Bradford White 5 flashes
Bradford White 5 flashes: gas valve sensor fault
Short answer
Five flashes with a three-second pause means the temperature sensor side of the gas valve is reporting a fault. Bradford White's documented response is to reset the gas valve, and to replace it if the five-flash code comes back.
Five flashes means the gas valve's thermostat sensor, which measures tank temperature, is giving readings the control does not accept.
Bradford White changed its status codes in January 2019. Units with a serial number date code of TA or later use the newer ICON 2.0 table; older units use ICON 1.0. The first two letters of the serial number on the rating label tell you which one you have.
What to do
- Have a technician reset the gas valve according to Bradford White's procedure.
- If five flashes returns, the gas valve needs to be replaced.
Repair or replace?
A new gas valve on a heater a few years old is an easy decision. On a tank ten years or older, get a price for a replacement heater as well and compare.
Common questions
Is a Bradford White gas valve replacement a DIY job?
No. The gas valve is the most safety-critical part on the heater, and Bradford White recommends professional service.
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Other Bradford White codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 2 flashes | Weak pilot signal (thermopile getting weak) |
| 3 flashes | Water not heating as fast as expected (ICON 1.0) |
| 4 flashes | High tank temperature |
| 5 flashes | Gas valve thermostat sensor fault |
| 6 flashes | Chamber door temperature sensor out of specification |
| 7 flashes | Gas valve electronic fault (ICON 1.0) |
| 8 flashes | Pilot stays lit with the knob off (ICON 1.0) |
| 9 flashes | Tank leak detected by accessory leak sensor |
| 10 flashes | Insufficient combustion air detected |