State water heater error codes
How to read the codes
State water heaters are made by A. O. Smith, and standard atmospheric State gas tanks use the same style of gas control status light. Count the flashes between pauses; one flash every three seconds is normal.
All State codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 flashes | Pilot is not lit, or the thermopile has not warmed up yet |
| 1 flash | Normal operation |
| 2 flashes | Pilot lit but thermopile output too low |
| 4 flashes | Water temperature too high; gas valve needs replacement |
| 5 flashes | Temperature sensor (thermistor) failure |
| 7 flashes | Gas control valve failure |
| 8 flashes | Thermopile still producing power with the knob off; pilot valve may be stuck open |
| Solid light (steady, not blinking) | Pilot was recently put out and the thermopile is cooling down |
Because State and A. O. Smith share gas control designs, the flash codes and fixes are the same on standard atmospheric gas models. Our A. O. Smith guides walk through each one in detail:
- 2 flashes: weak thermopile
- 4 flashes: water too hot
- 5 flashes: temperature sensor fault
- 7 flashes: gas valve failure
- 8 flashes: pilot valve may be stuck open
Before you count the flashes
The light is on the gas control valve near the bottom of the tank. No light means the pilot is out. After relighting, it can take up to about 90 seconds before the light starts blinking. Power vent, condensing and tankless State models use different codes; check the manual for those.
What homeowners can do
Relighting the pilot by following the label is the one step meant for homeowners. Codes pointing to the thermopile, the sensor or the gas valve need a qualified technician.
If you smell gas, do not relight the pilot or touch electrical switches. Leave the building and call your gas utility from outside.
Common questions
Are State and A. O. Smith water heaters the same?
State is part of A. O. Smith, and many standard State gas models use the same gas control and status codes as A. O. Smith models.