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A furnace leaking water is a common problem that homeowners often have to deal with. If not treated on priority, it could result in expensive repairs. If the furnace continues to leak for a prolonged period of time, it will end up failing and will need a replacement.

You should immediately get your furnace inspected by a certified technician to reduce the chances of more costly repairs and improve the efficiency of your heating system.

In this article, we’ll help you troubleshoot why your furnace is leaking water and highlight the fixes you can try at home. However, getting your furnace inspected by a qualified professional is always a better choice than doing it yourself.

What Causes Furnace Water Leaks? (And How to Fix Them)

There can be many problems that occur when furnaces leak water. If you notice moisture around your furnace, you should look for the issue behind it immediately. If left unnoticed, a water leak could result in expensive repairs or a complete furnace replacement.

Here are a few common reasons why your furnace may be leaking water:

1. Clogged Drain

When the drain line becomes clogged, water will not be able to flow through the drain and may leak.

There are HVAC systems where both the furnace and air conditioner share the same drain. It may seem that the furnace is leaking if the drain is clogged and the air conditioner is running.

Also read: Why is my air conditioner leaking water?

The good part is that this issue is easy to fix. Clearing the condensate drain line by pouring a mixture of hot water and vinegar through the line can help you fix it. If needed, you should clear the line 2-3 times to remove small clogs.

You should get the furnace cleaned at least once a year as part of routine maintenance.

2. Leaking Humidifier

A conventional furnace leaking water is usually caused due to a malfunction of the built-in humidifier.

While its purpose is to add moisture to the air to make your home more comfortable when the furnace is on, the humidifier can leak into the furnace. It will appear that the furnace is leaking even when the leak is from the humidifier.

You should check the furnace humidifier water lines for cracks or pinhole leaks. Ill-fitted lines or an ill-fitted metal exhaust pipe can also cause furnace leaks.

3. Malfunctioning Condensation Drain

A high-efficiency furnace extracts heat from combustion gases for a longer period than a standard-efficiency furnace. The condensed gas often turns to liquid and is disposed of through the exhaust pipe or tube.

A malfunctioning condensation drain makes it difficult for the water to drain out of your home and may cause furnace leaks.

4. Condensate Pump Issues

Even if your condensation drain is clear, an issue with your condensate pump may be the reason behind your furnace leaking water. The pump is responsible for pushing the condensed air (liquid) out of the unit and into the pipe.

Usually, a condensation pump works optimally for 3-5 years. After that, it may be worn out and not perform properly, causing furnace leaks.

You will most likely need to get the pump replaced by HVAC professionals. It may cost about $100-$200.

Final Thoughts

If you find moisture around your furnace, you should check your unit for the problems discussed above. There are chances that you may need HVAC services.

Other reasons behind a furnace leaking water could be mold growth, frozen coil, cracked heat exchanger, and a leaking drain pan or condensate line.

Your furnace may also need to be serviced or replaced if:

• It is 16-20 years old.
• You have upgraded it several times but the furnace still doesn’t perform optimally.
• The furnace delivers low energy efficiency and leads to higher energy bills.
• The unit makes strange noises.

It is best to get your HVAC system serviced at least once a year to prevent expensive repairs or replacements.

Call us at (530) 903-6061 to solve your furnace leak problems today and our qualified technician will visit your place as soon as possible.