Whenever there’s an unexplained puddle of water, it’s usually a cause for concern. No matter the source or the cause, a leak should always be addressed and dealt with as soon as possible, before the appliance or the household is damaged. Furnace leaks are a common issue that a home or property owner may experience and dealing with the aftereffects of a leak can be costly and an inconvenience. To stay proactive and on top of your furnace, before it fails or needs a replacement, you’ll need to act fast at the first sign of leakage.
The reasons why a furnace might start leaking can’t be overlooked, so here are a few issues that could cause your furnace to leak and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
Issues with Condensation
High-efficiency condensing furnaces are similar to conventional furnaces, in that they both function by taking cold air from inside and moving it through an air filter with a circulating fan. Both models have a primary heat exchanger, but high-efficiency furnaces have a secondary heat exchanger. Condensation is produced as a byproduct of the two heat exchangers during the combustion process and the excess moisture drains out through the condensate drain. However, if the drain system is clogged, this may cause the water to leak from the furnace.
If the condensate drain for your furnace is not clogged, then there may be an issue with the condensate pump. A condensate pump is what pushes the excess condensation out of the furnace and into the drainage system. Without a working pump, there’s nothing to push the water out of the furnace and it may begin to leak out.
Drain Line Clogs
A clogged drain link is also a risk for older conventional furnaces as well. When furnaces aren’t annually cleaned, sediment and other buildup can accumulate inside the drain lines and create blockages. Water is no longer able to flow through the drain lines and will begin to overflow and leak.
Heat Exchanger Damage
A damaged heat exchanger inside a furnace can also be the cause of a leak. Since the heat exchanger keeps the combustion process separated from the cold air that the furnace pulls in through the air filter, any cracks can lead to water escaping.
Problems with the Humidifier
Furnaces with built-in humidifiers can be another source of water leaks, especially if they malfunction or are not connected properly to the drain and water lines. Humidifiers are what empties the collected water into the drain line. Small holes in the water lines or Iill fitting connections to the drain lines from the humidifier can easily cause leaks from within.
A/C Related Leaks
If the only time your furnace seems to leak is when the air conditioner is on, then there is probably an issue with the a/c and not your furnace. Air conditioner drain lines are normally located near the furnace so if there’s an a/c drainage problem and it starts to leak, it would look like the furnace is leaking. The best way to determine which unit is the source of the leak is to call in a professional HVAC technician.
Trusted Plumbing & Heating is Renton’s most trusted plumbing and heating service provider. When you need quality heating or exceptional plumbing, you can always count on Trusted Plumbing & Heating. Our plumbing experts and HVAC technicians are up to date on the most effective and efficient ways to repair leaking furnaces and protect your unit from future issues. We offer furnace repair, replacements, and installations in Renton. Call (425) 333-2559 today for your Renton plumbing and heating needs and get a 5-minute quote!