Error code · Water Heater

GE GeoSpring Code F78: leak sensor detected water

High · stop use, call now

Code: F78
Appliance: Water Heater
Brand: GE
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What F78 means

On GE Profile GeoSpring hybrid heat pump water heaters made from June 2025, such as the GEH50DEEJSC, F78 means the leak sensor detected water. The sensor sits under or near the unit and reports moisture. The code can mean a real leak from the tank, a fitting or the condensate drain, so treat it as urgent until you have looked. You may see water around the base or a heater that shuts itself down.

Common causes of F78

Leak from a fitting or the tank
Condensate drain overflowing
Pan or floor sensor wet from an unrelated spill

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Look around the base for water. 2. Find the source of the leak and fix it. 3. Reset the shut-off valve if one is installed. 4. If you cannot find or fix the leak, call a plumber. 5. If the heater is leaking from the tank, shut off the water supply to it.

! Why to stop there

A real leak needs a plumber, and a sensor wet from a spill needs only drying.
We check the sensor and the area to see which applies.
Continued leaks can damage floors, so do not wait.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Water Heater codes

System FailureGE GeoSpring GEH50DXSRGA Message "System Failure": Immediate attention Wiring to unit incorrectGE GeoSpring GEH50DNSRSA Message "Wiring to unit incorrect. Must be 240V not 120V": Supply check EPGE GeoSpring GEH50DXSRGA Code EP: Energy price signal F5, F6, F7, F8GE GeoSpring First-Generation GEH50DEED Codes F5-F8: Sensor failures F9GE GeoSpring First-Generation GEH50DEED Code F9: Bottom element problem F10GE GeoSpring First-Generation GEH50DEED Code F10: Top element problem F11GE GeoSpring First-Generation GEH50DEED Code F11: Tank must be filled bAd linE (F12)GE GeoSpring First-Generation GEH50DEED Code bAd linE (F12): Supply voltage low

F78F78 questions

Is F78 a real leak?

It can be. The sensor reports moisture under or near the unit, so look for water right away. A real leak from the tank or a fitting needs fixing before the heater is used again.

Can I just dry the sensor and carry on?

If the water was only a spill, drying the sensor can clear the code. If a leak continues, the code will return, so find the source first. Shut off the water to the heater if it is leaking.

Who should fix a leak from the tank?

A plumber handles plumbing and tank leaks. If the water comes from the heat pump or its condensate drain, we can help, and we give you a written price before any work starts.

Book a visit

Still seeing F78?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 547-5545