Confused About Furnace Leaking Water

Why is My Furnace in Yorktown, VA, Leaking Water?

February 17, 2023

Walking down into your basement to find a pool of water under your furnace isn’t a pleasant experience. There can be several reasons your furnace is leaking water, from a clogged condensate line to a faulty humidifier. Read on to learn some of the potential causes and what you should do if you notice your furnace in Yorktown, VA, leaking water.

Clogged Condensate Line

The most common reason for a furnace leaking water is a clogged condensate line. This can happen when the drain line gets blocked or clogged with dirt and debris.

Clogs prevent the safe disposal of condensation that forms as part of the normal operation of your furnace. If you have an older model without an emergency shut-off switch, it may be time to upgrade so that you can quickly turn off the unit if there’s an issue.

Broken Condensate Pump

The condensate pump is responsible for pumping away excess moisture generated by your furnace during operation. If the pump fails or becomes damaged, water will start to build up in your unit and eventually start to leak. A broken condensate pump requires a professional HVAC service technician who can replace or repair it as needed.

Malfunctioning Float Switch

A float switch shuts off power or activates an alarm when it senses that there’s too much water present in its drain pan — usually due to condensation from running the unit for extended periods. If this switch fails, it could result in water leakage around your furnace.

To correct this issue, you’ll need to have a professional technician replace the float switch with one that meets all safety requirements. The float switch should also be the right part for your model of furnace.

If you’re looking to schedule heating system installation services in Yorktown, VA, call us at Fair Mechanical. Our team of highly trained service technicians is always ready to serve you.

Image provided by iStock

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