Most people don’t know what to do if they discover water pooling on the floor near their furnace. A furnace that leaks water is a sure sign that something is wrong, but the problem could stem from several different places. Although it may seem weird at first to notice a leak of water forming near your furnace, such leaks are common.
Yet, it would be great if you didn’t ignore the possibility of a water leak in the furnace. A home’s flooring, carpeting, and even concrete and metals can all be eroded by acidic furnace water if a leak ever occurs. If you see any water leak, fix it right away.
Causes of Water Damage to Your Furnace
The presence of water near the heating system indicates an immediate maintenance issue. Water damage can completely ruin a home. It wreaks havoc on your building’s structure. Mold can develop if there are leaks in the furnace.
Condensation Leaks
One common cause of furnace leak is condensation. With an AFUE rating of 90 or more, furnaces function at peak efficiency. In a furnace, condensation forms as a byproduct of heat exchanges. Pipes lead to a drain in the floor where the moisture can be flushed away. Condensation leakage around the base of the furnace is an indication that the condensation pipes are broken or clogged. The result could be costly water damage.
Humidifier Leaking Water
A lake of water near the furnace may result from a leaking humidifier if one is installed. To generate humidity, humidifiers typically use water, which then drains out. A leaky humidifier could result from a damaged water line, a crack in the bar, or a blockage.
Stuck furnace filter.
Over time, dust and other debris will accumulate and clog the filters. The insufficient airflow causes the furnace coil to freeze up. A freezing wave can cause a furnace to leak water over time.
In addition, a dirty filter can decrease a furnace’s performance, leading to unsafe temperatures within the home. It can cause the furnace to stop working entirely, which will necessitate a costly replacement. Avoid expensive repairs by having your filters serviced or replaced regularly.
Leaky Air Conditioner
The weather can sometimes be incredibly changeable, from scorching one day to freezing the next. In such weather, it’s common practice to alternate between using heating and cooling systems.
Air conditioners feature a drain pipe and condensate lines when they absorb too much moisture from the air. An AC water leak or clog might give the impression of a leaky furnace.
How to Fix a Furnace Water Leak?
You must know what to do if you find water collecting around your heating system. If you see water dripping from your furnace, here are three easy activities.
- Don’t freak out right away. Use a plastic or wooden stick to switch off your heating appliance safely. It’s important to note that wood and plastic are electrical insulators. It will make electric shocks less likely to occur.
- Carefully drain the water that accumulated around the heater. Towels and paper napkins are both acceptable. Do your best to wash and dry everything.
- Furnace repairs can be made quickly by calling a professional technician. Never attempt a repair on a furnace on your own; doing so might be fatal. You can clean the filters on your own, but everything else should be left to the experts.