Takagi Error Code 291: Flow Rate Issue

Severity
Warning
Type
digital display
Estimated repair cost: $100 — $350 (parts + labor)
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

  1. Step 1: Locate the cold water inlet filter (usually a small screen at the bottom of the unit) and clean any sediment or debris.
  2. Step 2: Make sure the cold water isolation valve is fully open — turn counterclockwise until it stops.
  3. Step 3: Check that other fixtures in the home have normal water pressure. If pressure is low everywhere, the issue may be upstream.
  4. Step 4: Power-cycle the unit by turning it off, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on.
  5. 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

  1. Turn off the unit using the power button on the front panel.
  2. Turn off the gas supply valve.
  3. Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit. Wait 30 seconds.
  4. Restore power at the breaker, then open the gas valve.
  5. 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
Flow Sensor TK-KP09
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