Bradford white water heater green light flashing

Observe the green LED on the water heater gas

control.

Error codes are displayed with a 3 second

pause before repeating. Once the error code is known,

check and repair the water heater, as recommended in

the table below.

LED Status

Control Status

None (LED

Electrical power not

not on or

present

flashing)

One short

Stand-by mode,

flash every

Thermostat is

four seconds

satisfied (no faults)

Alternates

bright and

Thermostat calling

dim

for heat (no fault)

(heartbeat)

Short flash

Weak pilot signal

once every

on last call for heat

second

Two flashes,

Damper test circuit

three second

not working

pause

Three

flashes,

Damper test circuit

three second

not working

pause

Excessive tank

Four flashes,

temperature,

three second

system must be

pause

reset

Five flashes,

False pilot flame

three second

present

pause

Six flashes,

one flash,

Failed to light pilot,

three second

system resets after

pause (Soft

(5) minutes

Lockout)

Probable Cause

Control power switch in "OFF"

position.

Supply voltage interrupted.

Temperature demand is satisfied

(no call for heat)

Tank temperature below

setpoint of thermostat

1. Unstable pilot

2. Pilot tube blocked or restricted

3. Oxidation build-up on pilot

electrode

4. Wire damage to pilot

assembly or bad connection at

gas control

1. Damper not in proper position

or malfunctioning - stuck in open

position

2. Obstructed venting

3. Faulty damper

1. Damper not in proper position

or malfunctioning - not reaching

full open position

2. Obstructed venting

3. Faulty damper

1. Thermal well sensor out of

calibration

2. Faulty gas control

Pilot valve stuck in open position Replace gas control

1. Unstable pilot

2. Pilot tube block or restricted

3. Oxidation build-up on pilot

electrode

4. Wire damage to pilot

assembly or bad connection at

gas valve

Green LED

Service Procedure

Turn Power On

Normal operation

Normal operation

1. See Burner Inspection on

page 15

2-4. See Pilot Inspection,

Testing and Replacement on

page 17

1. Verify cord sets are fully

plugged in

2. Verify switch on damper is

in "Automatic" position

3. Verify that damper and

venting is not obstructed

1. Verify cord sets are fully

plugged in

2. Verify switch on damper is

in "Automatic" position

3. Verify that damper and

venting is not obstructed

1. Test Gas Control & Thermal

Well

2. Replace gas control if

necessary

1. See Burner Inspection on

page 15

2-4. See Pilot Inspection,

Testing and Replacement on

page 17

Page 13

13

To better serve you, our valued customers, we are performing a system maintenance that will temporarily interrupt our phone and voicemail systems on Tuesday, August 10, from approximately 8:00 PM-10:00 PM ET. These services will not be available during this timeframe. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.

During this brief period, please contact us via email:

This is a complete guide on Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking. In this guide, I am going to disclose the meaning of common water heater blinking light codes like: 

• Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking Green
• Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking Twice
• Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking 3 Times
• And more

The best part of this guide is- I will mention every troubleshooting step to solve the specific blinking light code problems. 

So, let’s get started right here. 

Note: The status light flashing code may indicate different problems based on the model number of the Bradford White Water Heater you own. However, the inspection steps will be the same. 

For example, flashing code for pilot light issues may differ based on the model number. But, you can follow the same procedure to inspect or replace the burner or the pilot assembly. So, don’t worry about it. 

Contents

• 1 Why IS My Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking? 
• 2 Common Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Codes
  • 2.1 01. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking Green
  • 2.2 02. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking Twice
  • 2.3 03. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Flashing 4 Times
  • 2.4 04. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Flashing 5 Times
  • 2.5 05. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking 6 Times
  • 2.6 06. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking 7 Times
• 3 End-Note

Your Bradford White Water Heater Status Light is blinking to indicate either the water heater is in good condition or something is going wrong. It depends on the flashing light codes. 

For example, if the status light flashes green with a four second pause, understand the water heater is running at its best condition. 

On the other hand, if the status light is blinking 2, 3, 4, or 5 times followed by a three second pause, I bet your Bradford White Water Heater is going through specific problems. In this case, you should address the issue and fix it. 

