Takagi Error Code 291: Flow Rate Issue
Warning: Your Takagi tankless water heater is detecting low water flow. The unit cannot fire safely without adequate flow rate.
How to Fix Takagi Code 291
- Step 1: Locate the cold water inlet filter (usually a small screen at the bottom of the unit) and clean any sediment or debris.
- Step 2: Make sure the cold water isolation valve is fully open — turn counterclockwise until it stops.
- Step 3: Check that other fixtures in the home have normal water pressure. If pressure is low everywhere, the issue may be upstream.
- Step 4: Power-cycle the unit by turning it off, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on.
- Step 5: If the error persists, call a plumber or Takagi-certified technician to flush the heat exchanger and test the flow sensor.
How to Reset Takagi Code 291
- Turn off the unit using the power button on the front panel.
- Turn off the gas supply valve.
- Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit. Wait 30 seconds.
- Restore power at the breaker, then open the gas valve.
- Turn the unit back on. If the error returns, the underlying issue needs repair.
Resetting clears the code from the display but does not fix the underlying fault. If the code returns after reset, proceed to the diagnostic steps above.
What Does Takagi Error Code 291 Mean?
Water flow rate too low — check inlet filter
Common Causes
- Clogged inlet water filter or strainer — sediment and debris restriction
- Low incoming water pressure from the municipal supply or well pump
- Partially closed isolation valve on the cold water inlet
- Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reducing flow capacity
- Flow sensor malfunction or wiring fault giving false low-flow readings
Diagnostic Steps
| If... | Check | Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Error appears at low-demand fixtures only | Measure flow rate at the fixture in GPM | Above minimum activation flow rate (0.5-0.75 GPM depending on model) |
| Error appears on all fixtures | Measure incoming water pressure at the unit inlet | 40-80 PSI static pressure |
| Pressure is normal | Remove and inspect inlet filter screen for sediment | Clean screen with no visible debris or scale |
| Filter is clean | Test flow sensor resistance and voltage output | Smooth resistance change proportional to flow rate |
Applicable Takagi Models
Replacement Parts
| Part | OEM Number | Est. Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlet Water Filter Screen | TK-KP05 | — | Find Part |
| Flow Sensor | TK-KP09 | — | Find Part |
| Heat Exchanger | — | — | — |
Related Codes on Same Models
Other codes that affect the same Takagi model families as 291.
| Code | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 101 | Combustion Abnormality | Critical |
| 111 | Ignition Failure | Critical |
| 121 | Flame Failure | Critical |
| 200 | Overheating | Warning |
| 207 | Bypass Valve Error | Warning |
| 312 | Outlet Temp Sensor | Warning |
| 321 | Inlet Temp Sensor | Warning |
| 391 | Exhaust Temp Sensor | Warning |
| 510 | Gas Solenoid Valve | Critical |
| 610 | Fan Motor Fault | Warning |