Why Your Furnace is Leaking Water

It’s never good to see standing puddles or water leaking out from anywhere near your furnace.

When you do, here are some reasons why your furnace is leaking.

Condensation

Water condensation is one of the most common reasons why your furnace is leaking.

There are so many areas on your furnace where condensation can form, anywhere from a faulty drain pan to blocked drain lines or filters.

Blockages and Clogs

Your furnace is an intricate piece of equipment with many moving parts. When one or more of these parts, vents or pipes becomes blocked, it can be the culprit behind those water leaks.

It’s important to know how your furnace is vented, which makes it easier for you to know where to look for potential venting blockages that cause water leaks.

By checking furnace ventilation, you can also find dirty, dusty areas in addition to condensation around venting or the return air duct connecting to the outside of your home.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

If you’re overdue for a filter change, the air filter may be dirty and become clogged. When that happens, the furnace is working hard to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Clogged air filters may cause excess condensation in the filter and subsequently, onto the floor under and around the furnace.

Vent Pipe

A blockage in the vent pipe leading directly outside can cause water leaks.

Air Return

If you have an air duct connected to your furnace and directed outside your home, if it’s dirty, clogged or otherwise blocked, it can cause a water leak and/or your furnace to overheat.

Blocked Pipe

A crack in the pipe running from the furnace to the upper level of your home can cause water leaks or excessive condensation that has formed around this pipe.

Clogged Drain Lines

Drain lines carry away excess water from the furnace directly to the drain or septic tank. If they are clogged, there may be damage, a clog, crack or leak from the drain line found near the furnace.

Furnace Part Clogs and Failures

In addition to cracks, leaks or clogs with venting, draining and lines running in and out of the furnace, there’s also a chance you’re experiencing leaks due to some sort of mechanical issue or failure.

Here are some common mechanical issues that can cause water leaks.

Condensate Pump or Line

If there are mechanical issues with the condensate pump or it becomes clogged, it’s another opportunity for excess water leakage. The excess water spills over onto the floor instead of being directed to the condensate line.

Clogs are common in the condensate line, as well. If the line is clogged, water unable to drain away from the furnace backs up onto the floor.

Humidifier

If the humidifier is clogged or fails, the extra condensation caused by higher humidity levels leaks around the furnace.

General Plumbing

Excess water around the furnace may be due to a general plumbing issue in the home and unrelated to the furnace itself. If that’s the case, an HVAC inspection will figure out if the issue is with your furnace or with your plumbing.

Conclusion

There are literally dozens of reasons as to why your furnace is leaking water. If you try to find the source of the water leak and nothing jumps out as obvious, call for a professional HVAC inspection.

To find the source of water leaks or schedule routine maintenance, call Dale HCS today.