GE heat pump water heater
GE GeoSpring, first generation (2009–2012) error codes
Covers: GeoSpring Hybrid Electric, first generation (models GEH50DNSRSA, GEH50DXSRGA)
Every code listed in GE's own manual for this series, with what it means and what GE says to do. Last checked 2026-10-03.
Is this your model? Model number GEH50DNSRSA or GEH50DXSRGA (rating label on the front side of the water heater). GE's support page for GEH50DNSRSA states 'Manufactured October, 2009 - March, 2012'. This generation has a POWER button and a text-menu display (Energy Menu, Lock, Stop Cold Air buttons; eHeat mode).
| Code | Label | What the manual says it means |
|---|---|---|
| Attention! Tank not filled! | The water heater has not been filled with water before powering up. Powering up the heater without water will damage the electric heaters. The water heater warranty does not cover damage or failure resulting from operation with an empty or partially empty tank. | |
| Heat Pump Failure | There is an issue with the heat pump system. | |
| Water Heater Failure | There is an issue with the water heater system. | |
| System Failure | There is an issue with the water heater that requires immediate attention. | |
| Wiring to unit incorrect. Must be 240V not 120V | Unit is not receiving 240VAC as intended. | |
| Heat Pump Fault | Unit is not receiving 240VAC as intended. | |
| Filter light on (red light above Filter button) | The filter requires cleaning. A clean filter is necessary for effective operation. (When the filter requires cleaning an audible beep will sound and the screen will display instructions that the filter needs to be cleaned.) |
GE's manual for this series does not list error codes; see the troubleshooting section below.
Safety first
- CAUTION: For your safety, DO NOT attempt repair of electrical wiring, controls, heating elements or other safety devices. Refer repairs to qualified service personnel. (p.20)
- CAUTION: Shut off power to the water heater before draining water. (p.12)
- DANGER: Before manually operating the relief valve, make certain no one will be exposed to the hot water released by the valve; water may be hot enough to create a scald hazard and should be released into a suitable drain. (p.12)
- If the water heater has been subjected to flood, fire, or physical damage, turn off power and water to the water heater. Do not operate the water heater again until it has been thoroughly checked by qualified service personnel. (p.4)
- Temperature-limiting controls (TCOs): resetting should be done by a qualified service technician; the cause of the high temperature condition must be investigated by a qualified service technician before placing the water heater in service again. (p.4)
- Hydrogen gas warning after two weeks or more of non-use: open the kitchen hot water faucet for several minutes before using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system; no smoking or open flame near the faucet. (p.3)
From the manufacturer's manual for this series.
Troubleshooting without a code
Water heater makes sounds
Likely cause: Fans are used to move air through the system. The fan volume will vary as the water is heated.
What to do: Some amount of fan sound is normal (similar to the blower sounds on a central heating and cooling system). If you hear an abnormal sound like a knocking or the sound level seems unusually loud, then contact service. If sound level has been increasing over the last weeks or months, the filter may be getting dirty, thus making the fans work harder. Check to see if filter needs to be cleaned (see page 13).
Water heater is making the room cooler
Likely cause: Room is not vented properly or is too small.
What to do: If the room is smaller than 10' x 10' x 7' (3m x 3m x 2.1m), then it must have a louvered door or other means to allow air exchange with surrounding rooms.
Water dripping down the outside of the heater
Likely cause: Condensate drain hoses are not connected.
What to do: Two drain hoses are included with your water heater. Connect the longer 6' (1.8 m) hose to the lower condensate drain port. Connect the short 3" (7.6 cm) hose to the upper condensate drain port.
Water dripping down the outside of the heater
Likely cause: Condensate drain hoses are kinked or clogged.
What to do: Remove each drain hose and clear any debris from the line. You can use a small wire like a hanger or a small screwdriver to clear out any debris in the drain port on the unit.
Water dripping down the outside of the heater
Likely cause: Hot/Cold water connections are not tightened.
What to do: Tighten the inlet and outlet pipe connections.
Not enough or no hot water
Likely cause: Water usage may have exceeded the capacity of the water heater.
