SOLVED: How to fix your portable water heater if it won’t ignite

Troubleshooting why your Eccotemp L5, EL5, or EL7 Portable Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater is not igniting.

Are you hearing clicking sounds when it tries to ignite? YES?
Here's what to troubleshoot:
A.) Flame sensor:
• Check to be sure the flame sensor and igniters are hooked up and for sure connected.
B.) Gas Compression:
• Check the gas compression fitting for any obstructions. It's possible that there is something blocking your gas compression fitting. This can happen during the shipment of the water heater and is easily fixable.
C.) Water line:
• Disconnect your incoming water line. There is a screen immediately inside of the incoming water pipe that may have clogged over time and is reducing the water flow and water pressure (clean that out if needed).

Are you hearing clicking sounds when it tries to ignite? NO?
A.) Wire receptacle:
• The wire receptacle behind the ignition pack may be loose or disconnected. Try disconnecting and reconnecting.
B.) Micro switch:
• Pull the little metal lever on the micro switch to see if you hear clicking (NOTE: Water heater must be in the upright position for this step). If the microswitch doesn’t make the clicking sound when checked manually, it is most likely your ignition pack.
C.) Gas solenoid:
• Aside from the clicks from the igniters there's one loud click that should be coming from the gas solenoid.
• If it's not clicking then the plunger may be stuck
• Tap on the gas solenoid. sometimes tapping on it can undo it being stuck if tapping won't undo it, remove the gas solenoid and check on the plunger
D.) Tilt Switch:
• Portable models are equipped with a safety tilt switch that will shut the water heater off if it’s tilted too much to the left, right, front, or back. This water heater must be in the upright position for the microswitch and water heater to activate.
• Check the position of your Tilt-Switch located in the bottom RIGHT corner of the water heater. It must be upright and vertical or it will not allow the water heater to ignite.

Other things to check:
A.) Min. PSI:
• You must have at least 25 psi (pounds per square inch) to activate and keep the water heater running
B.) 12V Battery
• Check the battery for your pump (if you’re using a pump) to make sure it’s still good
C.) Fresh batteries:
• Inserted correctly? Try a new set of batteries. The L5 model takes 2 "D" cell batteries. The Luxe Portable models take 4 double “A” batteries.
D.) Propane tank:
• Check to make sure it’s full.
• Check for leaking
E.) Gas regulator and hose:
• Use a different one, or test to other gas appliances
F.) On switch:
• Check to make sure the switch on the bottom is in the “ON” position

Please keep in mind that portables are NOT to be permanently mounted or left unattended as it is not recommended and can be considered a hazard. Not for indoor usage or to be vented. Also, these units are not to be plumbed in to the side or any other part of the house or location and is meant to serve for recreational use only.

View our complete troubleshooting guide here: https://support.eccotemp.com/hc/en-us...