Code: 110🚿 Bradford White Gas Water Heater

Bradford White Error Code 110: Ignition Failure, Burner Won't Light (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Bradford White's service manual for its Ultra High Efficiency water heaters with ICON and integrated controls (eF Series models such as 60T125, 60T150, 60T199, 100T150, 100T199, 100T250 and 100T300) lists 110 as "Ignition Failure Occurred". The control goes into a soft lockout when the main burner can't be lit or fails to prove flame after its ignition trials; the sequence of operation describes 3 trials, and the error table in the current manual describes 4 retries. In a soft lockout the control waits 15 minutes and then makes 3 more attempts to light the burner, and a log entry is stored in service history. Bradford White says soft lockout is reset by holding the lower-right button under "Reset" for 3 seconds. This is different from code 105 (flame detected out of sequence), 122 or 123 (light-off rate proving failed, blower speed not verified) and 80 (high limit, a hard lockout). Bradford White's other water heater lines use their own code lists, so check the manual for your model.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance and shut off its gas valve before working on it; never disconnect or alter the gas line. If you smell gas, leave and call your gas utility.

  1. Make sure the gas supply to the water heater is turned on and that other gas appliances in the house are working.
  2. Check outside for blocked intake and exhaust terminals (snow, ice, leaves, nests) and clear them.
  3. Reset the soft lockout by holding the lower-right button under "Reset" for 3 seconds, or wait for the heater to retry on its own after 15 minutes.
  4. Watch whether the burner lights. If 110 comes back right away or keeps returning, stop resetting it and call a qualified technician.
  5. If you smell gas, don't try to light or reset anything; leave and call your gas utility from outside.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • Bradford White says its service procedures are to be performed only by qualified service providers.
  • A technician will check with a manometer that inlet gas pressure is stable between 7 and 14 inches W.C. static and doesn't drop more than 2 inches W.C. during ignition, and that the gas piping is at least 3/4 inch.
  • They'll check the gas valve wiring and operation during the ignition cycle, and the flame sensor and its wire; Bradford White says a badly corroded flame sensor rod can be cleaned with sandpaper or replaced.
  • They'll confirm the combustion blower runs during ignition and run, and test for spark at the spark rod, the spark cable resistance and the spark rod gap, replacing the spark cable, spark rod or control board as the flowcharts direct.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

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Flame sensor

Must be the part for your model and serial number; a technician should replace it.

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Gas leak detector

Handy for checking gas connections around any gas appliance.

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Carbon monoxide alarm

Recommended in any home with a gas water heater.

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Sources

  1. Bradford White Service Manual 238-54464-00, Ultra High Efficiency Water Heater with ICON and Integrated Control Systems: models covered, lockout conditions (error code 110 soft lockout, Service Needed, 15-minute wait, 3 more attempts, reset button 3 seconds), error table 109/110 Ignition Failure Occurred (gas valve, flame sensor, gas pressure, blower, venting), ignition and combustion system testing flowcharts (7-14 inch W.C. inlet pressure, 2 inch drop, spark checks)
  2. Bradford White eF Series Ultra High Efficiency installation and operation manual, error code table: 110 Ignition Failure Occurred, burner failed to light or stay lit after 3 retries, 15-minute hold (ManualShelf copy)

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.