Your furnace components work together to keep your home cozy and warm during the chilly winter months. But when something goes awry within your system, it can cause water to leak out and pool around the unit. Knowing the common causes of leaking water helps you act quickly to prevent costly water damage and repairs.
Below, we’ll discuss the most common culprits of furnace water leaks and outline the best steps to take to prevent the issue from progressing.
Common Causes of Water Pooling Around Your Furnace
Cracks, clogs, and blockages in your furnace are often the most common causes of pooling water. However, a number of components may be behind the leak, from the drain lines to the flue pipe. Discover the most common sources below to help pinpoint the issue and take action before it leads to bigger problems.
Condensation issues
It’s natural for your furnace to produce condensation throughout the combustion process. While most modern units are designed to drain excess moisture, clogged drain lines, pump malfunctions, and cracked drain pans can cause excess water to pool and leak out around your furnace.
Blocked drain lines
Over time, dirt, debris, and mold often build up in the drain lines, restricting drainage and causing water to back up into the furnace. The blockage can lead to leaks around the unit, increasing the risk of water damage and system malfunction.
Cracked heat exchanger
The heat exchanger transfers heat from the combustion process to the air, producing minor condensation. Over time, cracks can form due to corrosion, wear and tear, or damage, allowing water to leak out and escape the furnace. A cracked heat exchanger poses a serious risk to the safety and function of your furnace, so it’s important to call a professional as soon as you notice signs of damage.
Humidifier malfunctions
Some furnace models feature humidifiers to add moisture to the air and improve indoor comfort. If these built-in humidifiers develop a clog, loose connection, or faulty component, excess water can pool and leak out around the unit.
Flue pipe issues
The flue pipe helps move exhaust gases safely away from your home, preventing dangerous fumes like carbon monoxide from building up indoors. If the pipe is damaged, disconnected, or improperly installed, condensation can form inside and leak back into the furnace.
Secondary heat exchanger problems
High-efficiency furnaces produce excess condensation as they extract more heat from the combustion process. If the secondary heat exchanger is blocked or damaged, the condensation can’t drain properly, causing water to build up and escape from the furnace.
What to Do If You Notice Water Leaking from Your Furnace
If you notice water leaking from your furnace, don’t ignore it. Even small leaks can be a sign of serious issues that result in water damage and costly system repairs. As soon as you notice a puddle forming, take the following steps:
- Turn off the furnace to prevent additional damage.
- Try to identify the source of the leak. Check the condensate drain, humidifier, flue pipe, and heat exchanger for signs of malfunction.
- Clean up the leak with a dry cloth to prevent mold growth and water damage.
If you can’t identify the cause of the leak or water continues to pool, contact a reputable HVAC company in your area. They’ll assess your system, locate the source of the leak, and determine the best course of action.
How to Prevent Water Damage from Furnace Leaks
Furnace leaks can lead to severe water damage and mold growth, requiring costly and extensive repairs. The best way to prevent this damage from happening is to schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least once a year. During the appointment, a skilled technician will assess your system to check for clogged drain lines, failing humidifiers, and other potential issues that can cause water to pool around your furnace. If they notice any warning signs, they’ll quickly repair them to prevent damage to your home and unit.
Along with professional maintenance, there are some at-home steps to take to prevent furnace leaks, including:
- Performing visual inspections: Regularly assess your furnace to check for physical damage, clogged drain lines, or malfunctioning components. If you notice any issues, call an HVAC technician right away.
- Change the humidifier filter: To prevent buildup and keep your humidifier working correctly, replace the filter at least once every three months.
- Install a leak detection system: Installing a smart water sensor near your furnace helps you catch leaks quickly. Some models even shut off the water supply automatically if they detect a leak.
- Keep the surrounding area clear and dry: Quickly dry any moisture that forms around your furnace to prevent water damage and avoid mold growth.
Call Ricky to Schedule Furnace Repair Today!
If you notice water pooling around your furnace, don’t waste another second searching for an HVAC company near you. Call the team at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling to schedule furnace repair right away! We’ll evaluate your unit to determine where the leak is coming from and quickly fix it to prevent damage to your home and unit. With decades of experience, highly-trained technicians, and a commitment to five-star service, you can trust that we’ll get the job done right.
Call us or book online to schedule furnace repair in Macon or surrounding areas today! We also offer professional furnace maintenance, installation, and replacement services, so you can count on us for all your heating needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a furnace gets wet?
If your furnace gets wet, it can lead to serious damage and safety hazards. Water can cause electrical components to short out, corrosion and rust to form, and mold to thrive. If you notice your furnace dripping or leaking water, call our team as soon as possible to schedule an inspection.
Can a dirty filter cause a furnace to leak water?
A dirty filter can contribute to furnace leaks by restricting airflow, which causes the condenser coils to freeze or excessive condensation to form. If the condensation doesn’t drain properly, it leaks out and pools around the unit. Scheduling professional maintenance and regularly replacing your air filters helps prevent buildup and airflow issues.
How much condensation from a furnace is normal?
The normal amount of condensation your furnace produces depends on the type of system you have. High-efficiency models produce up to several gallons of condensation daily, while standard units should produce barely any. Regardless of the type, you should never see excessive moisture or water pooling around your unit.
My furnace is leaking and won’t turn on, what could be the cause?
If your furnace is leaking and won’t turn on, a clogged condensate drain line, faulty float switch, damaged electrical components, or malfunctioning secondary heat exchanger may be behind it. If this happens, call our team to schedule an inspection. We’ll determine the underlying cause and outline the best course of action.
