Furnaces are an essential part of any home, particularly during the colder months. A furnace can be an efficient and cost-effective way to heat a home, but it is important to keep an eye on it for potential problems. One problem that can occur is water leaking from the furnace. What do you do when your furnace starts leaking water? Read on to learn some of the most common causes of furnace leaks and what you can do to fix them.
1. Blockage in the Vent Pipe
The main function of the vent pipe is to expel the combustion gases from the furnace. The vent pipe also helps to regulate the air pressure inside the furnace. If the vent pipe becomes blocked, it can cause the furnace to leak water. The blockage can be caused by something as simple as a build-up of debris, or it could be a more serious problem, such as a cracked heat exchanger. In either case, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired by a qualified heating technician. Otherwise, you could end up with a dangerous situation on your hands.
2. Blocked Air Return
The function of an air return is to bring cold air into the furnace to be heated. The cold air enters the furnace through the return duct and is then forced through the blower, where it is heated and sent back into the house through the supply ducts. If the return duct becomes blocked, the cold air cannot enter the furnace, and the blower will continue to run, causing the furnace to overheat and leak water. A blocked air return is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including a build-up of dust and debris, closed vents, or damaged ductwork. A professional HVAC contractor can clean the return ducts and vents, repair any damage, and make sure that the system is properly sealed to prevent future leaks.
3. Blocked Pipe
The function of the pipe that runs to the upper floor of your home from your furnace is to help circulate hot air. Unfortunately, this pipe can become blocked by a number of things, including lint, dust, and debris. When this happens, it can cause the furnace to leak water. In some cases, a blocked pipe can also lead to a build-up of pressure inside the furnace, which can cause the unit to overheat and break down. If you notice that your furnace is leaking water, it’s important to have a professional check it out as soon as possible. They will be able to clear the blockage and make sure that your furnace is functioning properly.
4. PVC Drain Line Plugged
The PVC drain line is an important part of your furnace. It helps to remove water from the unit and keeps the furnace from leaking. However, if the PVC drain line becomes plugged, it can cause the furnace to leak water. This is usually caused by a build-up of sediment or debris in the line. In some cases, a professional can clean out the line and fix the problem. However, in other cases, the PVC drain line may need to be replaced. If you have a PVC drain line that is plugged or leaking, it is important to call a professional for help. They will be able to determine the cause of the problem and fix it.
5. Clogged Filter
Filters play an important role in furnaces by trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne particles and preventing them from entering the unit. Eventually, filters can become clogged with dirt, which can impede the flow of air and put stress on the furnace. When this happens, your furnace has to work harder to circulate air, which can lead to overheating and eventually leaking. A technician will be able to clean or replace your furnace filter, and they may also recommend additional measures to improve airflow and prevent future leaking.
7. Drain Pain Leak
The function of the drain pan is to collect water that condenses on the heat exchanger. This condensed water then drains out of the pan through a drain line. The problem arises when the drain pan becomes cracked or broken, causing water to leak into the furnace. In some cases, the drain line may also become blocked, causing water to back up and leak out of the furnace. A professional can fix this problem by repairing or replacing the damaged parts.
8. Broken Humidifier
The function of a humidifier is to expel water vapor into the air in order to raise the level of humidity. This is generally done to improve indoor air quality or to alleviate health conditions such as too much static electricity, sinus congestion, or dry skin. However, if a humidifier is not properly maintained, it can become a source of problems. One such problem is a broken humidifier, which can lead to water leaking from your furnace.
When this happens, it is important to call a professional to fix the problem. The technician will first inspect the humidifier to identify the source of the leak. Once the leak has been repaired, the humidifier will need to be cleaned and refilled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Taking these steps will ensure that your furnace continues to operate safely and efficiently.
9. A Bad or Broken Blower Motor
The blower motor in a furnace is responsible for circulating air throughout the home. When the blower motor is not working properly, it can cause the furnace to overheat and leak water. This is because the motor is not able to circulate the air properly, which causes the condensation to build up and leak out. There are several reasons why the blower motor may become damaged or broken, including loose belts, worn bearings, or a build-up of dust and dirt. A professional technician can inspect the blower motor and make any necessary repairs. In most cases, replacing the blower motor is the best way to fix a leaking furnace.
10. Malfunctioning Secondary Heat Exchanger
The job of the secondary heat exchanger is to transfer heat from the exhaust gases to the fresh air coming into the unit. However, if the secondary heat exchanger is not functioning properly, it can lead to a build-up of water inside the furnace. This can cause the furnace to leak water, damaging your home and leaving you with costly repairs.
There are several reasons why the secondary heat exchanger may malfunction. The most common cause is a build-up of soot on the exchanger itself. This can happen if the furnace is not properly maintained, allowing dirt and debris to accumulate. Another possible cause is a crack in the exchanger itself. This can happen due to corrosion or wear and tear over time.
A qualified technician will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. In many cases, a simple cleaning or replacement of the secondary heat exchanger will solve the problem. However, if the damage is more severe, it may be necessary to replace the entire furnace.
Contact Professionals Today!
At Sano Heating & Air Conditioning, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service. We offer cooling, heating, and indoor air quality services. We serve Orange County and surrounding areas, and we also offer financing options to help our customers get the service they need. Contact Sano Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about our services.
