24/7 Emergency Service

Why is My Furnace Leaking?

When your furnace generates heat to send through your home, it creates condensation that is normally removed from the home through a condensate drain line. If something goes wrong, your furnace may start leaking water. Here’s how to tell what is going on, and when to call for furnace repair.

Furnace Condensation

The production of heat may seem like it is the opposite of cold condensation. However, condensation is part of the process of heating air to push through your ductwork. It is fairly simple to understand. The furnace burns the fuel to create flue gases, from which the furnace can extract heat. Most of the heat is retained by the furnace, particularly with furnaces of a higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The rest is exhaust that is sent up the flue to exit the home. As the exhaust drops in temperature, it condensates.

Problems with the Condensate Drain

Since the creation of condensation is a normal part of furnace function, there are components that are built to remove the condensation quickly and effectively. Combining leaking water and appliances can be costly or dangerous, so getting the condensation out of the home is important. The condensate drain pan under the furnace collects the water and sends it through a pipe, commonly known as the condensate drain line, outside. If that pipe gets clogged at any point, the pan cannot drain. Over time, the pan will fill until it overflows and causes a leaking furnace. In winter, a frozen pipe may be the cause of the clog. Find the pipe outside your home and see if it is covered in ice. Melting the ice with a warm washcloth may be all you need. If you cannot locate or remove the clog quickly on your own, arrange for furnace repair to have it fixed.

Clogged Air Filters and Evaporator Coils

There are other potential causes of leaks as well. Many people have split-system air conditioning, with the furnace acting as an air handler to dispense the air throughout the home. The air conditioner draws in the air and delivers it and refrigerant to the evaporator coils, which are located near the air handler. The furnace air filters pull debris from the air before it is passed over the evaporator coils to be cooled. Once the filters get dirty, they cannot filter the air as efficiently. This can make the evaporator coils dirty. Condensation that would normally pass to the condensate drain gets stuck on the dirt and accumulates. If the filter and coils are not cleaned regularly, the condensation on the evaporator coils freezes. This can cause a leak that requires cleaning to prevent permanent damage to the coils.

Furnace condensation is normal, but furnace leaks are not. Anytime you see water dripping or puddling around your furnace, you need furnace repair. Constant furnace leaking can affect function of the furnace and your ability to use it during the winter, so calling for prompt service and repair is crucial for your comfort.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Drain Cleaning Special Save $50

Do it right – call Day & Nite

(425) 775-6464

OFFER GOOD ONLY IN OUR SERVICE AREA. Not valid with any other offer. Other restrictions and details may apply. Limited to one coupon per household.

Print Coupon

Any Trenchless Waste or Water Pipe Replacement $300 Off

Do it right – call Day & Nite

(425) 775-6464

OFFER GOOD ONLY IN OUR SERVICE AREA. Not valid with any other offer. Other restrictions and details may apply. Limited to one coupon per household.

Print Coupon

Save $30 on HVAC Maintenance

Do it right – call Day & Nite

(425) 775-6464

OFFER GOOD ONLY IN OUR SERVICE AREA. Not valid with any other offer. Other restrictions and details may apply. Limited to one coupon per household.

Print Coupon

D. Campbell

Very pleased with the professional technician, Donavan, who came out when our water heater quit working. This was the third major problem with this water heater, so we took his advice and replaced it. Thankfully, he was able to also install the new one right away. I had confidence in his advice and ability to do the job. He was thorough and friendly. It was a five star experience. I highly recommend.

D. Lee

The technician was great: he knew exactly what the problem was and fixed it quickly and efficiently. Even when a glitch happened in the repair, he was totally prepared to handle the situation. I will definitely contact Day & Nite Plumbing for future problems. Thank you!

E. Rubio

I had the privilege to meet Zach on two separate occasions within a two week span. He was upfront and honest about the work that needed to be done. He is a hard-working, dedicated, professional employee of Day and Nite Plumbing. He explained what needed to be done. I asked questions and he was patient and explained things further so that I truly understood.

D. Thomas

We had a great experience with Day and Nite from start to finish. Chris was great at the no obligation consult. He explained things clearly and covered everything but didn’t waste our time. They also provided lots of options and thoroughly explained them but never tried to push or up-sell us. Installation was fast and very professional. We will definitely be using Day and Nite in the future.

S. Lippold

Outstanding Service! Scheduler was pleasant and receptive. Technician (Collin) communicated well, arrived in the agreed upon time frame, diagnosed the problem and fixed the issue quickly. Previously, we had two other companies misdiagnose the problem and one company stand us up for a scheduled appointment. If we have plumbing issues in the future, Day & Night Plumbing will be our first call !

M. Lindell

Collin was our tech and he was very knowledgeable answered our questions and what they charged was very reasonable and we are very happy to have water again. I was really impressed by everyone that we dealt with they all were professional and helpful.

Write a Review