Throughout this guideline, I will break down every common status light flashing codes, their meaning, and how you can solve the issue.

Common Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Codes

This chapter will describe the meaning of every common status light blinking code. Also, I will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to fix the specific blinking light codes. 

01. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking Green

Does your Bradford White Water Heater’s status light flicker green followed by a four second pause? If yes, there is nothing to be concerned about. The blinking green status light indicates your Bradford White Water Heater is working in its tip-top conditions. 

How To Fix: 

Literally, you don’t need to do anything as your water heater is operating normally. What extra workflow you can do is- just make sure you set the thermostat to the correct temperature setting. 

02. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking Twice

Two consecutive flashes of the status light stand for a faulty damper test circuit. In simple words, the status light will blink two times if the damper test circuit is not working properly or it gets stuck in an open position. 

Also, the status light will flash twice when the venting system gets clogged by dirt and debris. You can also find the status light flickering two times if the switch on damper is not in the proper position. 

How To Fix: 

First off, I recommend you to ensure you plug the cord sets fully. If not, insert the cord sets into the electric outlet properly.

Next, check out the venting system for blockage. If the venting system gets clogged, harmful gas like carbon monoxide can’t go outside through the venting. I recommend you unscrew each connection of the venting and see if it gets blocked or not. Clean the venting pipe with soapy water to remove every dirt buildup. 

Then, check the position of the switch on the damper. It should be in the automatic position. If everything is well but the status light flashing two times, we bet the damper itself is at fault. In this case, replacing the damper is the only solution. 

I suggest you consult with a professional to change the damper. 

03. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Flashing 4 Times

The status light flashing 4 times followed by a three second pause means either the thermal well sensor goes bad or the gas control valve is at fault. 

Basically, a bad gas control valve or a hairline crack on the valve makes a route for the water to wet the well sensor. 

When the thermal well sensor comes in contact with water, the hot water fries the sensor out and starts to short it. 

Consequently, it causes your Bradford White Water Heater to flicker the status light 4 times. 

How To Fix: 

Technically, you can reset the fault. To reset your Bradford White Water Heater, follow the below steps: 

• Turn the gas control knob to the Off position and let it remain there for 5 minutes. 
• Set the gas control knob to the pilot mode. Then, hold down the knob inward to allow the gas to start flowing back. 
• Make sure you hold in the knob and start pressing the clicking button below the knob at the same time. After trying this several times, you can see the status light is blinking green. 
• Now, turn the gas control knob to the hot position and you will hear a come on, which indicates you reset the water heater successfully. 

However, I don’t want you to reset the fault. Honestly, if it faulted once, it’s going to continue to fail. So, it is better to inspect the thermal well sensor or the gas control valve for damage and replace them if needed. 

The tutorial I share below is the best on the internet that helps you to repair the thermal well sensor. So, don’t forget to check it out. 

Also, don’t forget to check the gas control valve. If it’s at fault, you must replace it. And this video will help you do the replacement workflow: 

04. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Flashing 5 Times

Your Bradford White Water Heater status light flashing 5 times with a three second pause! This code indicates there is a false pilot light present. Your Bradford White gas water heater will flicker the status light 5 times if the pilot valve gets stuck in open position. 

How To Fix: 

The only way you can fix the issue is to replace the gas control valve. Replacing a gas control valve requires professional skills. If you are not mechanically inclined, it’s better to leave this task for your plumber. Alternatively, you can check the tutorial I mentioned in the previous section to change the gas control valve if you are confident enough. 

05. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking 6 Times

Flashing code ‘6 consecutive flashes followed by a three second pause’ indicates your water heater fails to light the pilot. This problem occurs one of the following reasons: 

• Unstable pilot because of filthy burner.
• A clogged pilot tube
• Pilot electrode gets covered with carbon or oxidation buildups
• The wiring leading to pilot assembly gets damaged

How To Fix: 

Periodically (every 6 months), you should check the pilot flame and the main burner for proper water heater operation. If dirt and debris accumulation forms in the burner chamber, it will cause the unstable pilot light issue. Follow the below steps to inspect the burner: 

• Set the gas control switch to the off position. Then, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Also, shut off the gas supply to your unit. 
• Pull out the outer door from the bottom of the water heater. 
• Next, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that keep the right side inner door in place. 
• Use a 7/16” wrench to detach the pilot tube and a ¾” wrench to disconnect the main burner feed line from the gas control. 
• Detach the flame sensor/igniter wiring from the gas control. 
• Now, pull out the burner assembly from the unit. 
• Inspect the burner surface and port areas evenly and blow out the dirt & debris accumulation by using a vacuum cleaner. 
• Remove the burner from the main burner orifice. Then, use a ½” wrench to pull out the main burner orifice from the main feedline. Now, thoroughly check the orifice for clog. Clean the orifice or replace it if needed. 
• Afterward, reassemble the burner assembly and reinstall it into your water heater. Turn the gas supply on and check for leaks. 
• Finally, follow the lighting instructions in the manual and light the pilot. Fortunately, I will also describe how to light the pilot at the end of this guide. So, continue to read. 

For a restricted pilot tube, dirty pilot electrode, damaged wiring to pilot assembly, you should inspect the pilot. The pilot inspection procedure is similar to the burner inspection. Once you remove the burner assembly from the water heater combustion chamber, the following steps should be maintained:

• Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the pilot assembly from the main feedline.
• Check the flame sensor or spark igniter wiring visually for damage. If needed, replace the pilot assembly. 
• You can use a multimeter to test the continuity of the spark igniter or flame sensor wires. Don’t hesitate to change the pilot if there is no continuity. 
• Now, inspect the pilot electrode for carbon build ups. I recommend you use a fine emery cloth. On the other hand, if it gets completely deteriorated, change the pilot assembly with a new one. 
• Don’t forget to check the gap between the pilot electrode and the pilot hood. If the electrode touches the pilot hood, you should adjust its gap. The distance between them should be 3/32”. 
• Next, visually test the pilot tubing for a kink. If it gets bent, strightent it. On the other hand, replace the pilot tubing if it gets cracked. You don’t need to change if the tubing doesn’t get damaged. In this case, just check it for clog and release the blockage. 
• Finally, assemble the pilot assembly again and reinstall it on the main feedline. Then, put it back into the combustion chamber and relight the pilot to resume water heater operation. 

06. Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking 7 Times

If your Bradford White Water Heater status light is flashing 7 times, understand there is a problem with the flammable vapor sensor. The blinking light code ‘7 consecutive flashes with a three second pause’ means: 

• The sensor senses flammable vapor
• Flammable vapor sensor goes out specification
• The sensor is exposed to extreme ambient temperature

How To Fix: 

Before heading over to replace the flammable vapor sensor, test it electrically. The following steps will help you inspect the flammable vapor sensor: 

• Set the gas control switch to the off position.
• Detach the flammable vapor sensor harness from the gas control.
• Grab a multimeter and set it to Ohm settings. Then, measure the resistance of this sensor (also known as resettable thermal switch). The reading should be between 3K-48K Ohms. If the reading goes out of range, you must replace the flammable vapor sensor. 

Cautions: Don’t use a regular multimeter to test the flammable vapor sensor, which will damage the connector. Use a multimeter that has special pin-type electronic probes. 

End-Note

Water heater status light is blinking when the unit runs normally or it’s going through a problem. If you know the meaning of the flashing code, you can easily detect the problem and fix the water heater issue. 

And this guide on Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking discloses everything you need to know. Plus, I also mentioned the troubleshooting steps to fix a specific water heater issue. So, it will surely help you to bring the water heater back into operational state. 

Read Also:

Bradford White Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide

Eric Alvarez is an HVAC guy based in El Paso, Texas, United States. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University Of Texas at El Paso. Years of experience in the HVAC field have taught him many lessons, not the least of which is that the value of quality and knowledge far exceeds any promised initial savings. He has a good standing reputation for superior skills in heating, air conditioning, hot water tanks, and indoor air quality systems.

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