Help! My Furnace Is Leaking Water

It might be annoying when a drip forms in your bathroom sink, but it isn’t completely unexpected. 

When you see water dripping or puddling underneath your furnace, it can cause instant panic. What’s wrong? Is that normal? Are you in danger? What’s the first thing you should do? 

If you suspect any problem with your furnace, you should call in a technician immediately. Your health may be at stake. 

However, to learn a little more about how your furnace works, let’s dive a little deeper and look at the potential problem. 

Why your furnace may be leaking water

While furnaces produce warmed air, they also produce water through the combustion process. Today’s high efficiency furnaces create water through the heat exchange process where they absorb so much heat that the exhaust gas changes from gas to liquid. Condensation forms and is drained out through a condensation line. 

If this process works correctly, you won’t see moisture around the furnace. However, a small puddle could be an indication of a potential problem. 

It might be a leak from the drain or the condensation line. If backed up or not working properly, the water doesn’t flow down the drain. 

High efficiency furnaces have a greater potential of this occurring. But even standard furnaces might experience the problem if the flue is the wrong size. You may also see moisture if you have a whole-house humidifier and it’s leaking into the furnace. 

Is a furnace leaking water an emergency

Any time you face a potential problem with a furnace, you’re better off being safe than sorry. If you have a question, give us a call. We can assess the situation and determine if a technician is needed to fully evaluate the situation. 

But even a small leak isn’t something you should ignore. A homeowner’s insurance policy isn’t likely to cover damage due to lack of maintenance. 

If you notice a small amount of moisture, you can mop it up. Then observe to see if it happens again. A leaking furnace could be a small problem, or a sign of a serious issue. The longer it’s left unchecked, the bigger the problem can grow. 

Assess the situation and give us a call. We can help you determine if it’s something easy to fix, or if it’s time to book an inspection. Your family’s health and comfort are at stake.