Bradford White Water Heater Error Codes — Meanings, Causes & Repair in Greater Vancouver

Seeing a fault code on your Bradford White water heater? This guide explains what the most common Bradford White water heater error codes mean, what’s safe to check yourself, and when to call HeatLand’s licensed, TSBC-certified gas technicians for Bradford White water heater repair across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

The codes below apply across common Bradford White models (ICON, AeroTherm). Meanings follow Bradford White’s documented fault codes — always confirm against your unit’s own manual, because exact wording can vary by model, control board and firmware.

How to read Bradford White water heater error codes

On gas/power-vent models the ICON System electronic gas control has NO digital readout. A single green status LED on the gas control flashes a repeating count, separated by a roughly 3-second pause, to identify the operating state or fault (e.g. 'two flashes, pause, two flashes' = code 2). Some power-vent controls use compound codes shown as a group, pause, then a second group (e.g. 'six flashes then two flashes' = code 6-2). Newer atmospheric ICON V2 controls add LED color: green = normal, yellow = low thermopile voltage, red = valve/temperature fault. Count the flashes between the long pauses to read the code. The AeroTherm RE-series heat-pump/hybrid models are different: they show an alphanumeric fault code (FC, Fd, FE, F2, F11, bAd linE, etc.) on the digital front-panel display; most faults must repeat a set number of cycles ('fault counts') before the code is displayed.

Bradford White water heater error codes & what they mean

These are the Bradford White water heater codes our Greater Vancouver technicians see most. Anything marked pro repair involves gas, electrical, sealed-combustion or control-board work that must be done by a licensed gas technician (TSBC-certified in BC) — never open gas or electrical components yourself.

