State Water Heater E114 Error — What It Means
State Water Heaters does not use an E114 error code in any documented product line. State (owned by A. O. Smith) primarily manufactures residential tank water heaters (gas, electric, and heat pump models) that do not feature alphanumeric error displays like E1XX codes. Most State units use simple indicator lights, mechanical thermostats, or no digital interface at all.
The E114 code format is typical of tankless water heaters from brands like Navien or Noritz, but even those manufacturers do not list E114 in their official error code tables. You may be looking at a model number stamped on the unit rather than an error code, or the appliance may be a different brand altogether. If you see a digital display showing E114, verify the brand and model on the rating plate and consult that manufacturer’s manual for the correct meaning.
Before You Replace Anything
Homeowners often assume any alphanumeric display is an error code and replace control boards or gas valves, when the displayed text may actually be a model number or the unit may be a different brand entirely. Always verify the brand and model on the rating plate before ordering parts.
Common Causes
- Misidentified brand or model (~50%) The water heater may be a tankless unit from Navien, Noritz, or Rheem that was confused with State, or E114 is a model number rather than an error code.
- Confusion with similar tankless codes (~30%) Tankless brands use E1XX codes (like E110 for low flow or E003 for ignition lockout), but E114 does not appear in any known manufacturer table.
- Display malfunction showing random characters (~15%) A failing or corrupted display board on a different brand’s tankless heater may show nonsense codes that do not match any published list.
- Typographical error in manual or label (~5%) The code was written down incorrectly from a different digit (for example, E110 or E114 confused with a model suffix).
Quick Diagnosis
Answer these to narrow it down fast.
Does the rating plate on the side of the water heater say State or A. O. Smith?
No: The unit is a different brand (likely tankless). Cross-reference the actual brand's manual for E114 or similar codes.
Is E114 printed on a metal plate or sticker rather than a digital display?
No: The display is showing a code. Verify the brand and check that manufacturer's error code table in the installation or service manual.
Is the water heater a tankless (wall-mounted, no tank) or a tank-style unit?
No: Tank-style State heaters do not use alphanumeric codes. Recheck the brand and model, or inspect for a different fault indicator (LED blinks, pilot status).
Step-by-Step Fix
- Verify the brand and model by reading the rating plate on the side or front of the water heater, not any aftermarket label or invoice.
- Check if E114 is a model number by comparing it to the model designation printed on the rating plate or serial number sticker.
- Look for a separate fault indicator such as an LED status light, blinking pattern, or a different alphanumeric code on a digital display (if present).
- Consult the manufacturer’s manual for the confirmed brand and model to cross-reference the actual error code or fault condition.
- If the unit is a tankless heater from another brand, inspect the intake and exhaust vents for blockage (snow, debris, or ice) and verify gas supply is on and other gas appliances work.
- Power-cycle the unit by switching off the circuit breaker or unplugging for one minute, then restore power and observe if the display clears or shows a recognized code.
- Call a licensed technician if you cannot identify the brand or the code persists, since gas-fired and tankless units require professional diagnosis for ignition, venting, and gas-supply faults.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Flame sensor or flame rod (for tankless ignition faults) | Amazon | Only if the unit is confirmed to be a tankless heater with ignition failure; clean first before replacing |
| Igniter assembly (for tankless spark failure) | Amazon | Common on Navien, Noritz, or Rheem tankless if spark is weak or absent; verify brand first |
When to Call a Pro
Call a licensed plumber or water heater technician immediately if you cannot confirm the brand and model, if the unit is gas-fired and you smell gas, or if the heater is a tankless model and you are unfamiliar with venting, gas pressure, and ignition diagnostics. Gas appliances and tankless units require specialized tools (manometers, combustion analyzers) and safety training. A technician can identify the correct brand, interpret the actual fault code or LED pattern, and perform pressure tests, sensor checks, and vent inspections that are beyond typical DIY scope. Professional diagnosis typically runs $150-300 and prevents costly misdiagnosis of control boards or gas valves when the real issue is a blocked vent or dirty flame sensor.
Rough cost: A pro service call runs about $150-300 for a service call to diagnose the actual unit and code.