HPWH: Condensate drain pan port blocked
Summary: If you have opinions on this HPWH issue, please share. Getting an error code on the HPWH, will call plumbing company installer for a service visit. But you might suggest some items to point out or discuss with plumber. Also, upcoming plumbing inspection on Thursday. If no service visit before inspection, we will tell inspector about error code if not visible at that moment.
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Newly installed Bradford-White heat pump water heater RE2H50S-INCWT.
Located in basement, working fine as far as we can tell. Condensate outlet is connected by PVC pipe to a small pump, to pump water up to nearby existing stand pipe (see attached photo showing (1) right hand side of HPWH; (2) the plumber-installed condensate drain PVC pipe connected to a small blue pump; and (3) small pump’s clear plastic tube output going up to nearby existing PVC standpipe).
Keep getting error message F20 (and beeping sound), “Condensate pan port blocked. Water heater will only operate in standard/electric mode until the drain port is cleared and the sensor is no longer in contact with water. Check main drain on condensate drain pan.” Repair instructions state to assure that sensor is positioned correctly. However these internal parts are not visible without opening up the HPWH. I won’t open up HPWH, potentially voiding warrantee or annoying plumbing company. Owner will call the plumbing company for a service visit. Here’s a relevant YouTube video that explains the situation for a pro repair person:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDoWBcVWgX4
Despite the error code saying otherwise, HPWH does operate in heat pump only mode while the error message is active, given we note the fan operation and typical noise level. Its possible that it is in standard electric mode some time, no way to tell, but we want heat pump only mode.
Plumbing inspector visits Thursday. Homeowner will call plumbing company Monday most likely to report the issue for a repair call to plumbing company installer.
Looking over manuals, I don’t see any further explanation. But that sensor may be installed too low, making contact with water too easily during normal operation, but that’s my uneducated guess. The external plumber-installed PVC pipe going to the pump is out of level, going slightly uphill to the pump, so water may be backing up. Or maybe that sealed PVC pipe that leads to the external blue water pump allows too much water or water vapor to remain in the PVC pipe, before pump operates to remove that drained water? WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
Other issue: Water heater instructions note that the water heater must be at least 7″ horizontally from any other object for repair access purposes. However it is 6″ from main PVC home drain cleanout on the left side of the HPWH, and 6″ from the stand pipe and other PVC drain pipe located on the foundation wall behind the HPWH. I wouldn’t tell plumbers to move it away from pipes to meet manufacturer’s installation instructions (thereby meet plumbing code), and doubt inspector would. Opinions?
Yet another issue: I bought a plastic water heater drain pan which is below the HPWH. Installation instructions note that if HPWH is installed in a drain pan, to raise HPWH slightly above that external pan, which installer plumber didn’t do. No biggie? A little late now, but you might have some opinion to share on this issue also.
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Replies
This is how I connected my GeoSpring drain in May of 2013. Short run to a T fitting, then straight down to a Little Giant condensate pump. The pump also handles a Whirlpool heat pump dryer and a 30 pint dehumidifier with no problems.
Thanks, Thomas. This would fix the problem if it involves water collecting in the current "uphill" PVC connection to the pump. If the plumber doesn't fix the problem somehow, your solution is what I'll do. Can't hurt, no negative other than a little bit of rework.
Did you check the sump reservoir for biofilm? I had an issue where biofilm would build up and prevent the water from draining.
Since the HPWH is new, probably not the problem. But there could be some blockage stopping condensate from draining out of the HPWH. For now I won't open up the HPWH unit to avoid any warrantee issue or interference with the plumbing company that installed it. Especially since heat pump technology and plumbing are not my area. But if the problem doesn't get fixed by the installer, and improving the PVC connection between the HPWH and pump to remove condensate, then I'll check inside for biofilm, proper drainage, sensor problem, ... Thanks for the suggestion. Hopefully we solve this problem this week.
Is the fan discharge facing the wall?