Code	What it usually means	Common causes	Safe to check yourself
ICON: LED off (not on or not flashing)	No power to the gas control / control is off. Main and pilot burner are off DIY-checkable	Control power switch in the OFF position; Supply voltage interrupted (power-vent models); Standing-pilot models: pilot is out so the thermopile is not powering the control	Confirm the unit's power/control switch is ON; For power-vent/hybrid units, check that the wall outlet has power and the breaker is not tripped; Confirm the gas supply shutoff to the heater is open
ICON: 1 short flash every 4 seconds (heartbeat)	Normal operation. Stand-by / pilot lit, main burner off, waiting for a call for heat (temperature demand satisfied) DIY-checkable	Not a fault. Thermostat is satisfied; pilot is lit and the unit is idle	No action needed; If you want more hot water, turn the temperature dial up slightly within a safe range
ICON: 1 flash every 1 second (or LED alternating bright/dim 'heartbeat')	Normal operation. Thermostat is calling for heat; main valve open and main burner lit, water heater in a heating cycle DIY-checkable	Not a fault. Tank temperature is below setpoint and the burner is firing normally	No action needed; Listen/feel for normal burner operation; hot water should be recovering
ICON: Solid ON (LED on continuously)	Not an error. The control is in shutdown/OFF mode because the setpoint knob was recently turned to OFF DIY-checkable	Setpoint/control knob was just turned to OFF; On V2 color-LED controls this shows as solid red	Wait until the LED goes out before attempting to relight the pilot per the on-unit lighting instructions; No service action needed if you intentionally shut the unit off
ICON: 1 flash per second (during/after a call for heat) – weak pilot	Weak pilot signal detected on the last call for heat pro repair	Unstable pilot flame; Pilot tube blocked or restricted; Oxidation build-up on the pilot electrode	Confirm the gas supply shutoff to the heater is fully open and other gas appliances are working; Note whether the status light keeps repeating this code and report it to a technician
ICON: 2 flashes (power-vent) – pressure switch stuck closed	Pressure switch not working – stuck in the closed position before the blower starts pro repair	Pressure switch tubing kinked or blocked; Blocked pressure tap on the switch or blower; Faulty pressure switch	Confirm the unit has power and the blower attempts to run; Do not open the control or switch; report the code to a technician
ICON V1: 2 flashes (atmospheric) – weak pilot / low thermopile	Weak pilot signal / low thermopile voltage; main burner not lit. System resets when the pilot flame is sufficient pro repair	Thermopile failure; Loose thermopile connections; Unstable or weak pilot flame	Confirm the gas supply shutoff to the heater is open; Per the on-unit instructions you may attempt a single relight of the pilot; if it will not stay lit, call a technician
ICON: 3 flashes (power-vent) – pressure switch stuck open / blower	Pressure switch or blower-temperature switch not working – stuck in the open position pro repair	Vent blockage or improper vent configuration; Pressure switch tubing kinked or blocked; Faulty pressure switch	Visually check that the outdoor vent termination is clear of snow, debris, leaves, or nests; Confirm nothing is blocking the air intake; do not disassemble the venting
ICON V1: 3 flashes (atmospheric) – insufficient water heating	Insufficient water heating detected. System will reset pro repair	Thermal/temperature sensor out of calibration; Faulty gas control	Check whether hot-water demand simply exceeds the tank's recovery (e.g. very heavy use); Report the repeating code to a technician
ICON: 4 flashes – excessive tank temperature (must be reset)	Excessive tank temperature / temperature cut-out limit reached, causing shutdown. The system must be reset pro repair	Temperature sensor out of calibration; Faulty gas control; Plumbing/crossover leak feeding hot water back to the tank	Confirm the temperature dial is not set abnormally high; Look for hot water continuously running or dripping fixtures that could overheat the tank; Reset only as described in the unit's instructions; if it recurs, stop and call a technician
ICON: 5 flashes (power-vent / basic atmospheric) – false pilot or control fault	Power-vent & basic atmospheric: undesired false pilot flame present (pilot valve stuck open) OR electronics/sensor/gas-valve fault detected pro repair	Pilot valve stuck in the open position; Control wet or damaged; Loose connections; electronics/sensor/gas-valve fault	Look for signs of water intrusion or flooding around the gas control; Do not open the gas valve; report the code to a technician
ICON V1: 5 flashes (atmospheric) – temperature sensor fault	Temperature sensor fault detected pro repair	Damage to the temperature sensor; resistance out of range or sensor unplugged; Faulty gas control	No safe homeowner check; report the code to a technician
ICON V1: 6 flashes (atmospheric) – water leak detected	Water leak detected by the accessory module (excessive water in the drain pan / water dam) pro repair	Excessive amount of water in the drain pan or water dam; T&P relief valve discharging; Leaking water fittings or tank	Look for visible water in the drain pan or around the base of the heater; Check the T&P valve and water connections for visible dripping; Shut off water to the heater if actively leaking and call a technician
ICON: 6-1 flashes (power-vent) – failed to light pilot (auto-reset)	Failed to light pilot. System auto-resets and retries pro repair	Unstable pilot; Pilot tube blocked or restricted; Oxidation build-up on the pilot electrode	Confirm the gas supply to the heater is on and other gas appliances work; If the unit keeps failing to light, call a technician rather than repeatedly resetting
