Bradford White Error Code F11: Thermistor Open

Severity
Warning
Type
digital display
Estimated repair cost: $100 — $250 (parts + labor)
Warning: Your Bradford White water heater has detected an open thermistor circuit, which means it has shut down and needs attention to restore hot water.

How to Fix Bradford White Code F11

  1. Step 1: Check the display for any other error codes that might give more clues.
  2. Step 2: Reset the water heater by turning off the power at the breaker for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This might clear a temporary glitch.
  3. Step 3: If the F11 code reappears after the reset, contact a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

How to Reset Bradford White Code F11

  1. Turn off the unit using the power button on the front panel.
  2. Turn off the gas supply valve.
  3. Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit. Wait 30 seconds.
  4. Restore power at the breaker, then open the gas valve.
  5. Turn the unit back on. If the error returns, the underlying issue needs repair.

What does F11 mean?

The F11 error code on your Bradford White tankless water heater indicates that the unit's control board isn't receiving a signal from one of its thermistors. Thermistors are temperature sensors that monitor the water temperature at various points within the unit. An 'open' circuit means the electrical connection between the thermistor and the control board is broken, like a cut wire. Because the control board can't read the temperature, it shuts down the heater as a safety measure to prevent overheating or other potential issues. This error prevents the unit from operating until the problem is resolved.

Essentially, the water heater's brain (the control board) can't 'see' the temperature it needs to, so it's playing it safe by not allowing the unit to fire up. This could be due to a faulty sensor, a wiring problem, or even a problem with the control board itself.

Affected Models

Replacement Parts

PartOEM NumberEst. Cost
Thermistor
Wiring harness
Control board

Related Codes on Same Models

CodeDescriptionSeverity
F1 Sensor Fault Warning
F2 Dry Fire Protection Warning
F4 High Temp Cutoff Critical
F6 Flammable Vapor Lockout Critical
F10 Thermistor Short Warning
F13 Ignition Failure Critical
F14 Flame Failure Critical
F16 Blower Failure Warning