Bradford White

Bradford White Water Heater Parts and Components

Bradford White is an American manufacturer of water heating, space heating and storage products, with roots going back to 1881 and a headquarters in Ambler, Pennsylvania. The company builds residential, commercial and industrial equipment, including gas, electric, heat pump and tankless water heaters. The Bradford White parts range covers the components that keep those units running safely, from gas controls to burners and anode rods.

A Brand Built Around Durability and Safety

Bradford White is known for features such as its Defender Safety System, which is designed to prevent accidental ignition of flammable vapors. Its Hydrojet Total Performance System helps limit sediment buildup, and its Vitraglas enamel tank lining resists corrosion. The company has also long distributed its water heaters through licensed plumbing professionals rather than direct to consumers, a model it says supports correct, code-compliant installation. That focus on safety and service life carries over to its replacement components, which are designed to work with the original equipment.

Gas Controls, Burners and Pilot Systems

On a gas-fired tank heater, the combustion and control components do most of the work, and they are also the parts most likely to need attention over the years. Water heater gas valves and controls regulate gas flow to the pilot and main burner and manage temperature settings. Bradford White's ICON natural gas valve is one example of this type of component. Burner wear or clogging can reduce heating performance, which is why water heater burner assemblies and burners, orifices and combustion parts are common replacement items. A combustion system assembly or a blower assembly for power direct vent models is matched to specific unit designs.

When a pilot will not stay lit, the cause is frequently a weak thermocouple or thermopile, the safety sensor that confirms the pilot flame is burning. Pilot assemblies and thermocouples are sold by gas type (natural gas or LP) and by orifice size, so matching the part number to your heater's model is important. FVIR-style pilot assemblies, for example, are specified with particular sizing figures.

Everyday Maintenance and Conversions

Beyond combustion parts, water heater repair parts include items that support long tank life and proper operation. Magnesium and aluminum anode rods are sacrificial components that protect the tank from corrosion, and temperature sensors and conversion kits, such as an LP to natural gas conversion kit, round out the range.

Shopping Tips

• Locate the model and serial number on the heater's rating plate before ordering.
• Confirm whether your unit runs on natural gas or LP, as valves, pilots and orifices differ.
• Check anode rod length, material and thread size against your tank.
• Gas appliance work should be handled by a licensed professional, and the manufacturer recommends contractor installation for many components.