Hot Water Tap E3 Error – Causes, Fixes, and Prevention for Instant Hot Water Systems
[2025-10-04] | By Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd. Allen Huang
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- What Is the Hot Water Tap E3 Error?
- Why the E3 Error Appears
- How to Fix the E3 Error Step-by-Step
- Understanding Heating Indicators
- Common Problems and Solutions
- Performance Parameters
- FAQs About Hot Water Tap E3 Error
- Work With Xiamen Smart Water Technology
If your instant hot water tap shows an E3 error code, it's usually an indicator that the system has detected a lack of water inside the heating tank. This is part of the tap's dry-burn protection - a built-in safety feature that prevents the heating element from running when no water is present.
When this happens, the heating element automatically stops working, and the "lack of water" indicator light flashes, protecting the system from overheating or internal damage.
The E3 error commonly appears when:
- The water tank is empty or not properly filled.
- There's air trapped in the system after installation or maintenance.
- The water inlet is blocked or twisted, restricting water flow.
- The system was turned ON before priming with water.
Follow these simple steps to reset and fix the E3 error on your instant hot water tap:
- Turn off the power – Press the power OFF button on the control panel.
- Fill the tank with water – Follow the priming instructions from your product manual to ensure the tank is fully filled.
- Wait for 5 minutes – If the unit stays ON while empty, it will automatically shut down after 5 minutes for safety.
- Restart the system – Once filled, power ON the unit and set your desired temperature.
- Watch for the heating indicators – A red moving light arc means the tap is heating; when it turns static, your water is ready.
| Indicator | Meaning | Status Description |
|---|---|---|
| E3 | Lack of water | The system has no water, dry-burn protection active |
| Heating (Red Arc) | Heating up | The system is actively heating water |
| Hot (Static Red) | Ready | Water has reached the set temperature |
These indicators make it easy to know what's happening inside your instant boiling water tap at a glance.
| Problem | Possible Cause | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Water and steam spitting from spout | Unit is boiling | Turn on the tap to release pressure; lower temperature if needed |
| Water not hot | Power not connected or temperature set too low | Check power supply and reset temperature |
| Water too hot | Temperature set too high | Adjust to a lower setting on display |
| Dripping from spout | Expansion chamber not draining | Draw off 0.5L of water to reset the system |
| Slow flow from spout | Clogged water filter or aerator | Replace filter (every 6 months) and clean aerator |
| No water flow | Valves closed or pipes twisted | Open valves, straighten pipes, flush system |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rated Voltage | 110-120V/60Hz,220-240V/50Hz |
| Heating Power | 1500–2500W |
| Tank Capacity | 2.4–3.0L |
| Temperature Range | 45°C–98°C adjustable |
| Safety Protection | Dry-burn protection (E3), overheat sensor, auto shut-off |
| Installation Type | Under-sink non-pressurized system |
Q1: Can I still use my instant hot water tap when the E3 error appears?
No, the system automatically disables heating to protect itself. You must refill and restart it first.
Q2: How do I prevent the E3 error from appearing again?
Always make sure the tank is filled before powering ON. Regularly clean and maintain the system to avoid blockages.
Q3: What if the E3 error doesn't clear after priming?
Turn the power off for 10 minutes, refill the tank, and restart. If the issue persists, contact your supplier or service provider.
Q4: Does E3 mean my tap is broken?
Not necessarily. It's usually a safety alert, not a malfunction - a simple refill and reset often solves it.
Learn more about: How to Reset Instant Hot Water Heater?
At Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd., we specialize in designing and manufacturing instant hot water taps, boiling and chilled filtered water systems, and under-sink drinking water appliances.
We're the ODM manufacturer behind many international brands, offering:
- Professional R&D and patent-backed innovation
- Reliable production and strict quality control
- Competitive pricing and global distribution
👉 Looking for an ODM or wholesale partner for instant hot water systems?
Contact us today to customize your private-label solution.
🌐 Website: www.kitchenwatertap.com
📩 Email: allen@kitchenwatertap.com
Learn more about: Under-Sink Instant Hot Water User Manual