Bradford White Water Heater No Ignition - Causes & Fix

Bradford White Water Heater No Ignition — What’s Happening

No ignition means the burner did not light during a call for heat, or the control did not prove flame after trying. On current Bradford White electronic gas controls, this shows up as Error Code 110 after three failed ignition trials. On older standing-pilot models, it often just means the pilot is out or the resettable igniter button has popped.

Because Bradford White uses different gas-control platforms across models, the exact meaning depends on whether you have a standing-pilot, spark-to-pilot, or fully electronic control. The control called for ignition, attempted to light the burner, and either never lit or did not receive flame-proving feedback within the allowed sequence.

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Most Likely Causes

• Pilot out or igniter button tripped (standing-pilot models) The pilot flame is extinguished or the resettable igniter safety button has popped out, preventing the main burner from lighting.
• No gas supply or gas valve not opening The manual gas shutoff is closed, the supply is interrupted, or the gas control valve is not energizing during the ignition call.
• Failed igniter or flame-sense wire The spark igniter or flame-sense wire has no continuity, damaged insulation, or a loose connection, so the control cannot prove flame.
• Dirty, misaligned, or corroded pilot assembly The pilot shield interferes with the flame-sense rod, or the pilot orifice is clogged, blocking proper flame signal.
• Loose, damaged, or wet wiring harness Connections to the gas control or igniter are corroded, wet, or disconnected, breaking the ignition circuit.
• Faulty gas control or ignition control board After all other checks pass, the gas valve or electronic control board itself has failed and cannot execute the ignition sequence.
• Blocked burner or improper venting Debris in the burner chamber or restricted combustion air prevents stable ignition or flame proving.

How to Diagnose and Fix

1. Identify your exact Bradford White model and control type (standing-pilot, spark-to-pilot, or electronic). The diagnostic procedure differs by platform.
2. On electronic models, verify the control has power. Check for 110–120 VAC at the primary voltage terminals (pins 1 and 3, white and black wires on some controls), and read any diagnostic LED pattern or stored error code before resetting.
3. Confirm gas supply is on at the manual shutoff and at the meter. On standing-pilot units, try relighting the pilot per the label instructions and check if the resettable igniter button is popped out.
4. Inspect the spark igniter and flame-sense wire for damaged insulation, corrosion, or disconnection. Use an ohmmeter to check continuity through the igniter/flame-sense wire. Replace the pilot assembly if there is no continuity.
5. Remove the pilot assembly and verify the pilot shield does not interfere with the flame-sense rod. Clean or adjust the shield and check the pilot orifice for blockage.
6. Check all harness connections at the gas control and igniter for tightness, moisture, or damage. Repair or replace any corroded or broken wires.
7. Reset power to the control and retry the ignition sequence. If ignition still fails after correcting wiring, pilot, and gas-supply issues, replace the gas control or ignition control board.
8. Inspect the main burner chamber and venting for blockages or debris. Clean and reinstall the burner assembly if needed, then verify proper combustion air supply.

Parts You Might Need

When to Call a Pro

Gas-supply checks, burner removal, pilot-assembly replacement, and gas-control diagnostics all involve live gas and electrical connections. If you are not trained on gas appliances or lack a multimeter and manometer for pressure tests, call a licensed plumber or gas technician. Bradford White recommends professional service for ignition failures that persist after basic pilot relighting, and replacement of the gas control or ignition board should always be done by a qualified technician to meet warranty and code requirements. For gas line, burner, or igniter work, or if you ever smell gas, stop and call a licensed technician.