Decoding the blinking lights on your water heater can at first seem impossible.
Your manual gives an indication of the normal operational state of your water heater and the associated light flashing sequences.
When you see your Bradford White water heater blinking what it means is that the unit is working correctly, or there’s a fault. To decode the fault, you’ll need to consult the manual. It is normal for the green LED light to flash once every four seconds when the water heater is operating normally.
You may see the light become brighter and dimmer, like a heartbeat. This is no cause for alarm as it shows that the water temperature is low and that the water heater is operating normally.
Wait for a few minutes and the light will eventually go back to blinking once every 4 seconds when the water temperature is optimal.
Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Not Blinking
If you see that the light on your water heater is off, then the solution is normally fairly simple.
If a Bradford White water heater light’s not blinking, then it’s an indication that there’s no gas flowing to the unit. To return it to normal operation, switch the gas on. Turn the dial to “pilot” and press it in. Then push the igniter switch to ignite the pilot light. You’ll see the light blink when it’s lit.
Once the pilot light is lit and the light is flashing, you can turn the dial back to your desired water temperature setting.
Another reason for the light being off is a lack of power.
Make sure that the unit is switched on and that there is power to the main electrical board. If the unit is still off, then the wiring may be faulty.
Before checking the wiring, ensure that the main circuit breaker on your distribution panel is off. You can then check that the wiring to your water heater is intact and that there are no loose connections.
What Do Bradford White Water Heater Blinking Codes Mean?
The blinking codes on a Bradford White water heater can indicate a specific issue or error with the unit. The meaning of the codes can vary depending on the model and type of water heater, but here are some common codes and their meanings:
- One blink: This code indicates that the water heater has a lockout condition due to a failed ignition sequence.
- Two blinks: This code indicates that the temperature of the water in the tank is too high.
- Three blinks: This code indicates that the temperature of the water in the tank is too low.
- Four blinks: This code indicates that the flammable vapor sensor has detected flammable vapors and shut down the burner.
- Five blinks: This code indicates that the water heater has a pressure switch fault.
- Six blinks: This code indicates that the water heater has a flue damper fault.
- Seven blinks: This code indicates that the water heater has a gas control valve fault.
It’s important to consult the user manual or contact Bradford White customer support to identify the specific meaning of the blinking code and corresponding solution.
Bradford White Water Heater Flashing Green
A flashing light on your water heater does not always mean that there is a problem.
The light on your Bradford White water heater flashing green shows it is operating normally. A flash once every four seconds shows that the water is hot and the unit is on standby. A flash every second warns that the pilot light is weak. Four flashes indicate that the water temperature is too high.
Many different codes reveal problems with your water heater. The flashing lights act as a diagnostic tool to help you isolate the problem.
Whenever there is gas and an open flame, one must be careful that the unit is operating properly.
The flashing lights may indicate that the pilot light is out, the damper test circuit is not working or that flammable vapor is present.
The light will also flash if the gas control unit is damaged or malfunctioning. It may also point to a possible electrical short in the system.
Bradford White Water Heater Flashing Red
Your water heater may have a gas control valve with a red light. This shows the status of your gas supply.
If your Bradford White water heater has a flashing red light, then it indicates that the unit is functioning correctly. If it flashes once every 3 seconds, then the gas valve is operating correctly and the pilot light is on. If the red light is steady red, then the unit is shutting down due to a fault.
You may find that your water heater light flashes red more than once every 3 seconds. If that is the case, then you must consult your manual to decode the cause.
Bradford White Water Heater Flashing Yellow
If you find that the temperature of your water fluctuates or is cooler than you expected, then it may indicate a gas flow problem.
When a pilot light flashes yellow, you have a problem. You should expect the pilot light to burn with a blue light. A yellow light indicates that the airflow is weak. It will blow out easily and you’ll have to relight it often. To fix the problem, clean the air intake valve or the air intake filter.
On newer water heaters, the air is drawn up from below the water heater. The holes in the air filter become clogged with dust and debris which you must remove.
After switching off your water heater and allowing it to cool off, run a brush under the unit to brush away dust and debris caught in the filter.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on April 14, 2022.
Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking Twice
Modern water heaters are more efficient. This is due in part to the installation of flue dampers.
If your Bradford White water heater status light’s blinking twice every 3 seconds, then it is due to a fault in the damper circuit. The damper circuit ensures that the flue gases are controlled to improve efficiency. Solve the problem by checking that the damper switch is on “Automatic”.
You should also verify that the damper and the vent are not obstructed in any way.
Over time, the damper may wear or become jammed. If it becomes stuck in the open or closed positions, then the system will not work as designed and will result in higher running costs.
Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking 3 Times
A faulty water heater usually gives a few hints as to what is wrong before the lights start flashing. You may find that the water temperature changes or the unit is not as efficient as it once was.
If your water heater light blinks 3 times with a pause of 3 seconds, then you need to check the damper circuit. If the damper is in the incorrect position, broken or obstructed, it will cause the light to flash. You must either replace the damper if it’s faulty or clean out the unit.
Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking 5 Times
All gas appliances need regular servicing to ensure that they work efficiently. Your water heater is no exception.
If your Bradford White water heater status light blinks 5 times with a 3-second delay, then you have a pilot light fault. The five flashes indicate that the pilot light valve is stuck in the fully open position. If this happens, then the gas control needs replacement.
As this is a critical part of the water heater, it is best that the gas control unit is fixed sooner rather than later.
Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking 7 Times
It’s important that gas controls and equipment are kept in tip-top condition. With the water heater tucked away, it’s easy to neglect its care until something goes wrong.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on April 14, 2022.
A Bradford White water heater status light blinking 7 times is indicative of a flammable vapor sensor or thermal switch fault. Excessive moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations cause wear and tear to the unit. The flue temperatures will rise, which can cause further damage.
To fix the problem, check the resistance on the thermal switch and vapor sensor. If the thermal switch has tripped, then reset the heater. If it has not, then replace the switch.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on April 14, 2022.