Having a furnace, you might have faced problems with leaking water. Well, water leaks are fairly common issues for furnaces but must take them seriously and get the issue resolved as soon as possible. There are numerous possibilities or causes behind water leaks, some are major and some are minor. Whenever you face such water leaks issues in your furnace, immediately call Riley Heat & Air. They have highly skilled HVAC technicians who would help you to repair your furnace. But along with that, it is also essential to keep yourself educated on different components of the furnace and acknowledge the reasons behind water leaks.

Furnace Water Leaks Due To Condensation Leaks:

Well, this is considered as one of the most common reasons for having water leak problems. If the furnace is running at high efficiency, then it will have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating above 90. Such furnaces have two different heat exchangers that help in producing more heat. More heat leads to more condensation, which is carried through the pipes. Generally, when the pipes get clogged or damaged, you’ll get leaking condensation around the base of the furnace. It will start collecting in the furnace and gradually pool up, increasing the potential risk of water damage.

Malfunction in the condensate pump

The condensate pump is used to push condensed water away from your furnace and through the condensate lines. If this pump is not functioning efficiently, your furnace may leak water.

Water Leak Due To Clogged Drains:

Generally, your furnace can also leak when it is not in use. In some HVAC systems, the furnace and air conditioner share the same drain. In such a situation, the furnace may appear leaky when the common drain gets clogged due to the consistent use of the air conditioner. This means you need to call HVAC technicians to repair the clogged drains. Remember to call professional HVAC contractors such as Riley Heat & Air to get the repair work done efficiently and quickly.

Furnace Water Leaks Due To The Humidifier:

Most often people embed humidifiers to the heating system to make the homes comfortable during winter months. Humidifiers have condensed water consistently moving through them. When the humidifier becomes clogged, it looks like the furnace is leaking. In such scenarios, take help from professional HVAC technicians, who would inspect the source of the water leaks and get it repaired quickly.

Condensation Caused Due To The Metal Vent Pipe:

In case, if your furnace has an AFUE rate of less than 90, then the system will have a metal exhaust vent pipe. This metal vent is used to carry the exhaust gases produced during the combustion and release the gases outside. If the metal venting pipe is not sized according to the furnace, then it will trap the air and condense it. This condensed air or gases leak out in the form of water.

Plumbing Leak In The Furnace:

When you find your furnace leaking water may mean there’s an issue with the plumbing and not with the furnace itself. There actually may not be an issue with the components of the furnace, which is a good thing. However, the leak still needs to be addressed. When you find a clogged or broken plumbing pipe, then it is the cause behind the backing up of the drainage system. It would seem as though the furnace is leaking. These pipes need to be repaired or replaced.

What Should Be Your Immediate Steps Before You Call HVAC Professionals?

• Shut off the furnace or heating system as it will stop from further leaking.
• Clean up the water quickly as sitting water might cause damage to other parts of the system.
• Check the filter to make sure that the airflow has not been impacted by the leakage.
• Place a vacuum around the PVC drain line to remove any debris or dirt.
• Double-check the condensation pump by pouring water into it. If the pump does not react, then it is a mechanical failure.

Summary:

In some instances, replacing your furnace is the only option. This is the case if your furnace has a faulty secondary heat exchanger, which is utilized in high-efficiency furnaces. If you're unsure, why your furnace is leaking water or even if you suspect the reason, it's best to call an HVAC professional - Riley Heat & Air. While the fix may be relatively easy and much cheaper than replacing your furnace, you don't want to assume the cause of the leak and be wrong, potentially leading to more costly repairs down the road. Is your furnace leaking? Do you want to be sure it will last the entire winter? Call Riley Heat and Air today for more information or to schedule an appointment. We're happy to assist or to send an expert technician to your home.