Why is My Furnace Leaking Water?

Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water?

Furnace water leaks are a frequent concern for homeowners, potentially leading to expensive repairs. As stated, if the water leaks into your air ducts or filters, it can lead to mold growth, which can result in health issues for you and your loved ones.

Along with that, if these leaks persist, they can damage necessary components within your machine, leading to the need for a furnace replacement. That’s why when you notice these issues within your system, you need to get in touch with a professional technician to inspect the problems.

One common culprit for a furnace leaking water when the heat is on is condensation forming when high-efficiency furnace exhaust gasses are released. When this condensation doesn’t drain properly, it becomes a source of water leaks, accentuating the need for timely attention to prevent further issues.

Here are a few common causes of water leaks from a furnace:

• Condensate Drain Hose Leaking: Debris, dirt, or dust can block the drain hose, causing leaks when the tubing aiding drainage is damaged, disconnected, or obstructed.
• Leaking Inducer Assembly: Condensation flowing down the exhaust/flue pipe and condensate drain hose can lead to furnace leaks if the inducer component is cracked.
• Condensate Drain Line Leakage: A condensate drain pipe removes water from the system. If there are loose connections, cracks, or holes, a leak may occur. Clogs in the drain line can also cause a condensate backup, resulting in water leaks.
• Standing Water in Standard-Efficiency Furnaces: Standard-efficiency furnaces do not produce water. If there’s standing water near your furnace, it’s likely a result of another equipment issue.

Why Is My AC Leaking Water?

Similar to your furnace, if your air conditioner is leaking water, there is the risk of mold growing in your home. Additionally, if your unit leaks persistently—whether it’s the air handler or the pipes and connections—it can cause a significant amount of water damage to your home and property.

When your air conditioner is turned on, it generates water. If there are loose connections, unattached components, or any other malfunctioning part, your unit can leak, leading to further issues.

Here is a list of the most common causes of AC water leaks:

• Drain Pan Damage: The primary drain pan, positioned beneath the evaporator coil in all AC systems, catches condensate. Excess water may leak if there’s a crack or hole. Some units also have a secondary drain pan beneath the system.
• Drain Line Obstruction: A clogged drain line can disengage from the drain pan, hindering water movement. This obstruction causes water to trickle and pool around your air conditioner.
• Condensate Pump Failure: For efficient HVAC condensation drainage, a working condensate pump is crucial. In high-efficiency furnaces, the stove and air conditioner often share the condensate pump. If it fails, water issues may arise.

What to Do if Your HVAC is Leaking

When you confront leaks within your air conditioner or furnace, there are a few steps you should take to protect your home and equipment from further damage.

1. Turn Off the Unit: When you notice water leaking from either of your HVAC systems, turn off the unit so that it will stop operating and producing excess water.
2. Carefully Clean the Affected Areas: Heating and cooling systems are complex machinery that can be very dangerous if you don’t know how to handle them. If you have an indoor unit, grab a towel and carefully wipe up the wet spots on and around your unit. Be cautious of any electrical components and wires.
3. Call a Professional Technician: Once you have cleaned up the area, call an experienced HVAC technician who can help you find the root cause of the problem and quickly repair the issues for you.

Whether you need heating repair services or air conditioning repair services in the Sacramento Valley or Roseville area, reach out to our team of experts at Gilmore. We’ll diagnose any issue your systems are experiencing and quickly figure out a solution.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.