What to Do When You Have a Leaking Furnace?

What to Do When Your Furnace is Leaking?

Modern HVAC August 2, 2024 0 Comment

A leaking furnace is more than just a nuisance—it can be a sign of underlying issues that need immediate attention.

If you’ve discovered water pooling around your furnace, it’s important to address the problem promptly to avoid potential damage to your home and ensure the continued efficiency of your heating system.

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7 Steps for What to Do When Your Furnace Starts Leaking

Below are 7 steps for what you should do if your furnace is leaking:

1. Turn Off the Furnace

The first step is to turn off your leaking furnace to prevent further damage. You can do this by shutting off the power at the furnace switch or at your circuit breaker. This will also help you safely investigate the cause of the leak.

2. Check for a Clogged Condensate Drain Line

One of the most common reasons for furnace leaks is a clogged condensate drain line. High-efficiency furnaces create condensation, which is usually drained away through a PVC pipe.

If this line gets blocked by debris, algae, or mold, the water will back up and leak around your furnace. You can try clearing the blockage with a wet/dry vacuum or by flushing the line with vinegar.

3. Inspect the Condensate Pump

If your furnace is located in a basement or other area below the drainage line, it might be equipped with a condensate pump. This pump pushes the water out and away from the furnace.

If the pump fails or becomes clogged, the water will leak out. Check the pump for blockages and test it to ensure it’s working properly.

4. Examine the Humidifier

If your furnace has a built-in humidifier, it could be the source of the leak. Over time, the humidifier’s water lines can crack or develop leaks, or the drain could become clogged. Inspect the water lines and the unit for any signs of wear or damage.

5. Check the Heat Exchanger

While less common, a cracked heat exchanger can also cause a furnace to leak. This is a more serious issue as it can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.

If you suspect a cracked heat exchanger, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician immediately.

6. Inspect the Vent Pipe

In high-efficiency furnaces, the vent pipe might also be a source of leaks if it’s not properly sealed. Condensation can build up and leak from the vent pipe joints. Ensure that all connections are tight and properly sealed.

7. Call a Professional

If you’ve checked the common causes and are still unable to locate the source of the leak, or if the problem seems serious, it’s time to call in a professional HVAC technician. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the issue correctly.

We detail 12 reasons why your furnace is leaking in our article linked here.

What to Do When I Have a Leaking Furnace?

Preventing Furnace Leaks in the Future

To avoid future furnace leaks, regular furnace maintenance is key. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to furnace maintenance – how often you should perform a maintenance check on your unit, the age of your unit, what to do if you have a pet(s), etc. Schedule an annual HVAC check-up with a local professional company like Modern HVAC, replace air filters as recommended, and ensure that your condensate drain lines and pump are regularly inspected and cleaned.

A leaking furnace can be a sign of both minor and major issues, so it’s important not to ignore it. By following these steps, you can identify and address the problem before it leads to more significant damage or system failure. We detail more about why your furnace needs regular tune-ups here.

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Contact Modern HVAC for Help with Your Leaking Furnace!

When it comes to furnace troubleshooting solutions, look no further than Modern HVAC! Our heating and furnace technicians have proudly served the Fox Cities for more than 60 years! We are experts in a wide range of HVAC solutions, from air conditioning, to radiant floor heating, to testing for radon. In addition, we are also certified Carrier experts! If you have questions about our furnace products and repair, replacement, and installation services, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Modern HVAC serves the cities of Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Darboy, Kimberly, Kaukauna, and Greenville. If you have a furnace leaking problem, we are here to help!

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