at the breaker, try resetting the unit itself by turning it off and on via the power button on the front panel. Wait a minute, then try running the hot water. If the error disappears and doesn’t return, you may have just experienced a one-time fluke. If it comes back, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Inspect the Exterior Vents
This is the most important check you can perform. Go outside to where your heater’s PVC vent pipes terminate. There will be two pipes: one for air intake and one for exhaust.
Carefully inspect the openings. Are they blocked by anything? Look for:
- Snow drifts or ice buildup in the winter.
- Leaves, dirt, or landscaping debris.
- Bird nests, rodent nests, or insect hives.
- A plastic bag or other trash that may have blown against the vents.
If you find an obstruction, carefully clear it away. Ensure there’s at least two feet of clear space around the vents. Once cleared, go inside and try resetting the unit again.
Step 3: Check the Condensate Drain Line
Locate the small, clear or gray plastic tube coming from the bottom of your Navien unit. This is the condensate drain. It should run to a floor drain or a small condensate pump.
Check for any visible kinks or clogs in the line. If it runs to a pump, ensure the pump has power and is working correctly. A gurgling sound from the unit or water dripping from anywhere other than this tube can be a sign of a blockage.
Step 4: Review Your Surroundings
Think back—has anything changed around your home recently? Did you just have new landscaping put in that might be blocking the vents? Has there been construction nearby kicking up unusual amounts of dust? Sometimes the cause is external and requires a simple environmental change.

When to Call a Professional: The Limits of DIY

You’ve done the basic checks, but the dreaded Error Code 60 persists. This is the point where DIY troubleshooting should stop. Continuing further without proper training and tools can be dangerous and may cause more damage to your unit.

It’s time to call a licensed and insured HVACR or plumbing professional if:

The error code returns immediately after a reset, even with clear vents.
You suspect the issue is internal, such as heat exchanger scaling or a faulty sensor.
You can hear unusual noises like rattling or whistling coming from the unit.
You see any signs of water leakage or soot around the heater’s casing.
You are simply not comfortable performing any of the checks listed above.

A professional has the diagnostic tools to test sensors, the specialized pumps and solutions to descale a heat exchanger safely, and the expertise to analyze combustion and exhaust systems. Don’t risk your safety or a more expensive repair bill—know when to hand it over to an expert.

Proactive Care: Best Practices to Prevent Error Code 60

The best way to deal with an error code is to prevent it from ever happening. Following a simple navien tankless water heater error code 60 care guide can save you headaches and extend the life of your unit. This is also the key to a more sustainable navien tankless water heater error code 60 solution, as a well-maintained unit is an energy-efficient one.

Regularly Descale (Flush) Your Unit

This is the single most important piece of preventative maintenance. Over time, mineral scale builds up and chokes your heat exchanger’s performance. Flushing the unit annually with a food-grade vinegar solution or a dedicated descaling solution removes this buildup, restores efficiency, and is a primary defense against Error Code 60.

Keep Vents Clear Year-Round

Make checking your exterior vents a part of your regular home maintenance routine. Check them when you clean your gutters in the fall and after heavy snowfall in the winter. This simple visual inspection takes seconds and can prevent a no-hot-water emergency.

Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance

Have a qualified technician service your Navien unit once a year. They will do more than just a basic flush. They will clean internal filters, inspect the igniter and flame sensor, test safety controls, and analyze combustion to ensure your unit is running safely and at peak, eco-friendly navien tankless water heater error code 60 performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Navien Tankless Water Heater Error Code 60

Can I just keep resetting my Navien heater if I get error code 60?

No. While a single reset might fix a temporary glitch, repeatedly resetting the unit is like hitting the snooze button on a fire alarm. You are ignoring the underlying safety issue. This can lead to permanent damage to the heat exchanger or other critical components, turning a simple fix into a major expense.

How much does it cost to fix a Navien error code 60?

The cost can vary dramatically based on the cause. If it’s a blocked vent that you clear yourself, the cost is free! If a technician needs to clear a more stubborn blockage, you might pay a standard service call fee ($100-$250). If the heat exchanger requires a professional descaling service, you could be looking at $250-$500. Replacing a faulty sensor would fall in a similar range.

Is error code 60 covered under my Navien warranty?

This depends entirely on the cause. If the error is due to a failed component like an exhaust sensor, it will likely be covered by your parts warranty (though labor may not be). However, problems caused by external factors (blocked vents) or a lack of required maintenance (failure to descale the unit) are almost never covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Always refer to your specific warranty documentation.

Dealing with a navien tankless water heater error code 60 can be alarming, but it doesn’t have to be a crisis. By understanding what the code means and following these safe, logical steps, you can often diagnose—and sometimes even solve—the problem yourself. Remember to prioritize safety, know your limits, and don’t hesitate to call a trusted professional when you need one.

With a little knowledge and a proactive approach to maintenance, you can ensure your Navien tankless water heater provides reliable, efficient hot water for years to come. Stay safe, and enjoy that hot shower!

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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.