On the covered State gas water heater, 7 flashes means state's service table, as Sears PartsDirect publishes it, lists this code as: gas/thermostat control failure. Turn the gas control valve or thermostat knob to OFF. Reset by turning the control OFF and ON.
Differential
Likely causes of “State gas water heater code 7 flashes”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The gas control or thermostat has failed
What separates it The status light flashes seven times and the heater stays off
How to confirm Turn the gas control valve or thermostat knob to OFF
- 2
A control that has lost its calibration
What separates it The code appeared after a power event
How to confirm Reset by turning the control OFF and ON
- 3
A damaged harness
What separates it Wires to the control are damaged
How to confirm Inspect the wiring
- 4
A failed gas control valve assembly
What separates it The code returns after reset
How to confirm Replace the gas control valve assembly
- 5
A fault in the supply to the control
What separates it Power is low
How to confirm Check the power
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- That the status light flashes seven times, a pause and then seven again
- Whether the heater lights and whether a reset cleared the code
- Whether you smell gas near the heater
- The model and serial numbers from the label on the heater
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedCorrect only the documented fault domain
ReversibleTurn gas control valve/thermostat knob to OFF. Turn the main gas supply OFF. Replace the gas control valve assembly. Parts named: gas control valve assembly.
Turn the gas control valve or thermostat knob to OFF
ReversibleThis is the table's first step, so that no gas flows to the burner while you decide what to do.
Turn the main gas supply OFF
ReversibleClose the main gas valve that feeds the water heater, so that the heater is isolated.
Check for the smell of gas
ReversibleIf you smell gas at any time, leave the house at once and call the gas company from outside. Do not operate any switch.
Check the wiring to the control
ReversibleLook at the wires that run to the gas control for damage, since a damaged harness can mimic a failed control.
Call a licensed technician
ReversibleReplacing a gas control valve is gas work, so it should be done by a licensed technician.
Replace the gas control valve assembly
ReversibleThis is the part the table names for seven flashes, and it is replaced as a whole.
Photograph the data label
ReversibleTake a clear photo of the model and serial numbers before you call, since the technician needs both and the label is often behind the heater's access panel.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The code on this page
- Seven flashes, a gas or thermostat control failure.
- Parts involved
- The gas control valve assembly.
- Source
- Sears PartsDirect's table for State gas water heaters.
- Counting the flashes
- A State gas water heater reports a fault by flashing a status light a set number of times, with a pause between groups. Count the flashes of one group and write the number down, because seven flashes means the gas control and a different count means a different part.
- Why the heater shuts itself off
- When the control finds an error in the circuits that govern the gas valve, it closes the valve and stops. The heater is therefore safe, but it will not heat until the control is replaced, so arrange the repair promptly if you rely on hot water.
- Seven flashes on a State heater
- State's gas water heaters with an electronic control report faults by flashing the status light. Seven flashes mean a failure of the gas or thermostat control, which is the part that holds the temperature and opens the gas valve. Because it combines both jobs in one assembly, replacing it fixes both at once, and the part is ordered against the heater's model and serial numbers.
- The model and serial numbers
- A State heater's label gives a model number and a serial number that carries the date of manufacture. A technician uses both to find the right control and to check the warranty, so photograph the label before you call and keep the picture handy.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Replacing a gas control valve assembly requires a licensed technician, who will also leak-test the connections afterwards
- !Keep the gas control knob and the main supply off until the technician arrives
- !If you smell gas at any time, leave and call the gas company first
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does 7 flashes mean on a State gas water heater?+
State's service table, as Sears PartsDirect publishes it, lists this code as: gas/thermostat control failure.
Can I fix it myself?+
No, gas control work is for a licensed technician.
What part is replaced?+
The gas control valve assembly.
Will resetting help?+
Sometimes, once.
Is it safe to leave the heater off until a technician comes?+
Yes, with the gas control knob and the main supply off, and use the time to arrange the repair.
Can I replace the gas control myself?+
No. A gas control involves the gas supply and the safety circuits, so it is work for a licensed technician.
Is the control covered by the warranty?+
Many State heaters carry a parts warranty on the control for several years, so check the date from the serial number.
Can I light the pilot to get hot water?+
No, a control failure is not a pilot problem, and relighting repeatedly is unsafe.