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It’s relatively common for furnaces to develop leaks over time. Like any appliance, they suffer wear and tear through daily use. Even with adequate preventive care and maintenance, it may be necessary to schedule furnace repair at some point. If your furnace is leaking water, the repairs you’ll need will depend on a variety of factors. Whether they end up being fairly extensive or require little more than a simple fix comes down to the underlying cause of the leak. 

3 Common Causes of Furnace Leaks 

1. Clogged Pipes 

When a high-efficiency furnace produces heat, condensation results. In a perfectly functioning system, pipes will carry this condensation out of the home through a floor drain. If there is a clog, though, the moisture has nowhere to go and ends up pooling around the base of the furnace, which can lead to water damage.

2. Plugged Drain Lines

furnace repairIf the drainage line gets plugged, the system will back up, and water will pool around the furnace instead of flowing away from the unit. You can differentiate between mere condensation and a plugged drain line by opening the access panel of the furnace. If a trail of water runs to the evaporator coil, the issue is likely a plugged drainpipe. You may be able to clear this yourself from the outside by holding a vacuum to the end of the drain pipe and sucking out any debris. Otherwise, it’s best to call someone who specializes in furnace repair to clear it from the inside. 

3. Malfunctioning Heat Exchanger

If the heat exchanger malfunctions, it could cause a noticeable leak. This is one of the more extensive repairs, so most people check for it last. If your furnace has a leak and you can’t find any other potential cause, it could be the heat exchanger. Because of metal fatigue, all heat exchangers will fail at some point, but if the furnace is properly maintained, this component should last as long as the unit—10 to 20 years. 

 

If you need furnace repair, turn to Marvin’s Heating & Air Conditioning. Located in San Marcos, this HVAC contractor has been serving residential and commercial clients throughout Hays County, TX, and the surrounding area for nearly four decades. In addition to furnace repair, their HVAC services include air conditioning installation and commercial heating maintenance. To reach out and schedule service, complete the form on their website or call (512) 396-4791. 

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