Error code · Water Heater

GE GeoSpring PF/PH Code F42: Condensate Sensor Failure and What We Check

Medium · inspection needed

Code: F42
Appliance: Water Heater
Brand: GE
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What F42 means

F42 on 2025-and-newer GE Profile GeoSpring PF and PH series heat pump water heaters is a condensate sensor failure. Heat pump water heaters pull moisture from room air, and that water has to drain away. The condensate sensor lets the control know if the pan is filling or if water is where it should not be. When the sensor stops giving a good reading, the control shows F42 and may limit heat pump operation to be safe.

Common causes of F42

Condensate sensor and its connector
Condensate drain line blocked or kinked
Water in the drain pan
Control board sensor input

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Read the model number off the rating label and keep the displayed code handy. 2. Look at the condensate drain line you can see and make sure it is not kinked or pinched. 3. Check the floor around the unit for water. 4. If it is wet, switch off the breaker. Call us to replace the required sensor.

! Why to stop there

A blocked drain and a failed sensor can both trigger this code, so we check the drain first.
We test the sensor circuit before ordering the part.
The price is given in writing before we replace anything.

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.

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Other Water Heater codes

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 F13GE GeoSpring First-Generation GEH50DEED Code F13: Keypad key stuck Dirty Filter (F14)GE GeoSpring First-Generation GEH50DEED Code Dirty Filter (F14): Clean the filter F15GE GeoSpring First-Generation GEH50DEED Code F15: DataFlash memory error Attention! Tank not filled!GE GeoSpring GEH50DNSRSA Message "Attention! Tank not filled!": Fill before power

F42F42 questions

Where does the condensate go?

The heat pump collects moisture from room air and sends it out through a drain line. If that line is blocked or kinked, water can back up in the pan and trip the sensor.

Is water on the floor part of F42?

Not necessarily. F42 is about the sensor itself. If you see water, the leak code F43 may also apply, and we check the drain, the pan and the sensor together on one visit.

Will hot water stop?

Probably not, because the electric elements can still heat the tank. The heat pump may be limited until the sensor is repaired, so running cost goes up a little in the meantime.

Book a visit

Still seeing F42?

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

(713) 547-5545