Frequently asked questions about gas instantaneous water heaters with battery ignition
The device is not working
Only cold water is coming out of the instantaneous water heater.
I can hear the device ticking, but...
The instantaneous water heater was working, but now it has stopped.
The appliance switches on and then off again.
Other reasons why the instantaneous water heater switches off.
The water is not getting hot enough.
My instantaneous water heater is leaking.
I turn off the tap, but the instantaneous water heater continues to burn (for a while).
It is frustrating when your (new) appliance does not work after installation. We will do our best to provide you with a working appliance. It is important to install the instantaneous water heater according to the instructions in the user manual. We ask that you consult this first before contacting us.
Before you go through our FAQs, it is important to observe and listen to what the instantaneous water heater is doing and what it is not doing. This can provide clues to identifying the problem. Our service team may also ask you about this!
The device is not working:
The device may not start for various reasons, such as technical defects, faulty installation, or other external causes. In many cases, checking and correcting the following points can restore your instantaneous water heater to proper working order.
1. Is the on/off switch turned on?
2. Is the instantaneous water heater standing upright correctly? Otherwise, the toggle switch will block the instantaneous water heater.
3. Check that the water is flowing on the “correct” side of the device. If the incoming and outgoing water flows are reversed, the device will not work. The incoming water (cold) must be connected on the right-hand side (as viewed from the device).
4. Is the battery still “full” and are the terminals inserted correctly (+/-)? Batteries that have been stored in the cupboard for a long time sometimes no longer have enough capacity to operate the instantaneous water heater properly. We therefore always recommend using new batteries. With some batteries, remember that any protective films and/or plastic covers must be removed from the terminals properly.
5. Check that there is still enough gas and that the gas tap to the instantaneous water heater is open. Please note that with a new gas cylinder, there may still be some air in the pipes at first. Restarting a few times is sufficient to vent the appliance.
6. Is the water pressure sufficient? The water pressure must not fall below 0.5 bar, otherwise a safety device will switch off the electronics and ignition will not be possible. Remove any kinks in the inlet hose or use a water pump, for example, to provide additional pressure in the water pipe.
Another cause of low water pressure can be contamination, such as limescale or dirt in the filter on the water supply. In this case, clean the filter and connect the appliance “upside down,” i.e., with the cold water supply at the outlet, and rinse the appliance thoroughly with plenty of water to flush out any contaminants.
7. Is the microswitch functioning properly? On the Outdoor HD6, if you look into the geyser from below (this is easier to see with the cover removed), you will see a small black block with a metal tab between the two knobs. When water flows, this metal tab should move to the right. This tab releases a small orange button. If the tab opens but the orange button does not appear, the microswitch is defective.
8. Finally, we would like to ask you to check that all plugs are still securely connected. If necessary, disconnect them first and then reconnect them. It is possible that a plug may no longer make good contact due to transport or installation. Make sure that the plug is inserted back into the correct position.
We hope that going through these points will get your instantaneous water heater working. If this is not the case, it should at least be doing something, e.g., “I can hear the instantaneous water heater ticking, but ...”. In this case, please refer to our other FAQs that best describe your situation.
No water is coming out of my instantaneous water heater
An instantaneous water heater discharges the same amount of water as it takes in. If less water or no water is coming out of the instantaneous water heater, one of the following steps may help.
Check the water supply for blockages, kinks, or other obstructions.
Check whether there is any dirt on the connection to the instantaneous water heater. This could be limescale or dirt in the filter on the water inlet, for example. In this case, clean the filter and connect the device “upside down,” i.e., connect the cold water inlet to the outlet, and flush the device with plenty of water for a long time to wash away any contaminants.
Is the tap open/the pipe behind the instantaneous water heater clear? Check here too for any obstructions. For example, check whether the shower head is still flowing sufficiently.
Water flows in, but only cold water comes out:
Check that the water inlet and outlet are connected correctly. The water inlet must be connected to the inlet connection (connection on the far right).
Ensure that there is sufficient water pressure of at least 0.5 bar continuously.
