Bradford White Water Heater PV 8-4 Flashes: Meaning and Fix
Applies to: Bradford White ICON gas water heaters, per the Quick Service Guides: atmospheric vent units use plain flash counts, power vent, power direct vent and fan assisted units (PV-Series, PDV-Series, RG*F-Series) use the codes marked PV; other controls and the Defender Safety System can differ.
Also shown as: PV Eight Four Flashes, PV 8 4 Flashes
Reading the water heater display
A gas tank water heater reports its fault as a count of LED flashes on the gas control valve, seen through the small window or viewport near the base of the tank. Count the flashes, note the pause (usually three seconds) and watch a second full round before you decide which code it is. Some controls use two groups, such as six flashes then one.
Bradford White tank water heaters with the ICON gas control flash a green LED a set number of times, pause for three seconds and repeat. Atmospheric vent and power vent units use different tables, so check which type you have first. Check the model label on your unit before using any chart.
What causes PV 8-4 Flashes
- Gas valve failure
- Power glitch
- Wiring or grounding problem
How to fix it
If you smell gas, leave the building and call your gas utility from outside; do not touch switches or the unit. Switch the water heater off and let it cool before you touch any internal part, and call a licensed plumber or water heater technician if you are not sure.
The code meaning comes from the manufacturer document listed under Sources. The causes and steps below are general troubleshooting guidance, not the manufacturer's service procedure.
- Turn the gas control knob to OFF. If you smell gas, leave the building and call your gas utility from outside; do not touch switches.
- Reset the gas valve by following the lighting instructions.
- Have a technician check the wire connections and the gas inlet and manifold pressure.
- Replace the gas valve if the code persists.
- If the code returns after these checks, call a licensed plumber or water heater technician and give them the flash count and the model number from the rating plate.
Questions
What does Bradford White water heater PV 8-4 Flashes mean?
PV 8-4 Flashes on a Bradford White ICON power vent, power direct vent or fan assisted gas water heater means a gas valve fault was detected, shown as eight flashes then four flashes. Bradford White says to reset the gas valve and replace it if the problem persists. On power vent models the pattern repeats after a three second pause. Atmospheric vent ICON units use a different table.
Can I reset the water heater myself?
Turning the gas control knob to OFF, waiting, and relighting it clears some codes. If the same flash count comes back, the fault is still there and the unit will lock out again. Do not bypass a safety device to keep it running.
When should I call a technician?
Call a licensed plumber or water heater technician for anything involving gas, venting, the pilot, the gas control or flammable vapor sensor, or when the code keeps returning after the simple checks.
Other Bradford White water heater codes
Sources
Part numbers are OEM references; confirm fit by your model number before ordering. Meanings compiled from manufacturer and parts-retailer documentation; see sources below. Unplug the appliance before opening it.