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Error code reference

Bradford White Water Heater Error Code 11

No ignition

Bradford White codesBradford White water heater codes

No ignition - unit fails to ignite.

First step from the service manual

Ensure you have gas to the appliance. Ensure gas type and pressure is correct. Bleed all air from gas lines.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 11 means on a Bradford White water heater

Error code 11 on a Bradford White water heater indicates a failed ignition sequence. This means the control board attempted to fire the burner but received no confirmation that ignition occurred within the allotted trial period. The ignition system involves several components working in sequence: the gas valve opens, the igniter generates a spark or hot surface, and a flame sensor (also called a flame rod or thermocouple depending on model) must detect the resulting flame. If that detection does not happen, the board logs code 11 and shuts down to prevent unburned gas from accumulating.

The most fundamental cause is a lack of gas supply or incorrect gas pressure at the unit. Before investigating components, technicians should confirm that gas is flowing to the appliance, that the shutoff valve is fully open, and that the gas type matches the unit's configuration (natural gas vs. propane). On new installations or after any gas line work, air trapped in the supply lines must be bled out completely, as air pockets will prevent consistent fuel delivery during the ignition trial.

Beyond gas supply issues, component-level failures can also produce code 11. A fouled or cracked igniter will fail to produce a reliable spark or adequate surface temperature. A contaminated or corroded flame sensor may not detect ignition even when combustion does occur. A faulty gas valve that does not open fully, or a blocked burner orifice, can also result in an ignition failure. Each of these conditions requires physical inspection of the burner assembly and ignition components.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 11

  1. 01

    Insufficient or interrupted gas supply

    Wiring / connection

    The burner cannot ignite if gas pressure is too low, the shutoff valve is not fully open, or the line still contains air from recent work. Verify the supply valve position, check pressure at the unit, and bleed air from the lines.

  2. 02

    Wrong gas type or pressure setting

    Wiring / connection

    Running a natural gas unit on propane or vice versa, or having incorrect supply pressure, will prevent proper ignition. Confirm the unit's gas type label matches the supply and that pressure is within spec.

  3. 03

    Faulty or fouled igniter

    Part replacement

    A cracked, worn, or carbon-fouled igniter will not reliably produce a spark or reach ignition temperature. Inspect the igniter for visible damage or deposits and test it for proper function.

  4. 04

    Contaminated or failed flame sensor

    Part replacement

    If the flame sensor rod is coated with oxidation or residue, it may not detect the flame even when ignition occurs, causing the board to log a failure. Cleaning or replacing the sensor often resolves this.

  5. 05

    Defective gas valve

    Part replacement

    A gas valve that fails to open during the ignition trial will prevent fuel from reaching the burner. This is typically diagnosed after confirming supply pressure and igniter function are both acceptable.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 11

What does 11 mean on a Bradford White water heater?
Error code 11 means the water heater attempted to ignite the burner but failed to confirm that a flame was established within the trial ignition period. The control board shuts down the unit and logs this code to prevent unburned gas from building up. The issue can stem from gas supply problems, air in the lines, or a failed ignition component such as the igniter, flame sensor, or gas valve.
How do I fix error code 11 on my Bradford White water heater?
Start by confirming your gas supply is on, the shutoff valve is fully open, and the gas type matches the unit's rating. If gas line work was recently done, bleed any air from the lines and retry. If the gas supply checks out, inspect the igniter and flame sensor for damage, fouling, or corrosion. A failed component will need to be cleaned or replaced to restore normal ignition.
Is error code 11 on a Bradford White water heater dangerous?
The unit is designed to shut down safely when ignition fails, so there is no immediate danger from the code itself. However, you should not attempt to bypass the safety lockout or manually force ignition. If you smell gas at or near the unit, leave the area, avoid operating electrical switches, and contact your gas utility before doing anything else.
Will resetting the water heater clear error code 11?
A reset may allow the unit to attempt another ignition cycle, but if the underlying cause is still present, the code will return. Resetting without diagnosing and correcting the root issue, such as low gas pressure, air in the lines, or a faulty igniter, will not produce a lasting fix. Address the cause first, then reset the unit to confirm normal operation.
How much does it cost to repair a Bradford White water heater showing error code 11?
Repair costs vary depending on the cause. If the fix is simply bleeding air from gas lines or opening a shutoff valve, there may be no parts cost involved, only a service call fee which can range from around $75 to $150 or more. If a component like the igniter, flame sensor, or gas valve needs replacement, parts and labor combined can range from approximately $150 to $450 depending on the specific part and local labor rates.

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