Ensure that there is sufficient gas in the propane tank and that the gas pressure regulator is correctly installed and open.
Functioning batteries are required for ignition. Ensure that the batteries are inserted with the correct polarity (+/-) and that any protective films have been removed.
Check that the on/off switch on the instantaneous water heater is switched on and that the instantaneous water heater is therefore “on.”
Make sure that you do not supply more than the maximum amount of water. If you supply more than 6 liters per minute to the Outdoor HD6, the instantaneous water heater will not be able to heat this amount. In this case, use a shut-off valve to reduce the flow.
If everything is in order and the water heater still does not work, it is important to check what the water heater is doing and what it is not doing. One of the following scenarios is likely to apply to your situation.
I can hear the sound of the instantaneous water heater, but...
If you turn on the tap and hear the instantaneous water heater ticking but no hot water comes out, the battery is probably no longer strong enough to open the gas valve in the instantaneous water heater. This can be easily remedied by replacing the (almost) empty battery with new batteries. Please note that batteries that have been stored in the cupboard for a long time may no longer work properly.
Another possibility is that the instantaneous water heater is having difficulty igniting for the first time due to air in the pipe. Check that everything is connected correctly and that all plugs are securely in place. Start the instantaneous water heater several times and make sure that the left knob is turned all the way to the right. You may need to repeat this several times.
Another possibility is that the thermocouple is no longer properly inserted in the pilot light. The instantaneous water heater then does not recognize that the pilot light is burning and continues to tick while the main burner does not ignite. This can be remedied by maneuvering the thermocouple into the pilot light, for example with a long screwdriver. This must be done with caution and by a certified installer. Please note that this is a different situation than when the instantaneous water heater continues to tick after hot water is requested, see point 3.
The instantaneous water heater used to work, but now it doesn't.
Sometimes the instantaneous water heater can “think” that it is still switched on and therefore refuses to start. This is because the microswitch that indicates that the instantaneous water heater is switched off is not activated.
On the TTulpe HD6, a “tab” moves to the side when water flows through the instantaneous water heater. This tab sometimes does not move back far enough to switch off the instantaneous water heater.
This can happen, for example, if the membrane is leaking. It must then be replaced by a certified installer.
Caution! If you do not use the instantaneous water heater for a long period of time, e.g. during the winter, please remove the batteries. Otherwise, the battery may oxidize the contact point in the battery compartment. This will prevent electricity from flowing from the battery to the ignition, even if the battery has been replaced. You can fix this by carefully loosening the wiring with needle-nose pliers, as it is secured, and unscrewing the battery compartment. There is a tab on one side that will be discolored brown. You can remove the oxidation with sandpaper.
A fourth possibility is that the thermocouple no longer fits properly into the pilot flame. The instantaneous water heater then does not recognize that the pilot flame is burning and continues to tick while the main burner does not ignite. This can be remedied by maneuvering the thermocouple into the pilot flame, for example with a long screwdriver. This must be done carefully and by a certified installer. Note that this is a different situation than when the instantaneous water heater continues to tick after the hot water demand.
Other reasons why the instantaneous water heater switches on and off again:
The appliance only works with a supply of at least 3 liters per minute and a minimum pressure of 0.5 bar.
Strong wind.
Insufficient gas. Propane gas cylinders are sometimes contaminated with air, especially new cylinders that have been filled for the first time. Switch the device on and off several times (5x) to remove the air from the gas.
The thermocouple must be properly immersed in the flame and glow orange.
The gas sensor wiring may have come loose. Check that all cables and/or plug connections are still secure.
The instantaneous water heater is not stable, which activates the tilt switch.
A defective gas pressure regulator. A gas pressure regulator is also a mechanical component and can break down. To rule this out, it is best to try a different (new) pressure regulator. Make sure that the gas pressure and capacity are correct.
The water is not hot enough:
You are using the system at an altitude of over 1800 meters. Although the system has been tested up to an altitude of 2200 meters, use at altitudes above 1800 meters is not recommended.
