If you own a Bradford White Defender water heater, you’re already familiar with the benefits of having a reliable and efficient water heater system in your home. However, like any other appliance, even the best water heaters can experience problems from time to time. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on troubleshooting your Bradford White Defender water heater and how to keep it running smoothly for years to come.
What is the DEFENDER Safety System, and How it Work?
The DEFENDER Safety System is specifically designed to withstand the ignition of flammable vapors that may arise outside the water heater. Its use and installation are similar to previous versions of atmospherically fired and vented water heaters. However, it’s worth noting that this system incorporates several exclusive design features that require advanced knowledge from the qualified service provider.
As a homeowner, we must clearly understand its function, proper diagnosis, and repair to ensure the proper functioning of the Bradford White water heater. Fortunately, the following Bradford White water heater troubleshooting guides you through every step of the process.
With its unparalleled ability to resist the ignition of flammable vapors, the Bradford White water heater offers a level of safety and reliability that is unmatched by other water heaters on the market. This system is an investment in the security and comfort of your home that you can’t afford to ignore.
Bradford White DEFENDER Water Heater Troubleshooting Chart
It’s important to keep in mind that due to the unique design of the Bradford White DEFENDER water heater, it’s necessary to have qualified plumbing to troubleshoot and handle any issues that may arise. These professionals have the knowledge and experience necessary to diagnose and repair any problems that may occur, ensuring that your water heater continues to function smoothly for years to come.
Bradford White Defender Water Heater Pilot Light
One of the most common issues with Bradford White water heaters is their pilot light. If your Bradford White Defender water heater isn’t producing any hot water, then the first thing you should check is the pilot light.
The pilot will not light.
Possible causes:
- No incoming gas or too low gas pressure.
- The gas control knob is set to the wrong position.
- The pilot light button not being fully depressed when attempting to light the pilot.
- The pilot orifice or pilot tube is obstructed or kinked.
- The pilot electrode is not sparking the pilot.
- The Piezo igniter is not functioning.
Recommended action:
- Turn on the gas supply and/or check line pressure.
- Review lighting instructions. Set the combination/thermostat gas valve to the correct position.
- Review lighting instructions. Fully depress the pilot lighting button.
- Clean, repair, or replace.
- Verify the correct electrode position. Replace pilot assembly.
- Replace Piezo igniter.
The pilot will not stay lit when the button is released.
Possible causes:
- Poor thermocouple connection at combination thermostat/gas valve.
- Thermocouple is not fully engaged in the pilot assembly bracket.
- The pilot flame is not fully enveloping the thermocouple “hot” junction.
- Weak or defective thermocouple.
- Open ECO on the combination thermostat/gas valve.
- Defective magnet in combination with thermostat/gas valve.
- The resettable thermal switch has opened.
Recommended action:
- Check the connection at the combination thermostat/gas valve. Proper tightness should be finger-tight plus 1/4 turn.
- Inspect the thermocouple to ensure that it is fully engaged into the pilot bracket.
- Adjust the tip of the thermocouple to be fully engulfed by the pilot flame.
- Check the thermocouple and replace it if necessary.
- Check ECO continuity and replace the combination thermostat/gas valve if necessary.
- Check magnet operation and replace the combination thermostat/gas valve if necessary.
- Determine the cause of switch activation. To reset, depress the button on the resettable thermal switch located on the inner door.
The pilot will light, but the main burner will not come on.
Possible causes:
- The combination thermostat/gas valve is too low for desired water temp.
- The combination thermostat/gas valve temperature is satisfied.
- Insufficient gas supply or low gas pressure.
- The combination thermostat/gas valve has a wide differential or is out of calibration.
Recommended action:
- Adjust the temperature dial on the combination thermostat/gas valve.
- Check the temperature dial setting on the combination thermostat/gas valve.
- Check gas supply and line pressure.
- Check the combination thermostat/gas valve for proper operation; replace it if necessary.
The pilot light goes out periodically.
Possible causes:
- Insufficient combustion air supply.
- Incorrect, clogged vent system/ vent terminal or location.
- Inconsistent gas supply or gas pressure.
Recommended action:
- Verify adequate combustion air is available to the unit. Check and clear Jacket slot openings of dirt, dust, restrictions, or other obstructions. Inspect the flame arrestor plate and clean it with a stiff-bristled brush and/or vacuum to remove debris accumulation.
- Check venting for proper sizing and proper operation.
- Check gas supply and line pressure.
Not Enough Hot Water
If your Bradford White Defender water heater produces hot water, but it’s not enough to meet your needs, you may need to adjust the temperature setting. The recommended temperature setting is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature setting is already at the recommended level, you may need to check for mineral buildup in the tank or a faulty thermostat.
The following is the complete troubleshooting Bradford White Water Heater that is not producing enough hot water.
Possible causes:
- The combination thermostat/gas valve is too low for desired water temp.
- Cold inlet water temp is very cold.
- High demand periods.
- Incorrectly sized water heater for application.
- The combination thermostat/gas valve is out of calibration/not functioning.
- An out-of-spec dip tube diluting hot water with cold water.
Recommended action:
- Check the dial on the combination thermostat/gas valve.
- Extremely cold water going into the heater will decrease the hot water produced. It may be necessary to temper the incoming water supply.
- Adjust high-demand usage.
- Contact a Plumbing professional.
- Check the combination thermostat/gas valve for proper operation; replace it if necessary.
- Inspect the dip tube and replace it if necessary.
Bradford White Water Heater Anode Rod
Here are the steps to replace the anode rod in a Bradford White water heater:
- Turn off the water supply to your water heater by rotating the knob of the combination thermostat/gas valve to the “OFF” position.
- Turn off the cold water supply to the heater. Attach a hose to the drain stopper of the water heater and direct it to an open drain. Open a nearby hot water faucet to allow air to vent the heater for draining. Then, open the drain stopper of the water heater and let the water drain to a point below the outlet connection nipple.
- Disconnect the outlet nipple from the plumbing system.
- Use a wrench to remove the outlet nipple/anode from the water heater. Be careful not to damage the pipe threads.
- Visually inspect the outlet nipple/anode. It should show signs of depletion, which is normal. If depletion is half of the original anode diameter (approximately 3/4″ diameter), it is recommended that you replace it. If any part of the steel core of the anode is exposed, it is recommended that you replace it.
- After inspecting or replacing the outlet nipple/anode, reinstall it into the water heater. Connect the nipple to the plumbing system, turn on the water supply, and refill the heater with water.
- Finally, to resume operation, follow the instructions on the lighting instruction label or the installation and operation manual.
Final Words
Bradford White DEFENDER water heater is a remarkable innovation that provides unbeatable protection against the ignition of flammable vapors. To ensure its proper functioning, it’s essential to have a qualified technician familiar with its exclusive design features. With this information, homeowners will be equipped to diagnose and repair any issues that may arise with their water heater.