ICON: 6-2 flashes (power-vent) – pressure/blower switch opened during operation	Pressure switch or blower-temperature switch opened during burner operation. System auto-resets pro repair	Vent blockage or improper vent configuration; Pressure switch tubing kinked or blocked; Faulty pressure switch	Visually check the outdoor vent/intake termination for blockage or strong-wind exposure; Do not disassemble venting; report the code to a technician
ICON: 6-3 flashes (power-vent) – pilot flame extinguished	Pilot flame extinguished during operation. System auto-resets pro repair	Unstable pilot; Pilot tube blocked or restricted; Oxidation build-up on the pilot electrode	Confirm gas supply is on and the area around the heater has adequate ventilation/combustion air (no blocked louvers); Report the repeating code to a technician
ICON: 6-4 flashes (power-vent) – undesired false pilot sensed	Undesired / false pilot flame sensed (pilot valve stuck open). System auto-resets pro repair	Pilot valve stuck in the open position	No safe homeowner check; the gas control typically needs replacement. Call a technician
ICON: 7 flashes – flammable vapor sensor fault	Flammable vapor sensor fault detected (FVIR system) pro repair	Flammable vapor sensor or simulated/simulative resistance device out of specification	Make sure no flammable liquids or vapors (gasoline, solvents, paint) are stored or used near the water heater; Report the code to a technician for sensor diagnosis
ICON V1: 7 flashes (atmospheric) – gas control electronic fault	Gas control electronic fault detected pro repair	Control needs to be reset; Control is wet or physically damaged	Look for signs of water intrusion around the control; Reset only per the unit's instructions; if it recurs, call a technician
ICON: 8-1 flashes (power-vent) – flammable vapor sensor out of spec	Flammable vapor sensor out of specification pro repair	Flammable vapor sensor or simulated resistive device out of specification	Make sure no flammable liquids/vapors are stored or used near the heater; Report the code to a technician
ICON V1: 8 flashes (atmospheric) – standing pilot on while OFF	Standing pilot remains on while the setpoint knob is in the OFF position (pilot valve stuck open) pro repair	Pilot valve stuck in the open position	No safe homeowner check; the gas control needs replacement. Call a technician
ICON: 8-2 flashes (power-vent) – temperature sensor fault	Temperature sensor fault pro repair	Damage to the temperature sensor wire; Temperature sensor resistance out of range	No safe homeowner check; report the code to a technician
ICON: 8-3 flashes (power-vent) – gas valve electronics fault	Gas valve electronics fault detected pro repair	Control needs to be reset; Control is wet or physically damaged	Look for signs of water intrusion around the control; A single power interruption/reset may be attempted per the manual; if it recurs, call a technician
ICON: 8-4 flashes (power-vent) – gas valve fault	Gas valve fault detected pro repair	Control needs to be reset; Control is wet or physically damaged	Look for signs of water intrusion around the control; A single power interruption/reset may be attempted per the manual; if it recurs, call a technician
AeroTherm: FC	Evaporator frost / defrost check. T3a (evaporator inlet) sensor not above 20°F after 30 minutes of run time pro repair	Restricted air flow across the evaporator (dirty filter/coil); Low ambient temperature / refrigerant issue; Evaporator or sensor problem	Check and clean the air filter; Make sure the louvers/coil area have unobstructed airflow and the room is within the heat-pump operating temperature range; Resets when the condition clears; if it persists, call a technician
AeroTherm: Fd	Evaporator superheat (EEV control) out of range. Temperature difference between T3a and T3b too small, or T3a not sufficiently below ambient, after 30 minutes of run time pro repair	Electronic expansion valve (EEV) or refrigerant-charge issue; Evaporator sensor problem; Restricted airflow	Check and clean the air filter and ensure clear airflow around the unit; If it persists, call a technician
AeroTherm: FE	High compressor discharge temperature. T4 (compressor outlet) exceeded 240°F pro repair	Refrigerant or compressor problem; Restricted airflow / high load condition	Check and clean the air filter; ensure good airflow and that the room is not excessively hot; If it persists, call a technician
AeroTherm: FF	EEV (electronic expansion valve) operation/rotation out of range pro repair	Faulty EEV or its wiring/connector	No safe homeowner check; the unit may keep running in electric mode. Call a technician
AeroTherm: FG	Ambient temperature out of heat-pump operating range (T5 not within 35°F-120°F). Unit switches to Electric/Standard mode for that cycle. (Note: per the manual NO code is shown on the display for this condition – logged internally only.) DIY-checkable	Room too cold or too hot for heat-pump operation	Confirm the installation room stays within the heat-pump operating temperature range (about 35-120°F); Unit still makes hot water in electric mode; no service action usually needed
AeroTherm: FI	Early refrigerant-leak indication. Evaporator superheat not below 20°F and EEV position under 450 after 30 minutes of run time (on some models) pro repair	Possible refrigerant leak / low charge; EEV or sensor problem	Check and clean the air filter and confirm clear airflow; Call a technician to check the refrigerant system
AeroTherm: FJ	High AC current draw. Combined compressor + lower element draw exceeded 20.5A, so the compressor was disabled pro repair	Electrical / current-draw condition with compressor and lower element both enabled	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: FL	Defrost not completing. T3a/T3b evaporator temps not within 2.5°F of T5 ambient 20 minutes after defrost begins pro repair	Defrost/airflow problem; Evaporator sensor issue	Check and clean the air filter; ensure clear airflow around the unit; If it persists, call a technician