Too much water is flowing through the device. Make sure that no more than the maximum capacity of 6 liters per minute flows through the instantaneous water heater. You can measure this by, for example, filling a bucket with a known capacity and measuring how long it takes to fill it at maximum flow (capacity ÷ seconds x 60). The water reaches its maximum temperature at half the specified maximum capacity. It is best to install a tap for the cold water connection of the instantaneous water heater in order to “throttle” the water flow slightly.
The incoming water is very cold. It is normal for the outlet temperature to be lower when the incoming water is colder. This occurs mainly in cold temperatures or when drawing water from cold streams or springs.
Look into the chambers (through the window at the front) to see if you can see a blue flame. If the flame is yellow, there may be something, such as an insect, in the burner tubes. If you remove this, it should burn properly again. If the burner tubes are not dirty, the gas regulator may be cracked. Do not use the appliance and contact our technical support immediately by email at info@kiip.de.
Look into the chambers (through the window at the front) to see if you can see a blue flame. If the flame is yellow, there may be something, such as an insect, in the burner tubes. If you remove this, it should burn properly again. If the burner tubes are not dirty, the gas regulator may be cracked. Do not use the appliance and contact our technical support immediately by email at info@kiip.de.
If the flames burn irregularly, sometimes high and sometimes low, and sometimes even (almost) go out, there is something wrong with the water supply. This is a combination of water pressure and water volume. Check how much water flows through the instantaneous water heater per minute. If it is not 6 liters, but only 1 liter, for example, the instantaneous water heater is not burning properly. If the water volume is correct but it still burns irregularly, this is due to the water pressure. In the first case, try increasing the water flow, and in the second case, try increasing the pressure. This can be solved by using a water pipe with a larger diameter or possibly by using a TTulpe water pump. https://www.propaangeiser.nl/nl/producten/drukwaterpompen/ttulpe-flow-meister-1312-drukwaterpomp/
For parts that protrude into the burner (such as the thermocouple and spark plugs), it is NORMAL for the fire to have a yellow flame, and this is completely safe!
My instantaneous water heater is leaking:
Your instantaneous water heater should not leak. Try to find out where the water is coming from.
If it is leaking at one of the connections, reconnect the pipes with sufficient Teflon tape and check whether the problem has been resolved.
If it is leaking elsewhere, please take a photo of the leak, turn off the water supply, and send us the photo at info@kiip.de. We will contact you as soon as possible to resolve the issue.
Warning! Open instantaneous water heaters are not frost-protected! Frost damage often causes significant damage and is not covered by the warranty.
I turn off the tap, but the instantaneous water heater remains on (for a while).
If you turn off the tap and your instantaneous water heater remains switched on for a while, this can lead to a dangerous situation. Do not use your instantaneous water heater until the problem has been rectified. The mechanism that closes the gas tap when the water flow stops is defective. The water can boil and build up pressure in your instantaneous water heater, which can cause leaks or hot water to be discharged through the pressure relief system. There are several reasons for this, for example (prolonged) excessive water pressure and wear and tear. The gas-water valve must be replaced. We recommend having this done by a certified installer or a technician in our workshop, as the gas connections will be disconnected. You can order the replacement part on our website (under “Replacement Parts”). Before ordering, check your instantaneous water heater type to ensure you receive the correct gas-water combination valve.
Before uninstalling and returning your device, please take photos of the installation showing the water and gas connections, supplemented by detailed photos if necessary, and send them to us (by email to info@kiip.de) together with a description of your problems and the steps you have already taken. Although it is sometimes necessary to have the appliance checked or repaired by our technical department, in many cases the problem can be solved remotely based on the photos and description, so you can quickly enjoy hot water again.
This way, you avoid having to pay the shipping costs yourself, being charged for inspection costs, and, most importantly, having to go without hot water longer than necessary. If we believe that a return shipment is necessary, we will send you a return label so that you can return the device free of charge. Pack the device well (preferably in the original packaging) so that it is not damaged during transport and, if possible, include the used gas pressure regulator and hose.
If you continue to experience problems or are working with a different water system, please contact technical support by email at info@kiip.de.