semiatic

Bradford White gas water heater status light: 4 flashes, then a 3-second pause

ICON control by Resideo, V1: Excessive tank temperature.
ICON control by Resideo, V2: The temperature cut-out limit was reached, causing a shutdown.
ICON control by SIT: The temperature cut-out limit was reached, causing a shutdown; excessive temperatures may have been reached.

If you smell gas

Stop: do not relight or troubleshoot anything. Bradford White’s own words (first page of both Installation and Operation Manuals, 238-51007-00R and the Ultra Low NOx 238-53393-00K):

  • DO NOT try to light any appliance.
  • DO NOT touch any electrical switch.
  • DO NOT use any phone in your building.
  • Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
  • If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

Calling from a neighbor’s phone means leaving the building first.

×4, pause
Our drawing of a gas control valve: 4 flashes, then a pause, repeating.

Bradford White’s manual has 3 gas controls with a table for this pattern, and they do not all mean the same thing: the full wording for each is below.

What you see: 4 flashes, then a pause, repeating. Applies to: Bradford White residential gas-fired tank water heaters with the ICON System electronic gas control.

What it means, by gas control

ICON control by Resideo, V1

The manual’s wording: “Four flashes and three second pause”.

Excessive tank temperature. The table says the system must be reset.

Source: Gas-Fired Water Heater Installation and Operation Manual (238-51007-00R, REV 07/26), “Troubleshooting — ICON System Electronic Gas Control” (Resideo V1, Resideo V2, SIT).

ICON control by Resideo, V2

The manual’s wording: “Four flashes and three second pause (LED red)”.

The temperature cut-out limit was reached, causing a shutdown.

Source: Gas-Fired Water Heater Installation and Operation Manual (238-51007-00R, REV 07/26), “Troubleshooting — ICON System Electronic Gas Control” (Resideo V1, Resideo V2, SIT).

ICON control by SIT

The manual’s wording: “Four flashes and three second pause”.

The temperature cut-out limit was reached, causing a shutdown; excessive temperatures may have been reached.

Source: Gas-Fired Water Heater Installation and Operation Manual (238-51007-00R, REV 07/26), “Troubleshooting — ICON System Electronic Gas Control” (Resideo V1, Resideo V2, SIT).

What Bradford White tells the owner to do

Bradford White’s manual gives the owner no step of their own for this code: call for service.

semiatic gives no repair instructions of its own. The steps above are only the ones Bradford White addresses to the owner in its manual.

The repair Bradford White’s table gives — for the qualified person you call

Shown so you know what to expect, not as steps to do yourself: Bradford White reserves repairs to the gas control, burner and gas piping for a qualified service technician.

  • ICON control by Resideo, V1: probable cause: the temperature sensor is out of calibration, or a faulty gas valve.
  • ICON control by Resideo, V2: check the valves and the water temperature sensor; reduce the water temperature setpoint; verify the control’s operation and replace it if it heats past the setpoint.
  • ICON control by SIT: shut off the control and reduce the water temperature; thoroughly verify the control’s operation and replace it if it heats past the setpoint.

When to call a qualified service agency

Bradford White’s manual: “CAUTION: For your safety, do not attempt repair of combination gas control, burners or gas piping. Refer repairs to a qualified service technician.” Its FAQ adds: “If you are experiencing operating issues with your water heater, please contact a plumbing professional.”

Source

Bradford White’s own manuals, read on the date shown.

The same pattern on other brands

The same count on another maker’s gas control can mean something else.

Other Bradford White status lights