AeroTherm: F2	T2 tank temperature sensor failure. T2 read outside 30°F-170°F just before the compressor starts pro repair	Failed or disconnected T2 tank sensor / wiring	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F3	Compressor failure. Control energized the compressor but the current sensor detects no current flow pro repair	Compressor, start components, or wiring fault; Possible current-transformer miswire (see F18)	Confirm the unit has power and the breaker is not tripped; Call a technician; the unit can still heat in electric mode
AeroTherm: F4	Fan failure pro repair	Failed fan motor or its wiring/connector	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F5	T3a (evaporator inlet temperature) sensor failure – thermistor shorted or open pro repair	Failed T3a sensor or its wiring/connector	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F6	T3b (evaporator outlet temperature) sensor failure – thermistor shorted or open pro repair	Failed T3b sensor or its wiring/connector	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F7	T4 (compressor outlet) sensor failure – thermistor shorted or open pro repair	Failed T4 sensor or its wiring/connector	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F8	T5 (ambient temperature) sensor failure – thermistor shorted or open pro repair	Failed T5 ambient sensor or its wiring/connector	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F9	Lower heating element failure. Control energized the lower element but the current sensor detects no current flow pro repair	Failed lower heating element; Wiring fault or possible current-transformer miswire (see F18)	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F10	Upper heating element failure. Control energized the upper element but the current sensor detects no current flow pro repair	Failed upper heating element; Wiring fault or possible current-transformer miswire (see F18)	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F11	Dry tank fault. Within the first ~22 minutes after power-up, tank temperature T2 rose more than 5°F, indicating the tank is not full of water. Displayed after 1 failed dry-tank test; after 5 failed tests an audible alarm sounds DIY-checkable	Water heater powered on before the tank was completely filled and purged of air	Make sure the tank is completely full of water (open a hot tap until water flows steadily to purge air) before running the unit; If the tank is confirmed full and the code persists, call a technician
AeroTherm: bAd linE / F12	Low input line voltage at power-up. The control read line voltage below 155 VAC one minute after power-up pro repair	Incorrect wiring / wrong supply voltage; Low or unstable household line voltage	Confirm the unit is on the correct dedicated circuit and the breaker is on; Call a technician/electrician to verify supply voltage and wiring
AeroTherm: F13	Stuck key fault. A button on the front panel is stuck down; that button is inoperable while others work. Clears by itself when the button is freed DIY-checkable	A front-panel button is physically stuck	Gently check that no button on the control panel is jammed or held down; Code clears on its own once the button is free
AeroTherm: Dirty Filter (F14)	Air filter too dirty for proper operation. Filter LED is on and an audible alarm sounds. Evaporator is running colder than ambient (T5) DIY-checkable	Clogged/dirty air filter restricting airflow	Remove and clean (or replace) the air filter per the owner's manual, then reset the filter indicator; This is routine homeowner maintenance
AeroTherm: F15	DataFlash fault. The microcontroller detected a problem in permanent memory storage pro repair	Control board (DataFlash/memory) fault	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F16	Anode depleted. Anode LED is on and the audible alarm sounds; the control calculates the anode rod is mostly consumed or past its replacement timeline (on some models) pro repair	Anode rod near end of life and due for replacement	Schedule anode rod inspection/replacement with a technician; the heater continues to operate
AeroTherm: F17	Anode depletion miswire or short to ground. Control detected an anode corrosion-current signal at or below 0.25mA (on some models) pro repair	Anode circuit miswired or shorted to ground; Failed powered-anode connection	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F18	Current transformer miswired. F3, F9, and F10 fault codes all occurred during the same heating cycle pro repair	Current-transformer wiring error on the control	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F19	Low line voltage pro repair	Low or unstable supply voltage to the unit	Confirm the breaker is on and the unit is on its proper circuit; Call a technician/electrician to verify supply voltage
AeroTherm: F20	Condensate drain port blocked. The unit runs only in standard/electric mode until the drain port is cleared and the sensor is no longer in contact with water DIY-checkable	Blocked or clogged condensate drain; Condensate backing up to the drain sensor	Check the condensate drain line/port for blockage and clear any obvious clog so condensate can drain freely; If the code remains after clearing the drain, call a technician
AeroTherm: F21	Application update failure. A problem occurred while updating the control application firmware pro repair	Firmware/application update did not complete	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F22	Parametric data update failure. A problem occurred while updating parametric data pro repair	Parametric-data update did not complete	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F23	Micro A/D failure. The control detected that a microcontroller input port has failed pro repair	Control board microcontroller fault	No safe homeowner check; call a technician
AeroTherm: F24	T1 tank temperature sensor failure. T1 read outside 30°F-170°F just before the compressor starts pro repair	Failed or disconnected T1 tank sensor / wiring	No safe homeowner check; call a technician

