Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water?

In the winter, a working furnace is a necessity to keep you and your family safe from the cold winter weather. Unfortunately, furnaces don’t last forever without having problems here and there. When you notice an issue with your furnace, it’s best to get it assessed by a professional before it gets any worse.

Culprits of a Furnace Leak

There are two main causes of a furnace leak. These are only present in heat pumps and high-efficiency furnaces.

Heat pumps use a substance known as refrigerant. This substance can leak out of the copper tubing when there is damage. The tubing often develops pinhole leaks over time. If you have a heat pump and have a leak from your indoor HVAC unit, it’s time to call in an HVAC professional right away. Refrigerants can be dangerous when not taken care of as soon as possible.

It’s possible for your HVAC system to leak water if you have a high-efficiency burning furnace. All furnaces create some condensation through the combustion process. But standard-efficiency furnaces can vent out some moisture via your system’s flue pipe.

High-efficiency furnaces create more moisture through condensation that requires a special drain. When this condensate tub or drain becomes clogged, the excess moisture can back up into your home. While this isn’t an extreme emergency, it’s best to get your line cleared as soon as possible.

Can You Provide a Temporary Fix?

When it comes to a leaky heat pump, there’s no temporary fix. You should shut off your system and contact an HVAC professional right away. Unlike water, professionals have to handle refrigerants, or it can be dangerous.

When it comes to a water leak due to a clog in your condensate line or drain, you can work to remove the clog. Sometimes all you’ll need is some vinegar and baking soda. Other times, you may need to use a drain snake to clear a massive clog.

Why is it Still Important to Call in a Professional?

As you’ve learned, refrigerant can be very dangerous when not handled the right way. For this reason, you should contact a professional to fix your refrigerant leak. When it comes to a water leak, follow up with a professional to make sure that your condensate line is clear. They’ll also check the rest of your furnace to ensure that there is no water damage to cause problems.

Call Us Today

If you’re experiencing a leak in your furnace, then it’s time to give us a call. Let our helpful HVAC professionals check the situation. We can provide a quick fix so that you can get back to enjoying all the comforts that your heating system has to offer.