Bradford White Error Code 11: Ignition Failed 10 Times (Infiniti Tankless)
What the code means
Bradford White's Infiniti GS (RTGS199) and GR (RTGR199) installation and operation manuals define code 11 as "Ignition has failed 10 (ten) times." The heater went through its ignition sequence ten times without proving a flame, so it stops trying and locks out. It is a hard lock, which Bradford White defines as a lockout that requires a manual reset (a soft lock resets itself when the issue subsides). This is different from code 10, "Flame has been lost 8 (eight) times," where the burner does light but then goes out; code 11 means it never lit. The manuals give the same checks for both codes. Code 11 on the Infiniti GS and GR is not the same as the codes on Bradford White tank water heaters: the eF Series ICON HD quick service guide uses its own numbered list, where ignition failure is code 110.
Likely causes
- No gas reaching the heater, or the gas supply valve not fully open (common right after installation, a gas service interruption or an empty propane tank)
- Gas pressure too low while the heater is running (Bradford White's range is 3.5 to 10.5 inches water column for natural gas and 8 to 14 inches for propane); Bradford White notes low pressure can point to an undersized gas meter, undersized supply lines or an obstructed line
- A loose gas valve wire connection
- A dirty, loose or failing flame detection sensor that doesn't see the flame
- A poor ignition transformer connection
- An oxidized, damaged or wrongly gapped spark igniter
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.
- Press the Power button to clear the code, as Bradford White's table instructs, and see whether the heater lights on the next hot water draw.
- Make sure the manual gas shutoff valve to the heater is fully open and that other gas appliances in the house are working.
- On propane, check that the tank isn't empty or low.
- If the heater was just installed or the gas was just turned back on, tell your installer: Bradford White's installation steps include purging all air from the gas lines.
- Don't keep resetting the heater if code 11 returns, and if you smell gas, don't reset anything; leave and call your gas utility from outside.
🛠 When to call a pro
- Measure the gas pressure at the heater while it is firing. Bradford White says it should be between 3.5 and 10.5 inches water column for natural gas and between 8 and 14 inches for propane, measured with the heater and all other gas appliances on the line firing at maximum.
- Check that the gas valve wire is secure.
- Check the flame detection sensor and its connections. Bradford White gives normal readings of more than 2.5 VDC before ignition and less than 2.5 VDC after ignition.
- Check the ignition transformer for a proper connection and confirm the flame is stable when lit.
- Clean the spark igniter with steel wool to remove oxides, set the gap to 0.12 to 0.16 inch (3 to 4 mm), and replace the igniter if it is damaged.
- Bradford White technical support is listed on its service literature at 800-334-3393.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Tankless water heater igniter
Bradford White says to replace the spark igniter if it is damaged; match the part to your model.
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- Bradford White Infiniti GS Series Installation and Operation Instructions 238-54627-00 (RTGS199), section 6.1: error code 11 Ignition has failed 10 (ten) times, Hard Lock, press Power to clear, gas pressure 3.5-10.5" WC NG and 8-14" WC LP, gas valve wire, flame sensor more than 2.5 VDC before and less than 2.5 VDC after ignition, ignition transformer, stable flame, clean spark igniter and gap 0.12-0.16"; section 4.10 gas supply (measure with all appliances firing, undersized meter or lines, purge air from gas lines); code 10 for contrast
- Bradford White Infiniti GR Series Installation and Operation Instructions 238-54628-00 (RTGR199), section 6.1: same code 11 entry and remedies, hard lock vs soft lock definitions
- Bradford White Quick Service Guide 238-55958-00 (eF Series ICON HD tank models): tank-model code list, which does not include code 11; Technical Support 800-334-3393
Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.