Bradford White water heater codes we get called for most

ICON: 6-1 flashes (power-vent) – failed to light pilot (auto-reset) — Failed to light pilot. System auto-resets and retries

Typical causes include unstable pilot; pilot tube blocked or restricted; oxidation build-up on the pilot electrode. A few things are safe to check yourself (Confirm the gas supply to the heater is on and other gas appliances work; If the unit keeps failing to light, call a technician rather than repeatedly resetting), but the repair is a licensed, TSBC-certified gas technician job. HeatLand diagnoses and fixes ICON: 6-1 flashes (power-vent) – failed to light pilot (auto-reset) on Bradford White water heaters throughout Greater Vancouver.

ICON: 2 flashes (power-vent) – pressure switch stuck closed — Pressure switch not working – stuck in the closed position before the blower starts

Typical causes include pressure switch tubing kinked or blocked; blocked pressure tap on the switch or blower; faulty pressure switch. A few things are safe to check yourself (Confirm the unit has power and the blower attempts to run; Do not open the control or switch; report the code to a technician), but the repair is a licensed, TSBC-certified gas technician job. HeatLand diagnoses and fixes ICON: 2 flashes (power-vent) – pressure switch stuck closed on Bradford White water heaters throughout Greater Vancouver.

Is it safe to keep running a Bradford White water heater with a fault code?

Most Bradford White fault codes put the water heater into a safe lockout for a reason. You can safely check the basics — the gas supply on, the pilot light or igniter, the temperature dial setting, the breaker on (power-vent/electric/hybrid models), and no water leaking around the tank — and restart it once. If the code returns, stop and book a technician. If you smell gas, leave the building and call your gas utility’s emergency line or 911 first. If a carbon-monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone out and call 911. Never cap or block the temperature & pressure (T&P) relief valve, and don’t keep relighting a pilot that won’t stay lit.

Bradford White water heater repair across Greater Vancouver

HeatLand has kept Metro Vancouver homes comfortable since 1999. Our licensed, insured technicians diagnose and repair Bradford White water heaters — pilot and ignition faults, gas-control (status-light) codes, sensor and thermostat errors, vent and air-intake blockages, leak shut-offs, and (on hybrid/heat-pump and tankless models) control-board and component faults — including units we didn’t install. We’re brand-agnostic, carry common parts, and give you an honest repair-or-replace assessment with upfront pricing and a free estimate. If your water heater is beyond economical repair, we’ll show you right-sized, high-efficiency replacement options and the rebates available.

Need it sorted fast? We offer priority emergency water heater repair. Explore Water Heater services, browse all water heater error codes by brand, or request a free estimate.

Bradford White water heater service areas

We repair Bradford White water heaters across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, including:

Bradford White water heater error code FAQs

Can I reset my Bradford White water heater myself?

Yes — power-cycling the reset button once is generally safe after you’ve checked the basics (the gas supply on, the pilot light or igniter, the temperature dial setting, the breaker on (power-vent/electric/hybrid models), and no water leaking around the tank). If the water heater faults again right away, stop and note the code — repeatedly resetting a water heater that keeps locking out can mask a real problem. Call a licensed, TSBC-certified gas technician to diagnose it.

What does the Bradford White ICON: 5 flashes (power-vent / basic atmospheric) – false pilot or control fault code mean?

On Bradford White water heaters, ICON: 5 flashes (power-vent / basic atmospheric) – false pilot or control fault commonly indicates power-vent & basic atmospheric: undesired false pilot flame present (pilot valve stuck open) or electronics/sensor/gas-valve fault detected. Confirm the exact meaning against your unit’s manual — codes can vary by model and series — and have the repair done by a licensed, TSBC-certified gas technician. HeatLand fixes this across Greater Vancouver.

Do you repair Bradford White water heaters you didn’t install?

Yes. HeatLand is brand-agnostic and services Bradford White water heaters throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, whether or not we installed the unit. We carry common parts and give you an honest repair-or-replace assessment.

Is a Bradford White water heater fault code an emergency?

No heat in cold weather is worth treating urgently. If you smell gas, leave the building and call your gas utility’s emergency line or 911 first. If a carbon-monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone out and call 911. Never cap or block the temperature & pressure (T&P) relief valve, and don’t keep relighting a pilot that won’t stay lit. For priority water heater repair across Greater Vancouver, call (604) 330-3812.

How much does Bradford White water heater repair cost in Vancouver?

It depends on the fault. Many Bradford White codes point to sensors, ignition or pump parts — usually far cheaper than replacement. We give upfront pricing and a free estimate before any work.

More Water Heater error-code guides

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