What to do: Wait for the water heater to recover after an abnormal demand.
Not enough or no hot water
Likely cause: A fuse is blown or a circuit breaker tripped.
What to do: Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker.
Not enough or no hot water
Likely cause: Electric supply may be off.
What to do: Make sure electric supply to water heater and disconnect switch, if used, are in the ON position.
Not enough or no hot water
Likely cause: Water temperature may be set too low.
What to do: See the Water temperature setting section.
Not enough or no hot water
Likely cause: Leaking or open hot water faucets.
What to do: Make sure all faucets are closed.
Not enough or no hot water
Likely cause: Electric service to your home may be interrupted.
What to do: Contact the local electric utility.
Not enough or no hot water
Likely cause: Improper wiring.
What to do: See the Installation Instructions section.
Not enough or no hot water
Likely cause: Manual reset limit (TCO).
What to do: See the Water temperature setting section.
Not enough or no hot water
Likely cause: Cold water inlet temperature may be colder during the winter months.
What to do: This is normal. The colder inlet water takes longer to heat.
Water is too hot
Likely cause: Water temperature is set too high.
What to do: See the Water temperature setting section.
Water is too hot
Likely cause: Electronic control has failed.
What to do: Call for service.
Rumbling noise
Likely cause: Water conditions in your home caused a buildup of scale or mineral deposits on the heating elements.
What to do: Remove and clean the heating elements.
Relief valve producing popping sound or draining
Likely cause: Pressure buildup caused by thermal expansion to a closed system.
What to do: This is an unacceptable condition and must be corrected. Contact the water supplier or plumbing contractor on how to correct this. Do not plug the relief valve outlet.
Hot water has a rotten egg or sulfur smell
Likely cause: Certain water supplies with high sulfate content will react with the anode rod that is present in all water heaters for corrosion protection of the tank.
What to do: The odor can be reduced or eliminated in most water heaters by replacing the anode rod with less-active material rod. In some cases, an added step of chlorinating the water heater and all hot water lines may be necessary; contact your local water professional or plumber for options and instructions. Call GE at 1.888.4GE.HEWH (1.888.443.4394) to learn how to purchase this replacement anode rod. A qualified servicer or plumber should do this replacement. Use of a non-GE approved anode rod, or operating the water heater without a GE approved anode rod will VOID the warranty.
Unit is not making normal sounds
Likely cause: If unit is using resistance elements, it will not make fan or compressor sounds.
What to do: Check mode of unit.
Owner maintenance
Test temperature and pressure-relief valve
How often: At least once a year
Lift and release the lever handle on the temperature and pressure-relief valve, located on the back-right side of the water heater, to make certain the valve operates freely. Allow several gallons to flush through the discharge line to an open drain.
Periodic inspection of controls, heating elements and wiring
How often: Periodic (no interval stated)
Recommended to be made by service personnel qualified in electric appliance repair.
Flush tank (sediment)
How often: Every month
Open the drain valve located under the large decorative cover near the bottom of the unit and drain a few quarts of water from the water heater. This should be done with the cold water supply open such that water removed through drain valve is replaced, and water supply flow helps to remove sediment.
Clean air filter
How often: When the filter alarm shows (minimum is once a year)
Leave the power on and remove the filter from the top of the unit (behind the hot and cold inlet pipes): grasp the plastic handle and slide the filter straight up. Wipe clean with a damp rag or rinse with warm water. Slide it back into the slot until the handle is flush with the top of the cover. Press the FILTER button and then press ENTER.
Clear condensate drain tubes
How often: Periodically inspect
There are two drain hoses attached to the back of the heater. If the primary drain is clogged or kinked, condensate will exit the secondary drain tube onto the floor as a notification. Remove the drain hose, clear any debris and reattach.
Inspect anode rod
How often: Annually
Remove and inspect; replace when more than 6" (15.2 cm) of core wire is exposed at either end of the rod. Due to shock hazard and to prevent accidental water leaks, this inspection should be done by a qualified servicer or plumber, and requires that the cold water supply is turned off before removing the anode rod.