Bradford White Water Heater Error Code 4 flashes (V1)

Four flashes on a Bradford White water heater with a V1 gas control indicates an excessive tank temperature condition. The heater has locked out as a safety measure and requires a manual reset before it will operate again. The fault points to either a temperature sensor that is out of calibration or a gas control valve that is not regulating burner operation correctly.

You should not operate the water heater until the cause of the fault has been identified and corrected. The 4-flash code is a safety lockout tied to excessive temperature detection, and continuing to operate the unit without addressing the root cause risks scalding water temperatures, pressure relief valve activation, or tank damage. Have a qualified technician inspect the unit before returning it to service.

In most cases, replacing the V1 gas control valve resolves the fault because both the faulty thermostat regulation and the out-of-calibration temperature sensor are contained within that single assembly. If the 4-flash code returns after a new gas control is installed, the cause is likely an external factor such as a malfunctioning recirculation system or a plumbing cross-connection that is driving actual tank temperatures above normal operating limits.

A manual reset can clear the lockout temporarily, but the error will return if the underlying cause is not addressed. Before resetting, allow the tank to cool and check the temperature and pressure relief valve for any signs of discharge, which would indicate a genuine overtemperature event. If the fault returns quickly after reset, the gas control valve needs to be replaced.

The primary repair is replacement of the V1 gas control valve. Parts costs for the gas control typically range from around 150 dollars to 350 dollars depending on the specific model, and labor charges from a qualified technician generally add another 100 dollars to 200 dollars. Total repair costs typically fall in the range of 250 dollars to 550 dollars, though this can vary by region and service provider.