Bradford White, Gas Water Heater, the fan runs but the pilot won't light. It's one of those that have a smart valve and supposed to start on its own. Please recommend, maybe the valve is bad? What is best to start with? Thanks

It is pretty easy - make sure gas valve is open, change control know to pilot. Press the ignitor a few times and once pilot lights up switch control to warm or hot position.

See instructions by downloading manual for MI-403SF6BN from this site
Bradford White Water Heaters Built to be the best

Usually 1 minute.
Copy following link to identify gas control valve and read lighting instructions:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-light-gas-water-heater.html

Gene
h

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

Call Bradford White or installer

Gene
h

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1) Copy following links to identify gas control valve and read ignition procedure, and access service manual for your product:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

2) Honeywell gas control used on recent Bradford White gas water heaters has red knob that rotates to pilot. Press and hold red knob. Then push red igniter button until status light changes.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1) Just open the following link to identify gas control, and following instructions for lighting each gas control that appear under the gas control that looks like yours.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

2) Otherwise add a comment and carefully describe gas control valve, and then open link and compare your description to pictures of each gas control valve, and then look below each picture for link that says how to light water heater.

3) Call plumber.or local service technician, or local BW supplier who can recommend technician.

4) Call Bradford White to get recommendation of local technician.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1) Copy following link to identify gas control valve:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

2) Add a comment and describe gas control valve, and include if this is on boiler or water heater

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1) Copy following link to troubleshoot by type of gas control valve with basic service manual for old and new gas control valve on unit:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermocouple.html

2) Add a comment and say what you find so far.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Copy following link to troubleshoot by type of gas control valve:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

Bradford White posts service manuals: Both before and after introduction of ICON (Honeywell) gas control valve
http://www.bradfordwhite.com/documentation/residential/gas.asp

Don't forget to clean air intake locate under combustion parts, using instructions in service manual. Or compressed air. Ample air supply will ensure that combustion chamber does not overheat because of slowed venting of hot combustion by-product that will trip the FV system.
And remove heat trap inserts if water pressure has problem or water heater is humming or whistling

Post question on pro water heater forum:
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Water heater is not identified and gas valve is not known.
Review options below:

1) Add a comment and describe what gas control valve is on the water heater, and model number from label on side of unit. Include what you have tried so far.

2) Try unplugging water heater and see if water heater resets.
Disconnect blower from gas valve, then plug blower in to see it it operates.
This will eliminate or include blower as suspect.

3) Open following link to download service and product manuals to help troubleshoot exact model.
http://www.bradfordwhite.com/documentation/residential/gas.asp

4) Open following link to identify gas valve.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-adjust-temperature-on-water-heater.html#intelli

pilot light will stay on if it is a standing pilot. Turn water heater aqustat down and plug back in. you probably need to clean water heater or replace it. i have drained down a couple of them and took out gas valve and cleaned and put back in worked fine. If you get me a model # i can look it up and tell you some things to try. not sure on yours if it has a different temperature control or if the gas valve is a dual control .