Noritz Code 11: Ignition Error
On this page (5 sections)
The Short Answer: Noritz’s NRC1111 owner’s guide lists code 11 as an ignition error: the heater tried to light and didn’t. Noritz’s owner action is to check that the gas valve is open, press the power button off, open a hot water fixture, then turn the unit back on. If the flashing code doesn’t return, the problem is solved. If it returns, have a technician check the gas supply and ignition.
When 11 appears
| Situation | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| After the unit was drained using the remote | Noritz says 11 may appear and isn’t a malfunction |
| After gas work, a meter change or a propane delivery | Gas valve closed, air in the line, or supply interrupted |
| On a propane system when other appliances also fail | Empty tank or regulator problem |
| When other appliances are running | Gas supply too small for all appliances at once |
| After storms or high wind on an outdoor unit | Wind or water affecting the burner or vent |
| Repeatedly with gas confirmed | Igniter, flame sensor, gas valve, or control fault |
The meaning comes from the NRC1111 guide. Other Noritz models generally use 11 for ignition problems too, but confirm with the guide for your model. Code 12 is a different fault. See Noritz code 12.
What you can check safely
Noritz’s troubleshooting chart for a unit that tries to ignite but fails asks owners to check:
- Gas and water supply valves are fully open. The gas valve handle should be parallel to the pipe.
- The water supply isn’t cut off, and the hot fixture is open enough.
- Other gas appliances work. If the stove also won’t light, the gas meter or supply is the problem.
- For propane, there’s enough gas in the tank.
Then follow Noritz’s reset: press the power button on the remote to turn the unit off, open a hot water fixture, and turn the unit back on. Do this once. Repeated attempts can let unburned gas collect. If you hear a bang on ignition, leave the unit off and call for service.
What the technician will check
A gas technician will measure inlet gas pressure with the heater at full fire and with other appliances running, and compare it to the rating plate. They inspect the igniter and flame rod, check the gas valve and the control’s ignition sequence, and look for vent or condensate problems that affect combustion. If the gas line is undersized for the heater, they recommend a piping change rather than a heater part.
Repair or replace
Most 11 codes are caused by the gas supply or by inexpensive ignition parts. Gas valves and control boards are larger repairs but still repairs. Code 11 by itself is rarely a reason to replace the heater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did code 11 appear right after I drained the heater? A: Noritz’s guide says an 11 code may appear on the remote when the unit is drained using the remote controller, and that it isn’t a malfunction. Refill the unit and reset following the guide.
Q: Can I keep resetting code 11? A: Reset once after checking the gas valve and supply. If 11 comes back, a technician needs to find the cause.
Manuals and supporting references
These links distinguish general safety information from model-specific documentation. A manual directory helps you locate your unit’s instructions; it does not establish that every model uses the same parts, codes, or test values.
- Noritz NRC1111 owner's guide (SBA8723) (opens in a new tab)Noritz NRC1111-DV and NRC1111-OD: code 11 meaning and owner action, draining note, ignition troubleshooting.
- Noritz: product support and technical literature (opens in a new tab)Find the specific model’s owner guide and code definitions.
- PG&E: recognizing and responding to a gas leak (opens in a new tab)Emergency actions for suspected fuel-gas leaks.
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