Girard Water Heater: “E6”
warning RV water heater fault codes
What it means
Over-temperature condition. The outlet water temperature exceeded the safe limit (around 140°F) for a few seconds, so the heater shut down to prevent scalding/overheating.
Most likely causes
- Air purging through the plumbing causing erratic flow/temperature spikes most likely
- Very low water flow letting outlet temperature spike common
- Incoming cold water that is already warm (hot climate / sun-heated hose) common
- Restricted flow from a clogged inlet screen/filter or aerator less common
Safe checks you can do yourself
- Run water until all air is purged and flow is steady.
- Increase water flow rate; very low trickle flow can cause temperature overshoot.
- Clean the inlet water screen/filter and faucet aerators.
- Lower the temperature setpoint if it is set very high.
How to reset / clear E6
- Run cold water to cool the heater and stabilize flow.
- Turn the heater off at the panel, wait ~10 seconds, turn it back on.
- Resume hot water flow and confirm the code clears.
When to call a technician
If E6 keeps occurring with steady, adequate flow and a reasonable setpoint, have a technician check the temperature sensors and control board.
Applies to
GSWH-2 · 2GWHAM
FAQ
What does Girard Water Heater code "E6" mean?
Over-temperature condition. The outlet water temperature exceeded the safe limit (around 140°F) for a few seconds, so the heater shut down to prevent scalding/overheating.
How do I reset Girard Water Heater E6?
Run cold water to cool the heater and stabilize flow. Turn the heater off at the panel, wait ~10 seconds, turn it back on. Resume hot water flow and confirm the code clears.
What is the most common cause of E6 on a Girard Water Heater?
The most likely cause is air purging through the plumbing causing erratic flow/temperature spikes.
Related · Girard water heater
The outlet (hot side) water temperature sensor reads an inva… E1
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Flame sensing was interrupted during normal operation. The b… E3
The ECO (energy/over-temperature cut-off) thermostat opened,… E4
The inlet (cold side) water temperature sensor reads an inva… E5
Blower/fan motor fault. The control board commanded the comb…
Sources
- Girard Products GSWH-2 Technical Manual — GSWH-2 Technical Manual, E6 over-temperature (outlet water exceeded limit for set seconds) (Girard Products / ManualsLib)
- Girard GSWH-2 Tankless Water Heater Technical Manual and Troubleshooting Guide — Fault code list, E6 Over Temperature; air-in-plumbing and warm inlet water as common causes (Manuals.plus)
Note: The threshold is cited around 140°F; one reproduction lists 60°C (which is 140°F) while others phrase it differently, so treat the exact value as approximate. E6 differs from E3 in that E6 is a sensor-based over-temp shutdown, E3 is the physical ECO cut-off opening.
● Last verified 2026-06-29 · compiled from manufacturer documentation. Codes can vary by model year — always cross-check your unit’s manual.