Although temperatures don’t start to drop until mid-fall in many areas of the country, it’s a good idea for homeowners to get their heating systems serviced before the seasonal change. Doing so will prevent unexpected breakdowns and additional issues when it’s time to use equipment. If the furnace is turned on without a maintenance check, you might notice water pooling around the base of the appliance. Condensation is often to blame for the suspicious leaks, but there could be other causes; take a look at a few below.  

3 Possible Reasons Your Furnace Is Leaking Water

1. Clogged Drain Line

Furnaces source heat from combustion gases. With low-efficiency heating systems, the gases are transported away from the furnace through flue pipes. High-efficiency models can extract more heat from combustion gases for longer periods, which gives the substances time to cool and condense. The condensation then leaves the furnace through the drain line. If the tubing is clogged, water will flow back into the furnace and collect at the bottom.

2. Damaged Condensate Pump

Condensation is also formed when air rushes through the heating system coils. The condensate pump operates like a sump pump, collecting water at a central location so it can be redirected to floor drains to seep away from the property. This mechanical component can break down over time, which will reduce its ability to push water away from the collection area. Water leaks often happen when the pump overflows.

3. Wrong Flue Pipe Size

If you have an older furnace, make sure the flue pipe is sized correctly for the system. If you require a lot of heat for a large home, a small flue pipe won’t be able to filter out the large volume of combustion gases inside the system. The accumulated substances could then condense, leaving the inside of the furnace full of water.

If you believe a condensate leak is to blame for water pooling around your furnace, reach out to the HVAC specialists at Tom Hundley Heating & Cooling in Broken Arrow, OK, for help. They will get to the bottom of the problem to restore system efficiency and interior comfort. The team will also provide seasonal maintenance tips to prevent breakdowns during cold winters and hot summers in Oklahoma. To schedule a residential or commercial furnace installation, maintenance, or repair appointment in Tulsa or Wagoner counties, call (918) 455-5993. Visit the heater repair pros online to explore the many ways they can care for your heating and cooling equipment, and follow them on Twitter for tips to reduce energy consumption and the associated costs.