Water under Your Furnace – What to Check For
Don’t panic if you see water under your furnace. There’s a 50/50 chance that it’s something you can fix. Here are four reasons why you might have a wet floor under your furnace, and luckily two of them can be easily fixed without calling a repairman.
Identify the Source of the Water
The first thing you have to do is find out exactly where the water is coming from. Make sure that it’s not standing water that has leaked from pipes, your foundation, or something else (like your water heater or washing machine). Once you’re positive it is coming from the furnace, look at these four possible causes and solutions.
4 Reasons Why Your Furnace Is Leaking
- The floor drain may be clogged. It may be something as simple as a clog in the drain around your furnace where condensation is drained away. Clear the floor drain of dirt, debris, and obstructions regularly to help reduce backups and flooding.
- Pipes may be improperly insulated or taped. If it’s been a while since your condensation-bearing pipes have been checked, cleaned, and repaired, the insulation or tape around them may be wearing out, allowing condensation to form. Routine maintenance and checking of these pipes can help keep things running smoothly and prevent water from pooling.
- Your AC’s internal drain may be clogged. If your air conditioner shares an internal drainage pipe or system with your furnace, a clog can be a good possible cause of standing water on your floor. These clogs can form easily without regular service, and do require a professional to check them.
- You may have an issue with your flue pipe. If your flue pipe is in bad shape or is improperly sized, this can allow condensation to build up inside the furnace system itself and then pool on the floor. Problems with your flue are best checked and serviced by a professional to ensure everything is done properly and to reduce future issues that may need furnace repair.
These are some of the more common reasons why you might have water pooling under your furnace. Doing regular maintenance can help tremendously in decreasing the likelihood of costly repairs in the future. Having tune-ups and regular servicing can help increase your system’s efficiency, reduce utility costs, and save you money in the long run!