E18
EcoSmart Dry-Fire Protection / No Water Detected

Unit displays E18; may occur after a long period of inactivity or after service.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Unit powered with no water in heat exchanger, Air lock in heater, Flow sensor not detecting initial fill, Incorrect installation orientation

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn OFF power before attempting to fill or purge the heater.

  • Verify water supply: Ensure the cold water inlet valve to the EcoSmart heater is fully open and that upstream shutoffs are not closed.
  • Purge air: Open multiple hot water taps to allow water to flow through the heater and push out air. Let water run for several minutes.
  • Check installation: Confirm the heater is installed upright and plumb as specified by EcoSmart; incorrect orientation can trap air.
  • Reset and test: After purging, turn power back ON and run hot water. If E18 returns, the flow sensor or dry-fire detection circuit may be malfunctioning.
  • Service if needed: Replace the flow sensor if it fails to detect flow despite confirmed water movement.
Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5
Advertisements