Water leak detected by the accessory module (ICON System V1)
LED: 6 flashes, 3-second pause
On the ICON System V1 control, six flashes with a three-second pause mean "Water leak detected by water heater accessory module". The manual's probable cause is an excessive amount of water in the drain pan or water dam, and its service procedure is to check the temperature-and-pressure relief valve, check all water fittings, then pressurize and leak-test the tank.
If the water heater is leaking
- Close the cold-water shut-off valve on the pipe feeding the heater, if you can reach it safely.
- Gas unit: turn the gas control to OFF. Electric unit: switch off its breaker. Do not touch electrical parts while standing in water.
- Do not cap or plug the relief-valve discharge pipe, even if that is where the water is coming from.
A leaking tank body cannot be repaired; a dripping relief valve or fitting often can. Call CANRO with a description of where the water appears.
Applies to
Applies only where a V1 ICON System control is paired with Bradford White's optional leak-detection accessory module. Without the module there is no water sensor to report, so the pattern does not apply. The V2 control chart does not document a six-flash pattern.
- Bradford White Defender Safety System atmospheric vent (RG2)
- Bradford White RG240T6N
- Bradford White RG230T6N
- Bradford White RG240S6N
- Bradford White RG250T6N
- Bradford White RG250S6N
- Bradford White RG230S6N
- Bradford White RG130T6N
- Bradford White RG140T6N
- Bradford White RG150T6N
- Bradford White RG250L6N
- Bradford White RG260T6N
Control platform: Bradford White ICON System V1 electronic gas control (green LED status light) with the optional leak-detection accessory module. Source manual: 238-51542-00E (REV 08/22).
Why a code is not a diagnosis
The code is triggered by water where the sensor sits, typically the drain pan or a water dam. The manual's checks separate a real tank or fitting leak from relief-valve discharge and from condensation: check the T&P valve, check the fittings, then pressure-test the tank before concluding the tank itself leaks.
Same code, other equipment
- Rinnai tankless units: Rinnai's code 6-series digits carry different meanings; brand code tables are separate on this site. Source
Safe things to observe
- Look under and around the heater for water before touching anything electrical.
- If the tank itself is leaking, close the cold-water shut-off valve and turn the gas control to OFF if you can do so safely, then call.
- Note whether the relief valve discharge pipe is wet or actively dripping.
Do not
- Do not ignore the code because the floor looks dry; sensor pans can hold water out of sight.
- Do not cap or extend the T&P discharge pipe with anything but the approved termination.
- Do not keep power on the heater while water is pooled near electrical parts.
How professional service helps
- A technician checks the T&P valve and all water fittings, then pressurizes and leak-tests the tank per the manual before deciding between a repair and a replacement.
Diagnostic visit
Repair visits carry a diagnostic service fee that CANRO states is credited toward the repair if you proceed. The amount is confirmed by phone; it is not published. Source, checked September 7, 2026.
Where CANRO provides on-site service
On-site service is currently offered across Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, White Rock, Tsawwassen; plus Anmore, Belcarra, Lions Bay, Bowen Island, Abbotsford with travel or ferry arrangements confirmed by phone. Everything else on this site is reference information you can use anywhere in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
My heater shows six flashes but I see no water. What now?
Check the drain pan and the fittings at the top of the tank carefully, including the relief valve discharge pipe. If nothing is wet, call a technician: the manual's procedure pressure-tests the tank rather than assuming the sensor is wrong.
Does a six-flash code mean the tank is leaking?
Not necessarily. The manual checks the relief valve and fittings before the tank itself. A leaking tank body cannot be repaired and is priced as a replacement with a free estimate.
Locked out with no hot water? Call with the code ready.
The brand, model and this code are passed along when you request service online, so the technician arrives prepared.
On-site service in Metro Vancouver, BC. Call to check availability.
Sources and verification
- Defender Safety System Service Manual, ICON System V1 troubleshooting chart · 238-51542-00E · accessed September 7, 2026
- Installation and Operation Manual, LED status tables · 238-51012-00V · accessed September 7, 2026
Facts checked September 7, 2026. Last updated September 7, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.