Bradford White gas water heaters with the ICON System control do not display alphanumeric error codes — they communicate status and faults through a flashing LED, where the number of flashes followed by a pause indicates a specific condition. There are two documented versions: ICON 1.0 (units made before January 2019) and ICON 2.0 (January 2019 onward), with slightly different flash patterns.
ICON 2.0 flash codes (2019 onward)
| Flash pattern | Documented meaning |
|---|---|
| No LED | No pilot light / heater not in operation |
| 1 flash, 4-second pause | Knob in pilot position, or thermostat satisfied |
| 1 flash every second | Thermostat calling for heat (normal operation) |
| 2 flashes, 3-second pause | Weak pilot signal detected |
| 4 flashes, 3-second pause | High tank temperature |
| 5 flashes, 3-second pause | Gas valve thermostat sensor fault |
| 6 flashes, 3-second pause | Chamber door temperature sensor out of specification |
| 9 flashes, 3-second pause | Tank leakage detected by accessory module |
| 10 flashes, 3-second pause | Insufficient combustion air detected |
| Solid ON | Control shutting down — knob turned to OFF |
ICON 1.0 flash codes (before 2019)
| Flash pattern | Documented meaning |
|---|---|
| No LED | No pilot light / heater not in operation |
| 1 flash, 3-second pause | Knob in pilot position, or thermostat satisfied |
| Quick 2-flash strobe, 3-second pause | Thermostat calling for heat (normal operation) |
| LED on continuously | Control knob turned to OFF |
| 2 flashes, 3-second pause | Weak pilot signal detected |
| 3 flashes, 3-second pause | Control has not seen the expected temperature rise in time |
| 4 flashes, 3-second pause | High tank temperature |
| 5 flashes, 3-second pause | Gas valve thermostat sensor fault |
| 6 flashes, 3-second pause | Chamber door temperature sensor out of specification |
| 7 flashes, 3-second pause | Gas valve fault |
| 8 flashes, 3-second pause | Pilot remains lit while control knob is in OFF position |
| 10 flashes, 3-second pause | Insufficient combustion air detected |
How to tell which version you have
Bradford White documents the split at serial/date code “TA” (January 2019) — units from that point onward use ICON 2.0, and earlier units use ICON 1.0. Check the rating plate on the tank for the manufacture date if you are not sure which flash table applies to your unit; the two overlap closely but are not identical (notably, ICON 1.0 has separate 3-flash and 7-flash codes that ICON 2.0 does not use the same way).
The most common faults
- 2 flashes: weak pilot signal
Often resolved by cleaning the pilot assembly or checking the thermocouple/flame sensor connection — see our general pilot light troubleshooting guide for the underlying checks.
- 4 flashes: high tank temperature
A safety response to water temperature exceeding the expected range — check the thermostat setting before assuming a sensor fault.
- 10 flashes: insufficient combustion air
Check that the space around the unit has not become obstructed and that any dedicated combustion air vents are clear and unblocked.
When to call a technician
Flash codes pointing to the gas valve thermostat sensor, the chamber door temperature sensor, or (on ICON 1.0 units) a direct gas valve fault all involve gas-carrying components that should be diagnosed and serviced by a licensed technician rather than opened up as a DIY repair.
