Navien Combustion Odor / Venting Issue

Strong exhaust or burning smell near the Navien water heater or vent termination during operation; no error code.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Improper vent termination location, Exhaust recirculating into intake, Loose vent joints leaking flue gases, Incomplete combustion due to incorrect gas/air ratio

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: If you smell strong exhaust or suspect carbon monoxide, turn OFF the unit immediately, ventilate the area, and evacuate if necessary. Install and check CO detectors. Do not operate the unit until the issue is resolved.

Steps:

  • 1. Inspect vent terminations: Ensure intake and exhaust terminations are properly spaced and oriented per Navien instructions and local code.
  • 2. Check vent joints: Visually inspect accessible vent joints for gaps, loose fittings, or missing solvent welds/clamps.
  • 3. Look for recirculation: If exhaust is being drawn into the intake (e.g., due to wind patterns or poor placement), odors may be noticeable. This requires vent relocation or modification.

Combustion tuning and vent corrections must be performed by a licensed technician. Do not ignore combustion odors.

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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

Exhaust Venting System
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