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Error code reference

Bradford White Water Heater Error Code 6

Flame sensed out of normal sequence (before opening gas valve or after closing gas valve).

Bradford White codesBradford White water heater codes

Flame sensed out of normal sequence (before opening gas valve or after closing gas valve).

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What 6 means on a Bradford White water heater

Error code 6 on a Bradford White water heater indicates that the flame sensor has detected a flame signal at a point in the ignition sequence when no flame should be present. Specifically, this occurs either before the gas valve has been commanded open or after the gas valve has been commanded closed. The control board monitors the flame sensor signal continuously throughout the ignition cycle, and any flame detection outside the expected ignition window triggers this fault to protect against uncontrolled combustion.

The flame sensor is a small metallic rod positioned in the burner assembly that detects flame presence through a process called flame rectification. When a flame is present, it allows a small AC current to be rectified into a measurable DC signal, which the control board interprets as flame confirmation. If this signal is detected when the gas valve is closed or has not yet opened, the control board flags it as an out-of-sequence condition. Common causes include a contaminated or shorted flame sensor rod, a faulty gas valve that is leaking gas internally and allowing residual combustion, or a control board malfunction producing false readings.

This fault code is a safety-critical condition. The control will lock out the heater to prevent the possibility of uncontrolled gas combustion. Technicians should inspect the flame sensor rod for carbon buildup or grounding issues, verify there is no gas valve leakage, and check all wiring connections between the sensor, gas valve, and control board before attempting to restore operation.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 6

  1. 01

    Contaminated or grounded flame sensor rod

    Wiring / connection

    Carbon buildup or corrosion on the flame sensor rod can cause it to produce a false signal even when no flame is present. Inspect the rod for visible deposits and check that it is not making contact with the burner assembly or ground.

  2. 02

    Faulty gas valve with internal leakage

    Part replacement

    A gas valve that does not fully close can allow residual gas to ignite or sustain a small flame after the valve is commanded shut. This would cause the sensor to detect flame during the post-purge period, triggering code 6.

  3. 03

    Damaged or shorted flame sensor wiring

    Wiring / connection

    A wire harness with damaged insulation between the flame sensor and the control board can cause induced voltage or a short that mimics a flame signal. Inspect the wiring for pinches, burns, or contact with the burner or jacket.

  4. 04

    Faulty ignition control board

    Part replacement

    The control board itself may be generating a false flame-present reading due to an internal component failure. This is typically diagnosed after the sensor and wiring have been confirmed to be in good condition.

  5. 05

    Residual combustion or ghost flame

    Wiring / connection

    In some cases, accumulated gas in the combustion chamber can continue to burn briefly after the valve closes, especially if there is a draft issue or delayed ignition condition. Check venting for blockages or backdraft conditions.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 6

What does 6 mean on a Bradford White water heater?
Error code 6 means the control board detected a flame signal outside of the normal ignition sequence, either before the gas valve opened or after it closed. This is a safety fault that causes the heater to lock out and stop operating. It points to a problem with the flame sensor, gas valve, associated wiring, or the control board itself. The heater will not attempt to restart until the fault is investigated and cleared.
Can I reset my Bradford White water heater to clear error code 6?
A manual reset may temporarily clear the lockout and allow the heater to attempt another ignition cycle, but if the underlying problem is not corrected, the fault will return. Because code 6 is a safety-related condition involving out-of-sequence flame detection, simply resetting the unit without diagnosing the root cause is not recommended. Persistent or recurring code 6 faults require hands-on inspection of the flame sensor, gas valve, and wiring.
Is error code 6 on a Bradford White water heater dangerous?
Yes, this code should be treated as a serious condition. Flame detected outside of the normal sequence can indicate a gas valve that is not shutting off properly or a combustion event occurring without the control board initiating it. The heater locks out as a protective measure. Do not bypass the lockout or attempt to force the heater to operate until the cause has been identified and corrected by a qualified technician.
How do I fix error code 6 on a Bradford White water heater?
Start by inspecting the flame sensor rod for carbon buildup or physical contact with grounded metal, and clean it if necessary. Check all wiring between the sensor and the control board for damage or shorts. If the sensor and wiring are in good condition, the gas valve should be evaluated for proper shutoff, and the control board should be tested. Replacement of the gas valve or control board may be required depending on what the inspection reveals.
How much does it cost to repair a Bradford White water heater showing error code 6?
Repair costs depend on the failed component. Cleaning or replacing a flame sensor is typically a lower-cost repair, often in the range of $75 to $200 including labor. Replacing a gas valve or combination gas control can run significantly higher, typically between $200 and $500 or more with labor. Control board replacement falls in a similar range. A diagnostic service call is usually needed first to pinpoint which component is at fault.

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