Water leaks are enough to strike fear in the bravest of homeowners. It could be something as small as a leaky faucet, or as big as a flooded basement. And one place that you might’ve never expected a leak from is your furnace. With the weather dropping and everyone cranking their heat, the last thing you want is a furnace leaking water all over your living room. This is why furnace maintenance is so important.
You may be asking “why is water leaking from my furnace?” But don’t panic just yet. There are a few possible reasons for the leak, and luckily they’re all fixable.
What to Do When You Find Water Leaking from Your Furnace
Once you discover the leak, you should immediately turn your furnace off, clean the water up, and dry the area. Once the leak has subsided or been cleaned up, you can assess the problem and call a professional. It’s time for furnace maintenance.
Different Kinds of Furnace Leaks and How to Fix Them
Clogged Filter
The first thing to check is your furnace filter. If it’s dirty or clogged, air can’t flow properly and excess moisture can build up in the system. Luckily, fixing this is as easy as replacing your filter with a clean one.
Leaking AC Unit
If you have a furnace and AC unit combo, the leak could actually be coming from your AC. The condensation line can become clogged, causing excess water to back up and potentially leak out of the unit. This can be fixed by finding the blockage and clearing it, or calling in a professional to clean out the line.
Plumbing Leak
If the water is leaking from one specific area, it could be a plumbing issue rather than a problem with the furnace itself. Check for any visible leaks in pipes or connections near the furnace and call in a plumber if necessary.
Condensation Line
Your furnace produces condensation as it runs, and this moisture is supposed to drain out through a condensation line. That line can crack or become clogged, causing water to leak from the furnace. This will require a professional to fix or replace the line.
Humidifier Leak
Some homes have a separate humidifier attached to the furnace. If this is the case, your leak could be coming from there. Check to see if the water tray is full and empty it if necessary. There could also be cracks in the humidifier’s tubing, which will require a professional to fix.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
This one is a bit more serious and should be addressed by a professional. The heat exchanger is what transfers warmth from the burning gas to the air that circulates through your home. If it’s cracked, it can leak carbon monoxide into your home, which is incredibly dangerous. Contact a professional to have them inspect and potentially replace your heat exchanger.
When to Call a Professional for Your Furnace Maintenance
After going through all the trouble to find the leak, if there’s still water leaking from your furnace, it’s time to call a professional. Furnace maintenance is no joke.
If you can’t find the source of the leak or it’s coming from a more complicated component of your furnace, it’s best to call someone in. Even the most experienced DIYer can make a mistake when it comes to furnace repairs, and the consequences can lead to very expensive repairs (and severe shivering while the furnace gets fixed).
Get Ready for Winter With Bell Cow Services
Whether you’re dealing with a pesky water leak or just need some furnace maintenance, Bell Cow Services has got you covered. With over 50 years of combined experience in heating and cooling, we are your go-to furnace experts. Schedule a visit and let’s get those leaks fixed before the cold sets in!