Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water?

While a leaking furnace may be alarming, this is a common issue many homeowners experience at some point during their system’s lifespan. Unlike boilers, furnaces are designed to heat your home without radiant water heating; however, certain conditions can cause leaks to develop. Understanding the causes behind furnace water leaks can help you take quick action to prevent further damage.

In this blog post, the heating experts at McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning explain the most common causes of water leaks in furnaces, what you should do when you spot one, and how to prevent them.

Common Causes of Water Leaks in Furnaces

Water leaks in furnaces can happen for many different reasons, the most common of which are:

Condensation Leaks

High-efficiency furnaces produce condensation as part of their normal operation. When the condensate drain is blocked or damaged, water can back up and leak around the furnace.

Clogged Drain Lines

If your furnace is part of a packaged unit and shares a drain line with your air conditioner, debris buildup can cause clogs, leading to water leakage from both systems.

Humidifier Leaks

Some furnaces are equipped with built-in humidification systems. If the humidifier malfunctions or leaks, water can seep out and collect near the furnace.

Leaky Heat Exchangers

Damaged or cracked heat exchangers can also cause water leaks. While this issue is rare, having it inspected by a professional is important, as it can pose significant safety risks.

Faulty Venting

If your furnace’s flue pipe is improperly vented, condensation could form where it shouldn’t, resulting in excess moisture and water leaks around the unit.

What Should I Do if My Furnace Leaks Water?

If you notice water leaking from your furnace, the first step is to shut down the system to prevent further water damage or electrical malfunction. Once your system is powered down, check for obvious causes, such as a clogged drain line or a disconnected humidifier line.

While some minor issues can be resolved with DIY fixes, it’s best to call a professional heating repair expert to inspect the furnace and address the leak.

How Can I Prevent Water Leaks in My Furnace?

Preventing water leaks in your furnace starts with regular maintenance. Scheduling annual furnace tune-ups can help ensure your system’s key components remain in good condition, including the drain, heat exchanger, and humidifier. Checking for clogs in the drain lines and ensuring the furnace is venting properly can also minimize the chances of water leaks.

Schedule Furnace Repair With McCrea

If you’ve noticed a water leak stemming from your furnace and can’t determine the root cause, it’s best to trust a heating repair expert to restore proper functionality to your system. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help.

With over 80 years of local experience and on-time service for all your urgent furnace repair requests, you can count on us to deliver the timely, professional response you need to mitigate water damage and regain total comfort quickly.

Schedule a furnace repair by contacting our team online today.