Bradford White gas water heater status light: 8 flashes, then a 3-second pause
A false pilot flame is present: the pilot valve is stuck in the open position.
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.
What you see: 8 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
The manual’s wording: “Eight flashes and three second pause” — ICON control by Resideo, V1.
A false pilot flame is present: the pilot valve is stuck in the open position.
What Bradford White tells the owner to do
- Bradford White says to turn the set point knob to OFF, then to PILOT, and light the pilot, following the lighting instructions.
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.
- replace the gas valve if the eight-flash error persists.
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.
- Bradford White Corporation: 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) — Bradford White residential gas-fired tank water heaters with the ICON System electronic gas control. docs.bradfordwhite.com Checked 2026-09-29.
- Bradford White Corporation: Ultra Low NOx Gas Water Heater Installation and Operation Manual (238-53393-00K, REV 08/26), “Troubleshooting — Resideo V1” and “Troubleshooting — Resideo V2” — Bradford White Ultra Low NOx residential gas tank water heaters with the ICON System electronic gas control. docs.bradfordwhite.com Checked 2026-09-29.
The same pattern on other brands
The same count on another maker’s gas control can mean something else.