On the covered Bradford White gas water heater, 4 flashes means the temperature cut-out limit was reached, causing shutdown. On White Rodgers and ICON System V2 (red light) excessive temperatures may have been reached. On ICON System V1 the tank temperature was excessive and the system must be reset, with the temperature sensor out of calibration or a faulty gas control as causes. First, turn the temperature setting down and note the water temperature at a tap, keeping a safe distance from very hot water.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bradford White gas water heater code 4 flashes”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Water hotter than the control allows
What separates it Four flashes and the burner shuts off
How to confirm Run hot water carefully and judge whether it is scalding
- 2
A temperature sensor out of calibration
What separates it The tank reads cooler than the control believes
How to confirm The control's limit trips at normal settings
- 3
A faulty gas control
What separates it Four flashes repeat after the temperature is reduced
How to confirm A technician tests the control against the set point
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the water is very hot at a tap
- The temperature dial setting
- Which control is fitted: White Rodgers or ICON
- The heater model
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleTurn the temperature setting down and note the water temperature at a tap, keeping a safe distance from very hot water.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleOn White Rodgers Bradford White says to shut off the control, reduce the water temperature, thoroughly verify control operation, and replace it if it exceeds the set-point. On V2 it also says to check the valves and the water temperature sensor. On V1 the procedure is to replace the gas control. Very hot water is a scald hazard.
Turn the temperature setting down
ReversibleLower the setting and test the water at a tap, keeping a safe distance.
Reset the control
ReversibleOn the ICON System V1 the control must be reset after a cut-out.
Call for the control check
ReversibleBradford White says to replace a control that exceeds its set point, and on V1 to replace the gas control.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Shown as
- Four flashes.
- Applies to
- Bradford White Defender Safety System gas water heaters.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Scalding water is a hazard; lower the setting and keep children away from taps
- !Call a technician for the sensor or gas control
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does 4 flashes mean on a Bradford White gas water heater?+
The temperature cut-out limit was reached, causing shutdown. On White Rodgers and ICON System V2 (red light) excessive temperatures may have been reached. On ICON System V1 the tank temperature was excessive and the system must be reset, with the temperature sensor out of calibration or a faulty gas control as causes.
What does four flashes mean?+
The temperature cut-out limit was reached and the heater shut down.
Can I reset it myself?+
On ICON V1 a reset is part of the procedure, but a repeat means service.