You rely on your furnace to keep you warm and comfortable. So when you spot water leaking from the appliance, it can be alarming. Your first step should be to contact a furnace repair technician to delve into the cause of the problem. It’s also helpful to understand the many reasons why you might see moisture at the base of the unit. Here are some common reasons you may need to contact a professional.

Why Is the Furnace Leaking?

1. Condensation

One of the most frequent reasons homeowners discover water around the furnace is simple condensation. The standard high-efficiency furnace directs condensation to a drain situated in the floor. If the tubes that push condensation downward become clogged or broken, a leak could occur as a result. Sometimes the drain itself becomes blocked, which can force water to spill out. The furnace repair to resolve this problem is generally minor.

2. Humidifier

In conventional furnaces that don’t condense, the problem might be because its built-in humidifier has a leak. This part requires water to produce humidity and keep your indoor air moist and healthy, which means water is always present, either on its way into the unit or on its way out. A leak can develop, however, if the humidifier becomes clogged somewhere in the system. The problem may be at the drain line or even the humidifier’s exterior casing.

3. Vent Pipe

If you have a furnace that is non-condensing, it’s possible that its metal flue pipe is not doing its job properly. This vital piece is designed to support combustion by directing gas outside of the home. If the pipe isn’t properly installed or is simply too large, then excess air becomes trapped inside alongside the gas. The gas goes through a natural cooling process inside the flue, which forms the condensation that you might see spilling out of the furnace. Your heating contractor will check the size of the pipe and make sure that it’s properly situated. Otherwise, they may opt to replace the part.

The experts at J.J. Smith Heating & Cooling take your comfort seriously. They’ve served homeowners throughout Cincinnati, OH, including Anderson Township, Union Township, and Pierce Township, since 1982. If you’re worried about the presence of water beneath the furnace, it’s important to call on a heating contractor immediately. Whether it’s a problematic humidifier or leaking condensation, these furnace repair professionals will resolve the problem swiftly. Visit them online for details, or call (513) 231-1156.