The Ultimate Guide to Servicing Hot Water Tank
December 20, 2024
Plumbing and Heating services in Leduc Alberta
December 24, 2024
A furnace leaking water can be a major concern for homeowners, potentially leading to costly repairs if left untreated. Below are some common reasons why your furnace might be leaking water and what you can do about it. It is important to know how a furnace works in before diagnosing the issue. Below is a quick summary. If you have other questions, head to the home page and see if we can help
How a Furnace Works
The furnace heats air by burning fuel and pushing the warm air through the ducts. In cooling mode, the AC unit removes heat from indoor air using refrigerant. The cooled air is created above the furnace (in the A-coil) and is then distributed through the same ductwork by the furnace’s blower fan. While the furnace operates primarily in winter for heating, it supports the AC unit in summer by circulating cold air throughout the home. Condensate drains from the A-coil and furnace remove excess humidity. This collaboration ensures efficient heating and cooling.
What Kind of Furnace Do I Have? A Natural Draft Furnace or High Efficiency One
To determine why my heater is leaking water, you must know the difference between a natural draft furnace and a high efficient one.
A Natural Draft Furnace: Uses a chimney or flue to passively vent exhaust gases upwards. It’s less efficient, with an AFUE rating typically around 70-80%. A High-Efficiency Furnace: Uses a secondary heat exchanger to extract more heat from exhaust gases, leading to an AFUE of 90% or higher. It vents exhaust through PVC pipes, often horizontally, using a fan-assisted system.
Both can leak from the same places, except the only place a high efficient one will leak from is the condensate drain. This is because the effectiveness of the furnace removes almost all of the exhaust heat. This leads to condensation and effectively installing a condensate drain.
Why is my Furnace Leaking Water?
Condensate Pump Issues
High-efficiency furnaces generate condensation as a byproduct of heat production. If the condensate drain hose is clogged, the excess water may pool around the base of the furnace, causing a leak. Over time, this can lead to water damage in your home.
Condensate Pump Failure
In some high-efficiency systems, a condensate pump helps drain the water produced during furnace operation. A malfunction or clog in the pump can result in water backing up and leaking from the furnace. Check for rust stains or water accumulation as signs of a failed pump.
Furnace Humidifier Leaking
If your furnace has a built-in humidifier, leaks could stem from a cracked or clogged water line. Humidifiers use water to regulate indoor humidity, so a leak in this system might cause water to pool near your furnace.
AC drain Pan Overflow
A furnace may appear to be leaking water when the air conditioner is running. This is often due to a cracked or overflowing AC drain pan, which collects condensate from the evaporator coil. When the furnace is located near the AC unit, it can seem as though the furnace itself is leaking water.
Inducer Assembly Problems
In some cases, a crack in the inducer assembly may cause water to escape from the furnace. This part handles the exhaust gases, and any damage could result in leaks during operation.
Condensate Pump Issues
Poorly installed or oversized vent pipes can trap exhaust gases, leading to condensation. This condensation may pool and eventually leak from the furnace.
Common symptoms that cause water leakage.
Furnace Dripping Water When AC is On
This usually points to an issue with the air conditioner or condensate line.
Furnace Leaking Water from Bottom
This is often caused by a clogged condensate drain or humidifier leak.
Furnace Leaking in Winter:
This could signal a condensate issue in high-efficiency furnaces, especially when using the heating mode.
Furnace Leaking in the Summer:
The most common reasons the furnace is leaking in the summer is; the filter is plugged or the ac coil froze up.
Heater is Leaking Water – Is it Dangerous?
While water leaks from a furnace are not immediately dangerous, they can lead to serious damage if left unaddressed. Water exposure can cause rust to develop on the heat exchanger, compromising its efficiency and lifespan. In severe cases, rust can lead to cracks, which can release harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Additionally, water can damage electrical components, causing system failures or even posing a fire risk.
What Should I Do When My Furnace Is Leaking Water?
If your furnace is leaking water, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you address the issue:
Turn Off the Furnace
Prevent further damage by switching off your furnace at the thermostat and circuit breaker.
Inspect for Obvious Issues
Check the condensate drain line, condensate pump, and humidifier for clogs or leaks.
Clean the Drain Line
If it’s blocked, clear the line to ensure water flows freely.
Call a Professional
If the issue continues, contact an HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem. For assistance, call us at 587-990-3093 or visit our main page.
Fix it yourself if possible
Below is a quick summary for easy DIY (do it yourself) fixes.
How to Fix a Leaking Furnace
Check the Condensate Drain
Ensure that the condensate drain line isn’t clogged. A simple cleaning or removal of any blockages can resolve many water leak problems.
Inspect the Condensate Pump
If your furnace has a condensate pump, check to see if it’s working correctly. If it’s clogged or broken, repair or replacement may be necessary.
Evaluate the Humidifier
If you have a furnace with a humidifier, inspect the water lines for cracks or leaks. Regular maintenance is key to preventing water issues.
AC Drain Pan
If the water leak seems to happen when the air conditioner is running, inspect the drain pan and evaporator coil. Replace the drain pan if it’s cracked or damaged.
FAQ
Most common FAQ’s for a Furnace Leaking water
A heater may leak water due to blocked condensate lines, malfunctioning humidifiers, or issues with the condensate pump. These issues are common in high-efficiency systems, which naturally produce condensation.
This could indicate an issue with the air conditioner’s drain pan or evaporator coil. Water from the AC system may leak onto or near the furnace, making it appear as though the furnace is the source of the leak.
A winter furnace leak often points to a problem with the condensate system in high-efficiency models. Blocked drain lines or a broken condensate pump may be to blame.
The main reason is your A-Coil above the furnace froze up. Turn off the power and let it defrost. The other cause is the furnace filter is plugged up and needs to be replaced to let air flow through. This will displace the cold air on the A-coil.
If your furnace’s humidifier is leaking, it could be due to a cracked water line or a malfunctioning valve. Check the water lines and valve components for any signs of wear or damage.
Water leaking from the bottom of the furnace usually indicates a blocked condensate drain or a leak from the humidifier. Inspect the condensate pump and drain line to ensure there are no blockages.
If your furnace is leaking, it’s important to address the issue quickly to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Whether it’s a simple fix or a more complex problem, First Choice Plumbing and Heating is here to help. As Edmonton’s trusted experts, we provide fast and reliable service to keep your heating systems running smoothly. Contact us today at 587-990-3093 for professional furnace repair and maintenance!
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