One of the most frequent housing problems homeowners encounter is water damage. Water leaks from furnaces are a typical issue for homes. A water leak from your furnace could result in costly repairs or, worse yet, mold growth that could harm your home and endanger your health. Your furnace will eventually break down and need to be replaced if it keeps leaking. When you are experiencing leaks from your furnace, you’ll need the help of the best technicians in Mission, KS. Contact our team at KB Complete today and we’ll provide our professional support immediately.

Why is My Furnace Leaking?

There is no water produced by a conventional (or standard efficiency furnace.) However, condensation will develop if your furnace has a high-efficiency rating because of the addition of a second heat exchanger. For this reason, a condensing furnace is often known as a high-efficiency furnace, whereas a non-condensing furnace is a standard efficiency furnace.

The secondary heat exchanger is where the burning gas goes after leaving the initial heat exchanger. The exhaust or flue gas is subjected to additional heat exchange in the secondary heat exchanger. As a result, water vapor is produced. A greater amount of heat is discharged into the secondary heat exchanger as water changes from a vapor to a liquid. The furnace works considerably more effectively as a result. From there, the condensation is discharged into a floor drain or a condensate pump. A leak can occur at any point during this process, so the situation should be closely examined to determine the cause of the leak so it can be appropriately addressed. For an inspection and other furnace maintenance services, reach out to our team at KB Complete in Mission, KS, today.

Causes for Leaks in a High-Efficiency Furnace

• Leaking Condensate Hose—The PVC exhaust pipe’s drain hose, which slopes downward, is prone to clogging with debris, dirt, and dust. Condensation leaks happen when any pipe that aids in draining is damaged, disconnected, or clogged.
• Leaking Inducer Assembly— Condensation then travels through the condensate drain hose, into the inducer assembly, and down the exhaust/flue pipe. Water may flow from the furnace if the inducer assembly is cracked.
• Leaking Condensate Drain Line— A condensate drain line is traversed by water as it passes through the system. The drain line could leak water if it has a loose connection, cracks, or holes. Additionally, if the drain line is blocked, condensate may back up and cause a water leak.
• Leaking Condensate Trap— Condensate may back up and spill out of the furnace due to a clogged condensate trap. Not all high-efficiency furnaces feature a condensate trap, however.
• Leaking Condensate Pump— The condensate finally drains into the condensate pump, another component that could clog and cause a leak. The furnace will leak if the drain is partially blocked or completely obstructed. Your high-efficiency furnace is not draining properly if you see water on the floor around it or water or rust marks within the cabinet. The average lifespan of condensate pumps is 3 to 5 years. After that, it might not function at its best.

Causes for Leaks in a Non-High-Efficiency Furnace

Your furnace won’t produce any water if it’s a conventional furnace running at standard efficiency. If there is water pooling next to your furnace, it most likely originates from another device. The following appliances are a few to watch out for:

• Air Conditioner—Your air conditioner produces water while it is operating, making it a frequent source of leaks. There are several causes for your AC to leak, including: a damaged drain pan, a frozen coil, a clogged drain line, or a failed condensate pump.
• Hot Water Heater—Water may seep out if the drain valve or T&P valve becomes loose over time. Your water heater will also leak if it develops a crack. Unfortunately, hard water’s corrosive impact might result in fissures. 
• Humidifier—If you have a whole-house humidifier, it could be another factor causing the presence of water on the ground. Plumbing will be needed to supply water to an HVAC system with a built-in humidifier. When the water lines are neglected and crack, break, or become clogged, a humidifier may leak.

Is a Leaking Furnace Dangerous?

Water can be potentially damaging to your home, so a leak should be taken seriously and dealt with swiftly to avoid the possibility of further damage. While a leaking furnace may not immediately endanger your safety, it does put your comfort in jeopardy. Undoubtedly, the consequences of an unchecked furnace leak could lead to a drop in temperature in the home and expensive repair costs.

Rust may form as a result of water dripping. The functioning components of your furnace deteriorate due to rust, which initially increases inefficiency before eventually causing breakdowns and repairs.

The heat exchanger is the area where rust can grow and pose the most danger. Your home or place of business may be exposed to the dangerous gas CO if rust causes a hole or break in the heat exchanger. Your health, as well as your finances, may suffer greatly as a result of a fractured heat exchanger.

The internal electrical components of the furnace may also be harmed by water leaking inside. Your furnace may stop functioning entirely as a result. For instance, the circuit board is in charge of delivering the signals required to initiate the heating process in the furnace. It won’t take long before you need to replace the circuit control board if water leaks onto it.

When you need the professional services of a certified technician, contact our KB Complete team as we’ll provide excellent maintenance and repairs to suit the needs of your home.

What Should I Do If My Furnace is Leaking?

If you are experiencing a leaking furnace, please don’t panic. Our experts at KB Complete are here to help. Follow our guidelines and you’ll be just fine.

• Step 1: Turn the HVAC System Off—This prevents further water leaks. This can be accomplished by turning off the thermostat. Or you may flip the switch to the furnace off. A switch should be present on or close to the furnace. If not, shut off the appliance at the breaker.
• Step 2: Clear/Soak Up the Water Around the Furnace—You can use napkins and towels for this. You might even think about using a wet vac if there is a significant volume of water.
• Step 3: Unscrew the Front Panel—To remove and clean the water within the furnace, detach the front panel (if you feel comfortable doing so). It’s crucial to continue taking preventative measures against mold.
• Step 4: Call An HVAC Professional—The last step is always to call an expert technician to examine your unit and provide a professional diagnosis. If your furnace is leaking water, it will only continue to get worse, so please don’t wait to address the issue. Instead, call our experts at KB Complete at (816) 207-3315 today!