Bradford White gas water heater status light: 9 red flashes, then a 3-second pause (Ultra Low NOx)
Tank leakage has been detected by an accessory module. The control recovers after it receives a message from the accessory module.
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: 9 flashes, then a pause, repeating. Applies to: Bradford White Ultra Low NOx residential gas tank water heaters with the ICON System electronic gas control.
What it means
The manual’s wording: “Nine flashes and three second pause (LED red)” — ICON control by Resideo, V2, on Ultra Low NOx models.
Tank leakage has been detected by an accessory module. The control recovers after it receives a message from the accessory module.
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.
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 manual, read on the date shown.
- 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.