Finding water around your furnace can be frustrating, and it may be difficult to immediately locate the source of the problem. Even a small leak should be checked by a professional technician. Leaks can ultimately damage the furnace as well as lead to mold growth in the surrounding area. The following are four of the main reasons that furnaces may leak water.

1. Condensation Leak - High-Efficiency Furnace

This is the most likely cause of a furnace leak, especially if you have a high-efficiency furnace. A high-efficiency furnace normally has two heat exchangers. The process involved with two heat exchangers causes combustion gases to cool and then turn into condensation. If you're not sure if you have this type of furnace, check the vent pipe. If it's white (PVC), then it's a high-efficiency furnace.

2. Condensation Leak - Standard-Efficiency Furnace

If there's a standard-efficiency furnace in the home, it will have a metal exhaust pipe. This type of furnace should not produce condensation. If there's any water around this type of furnace, it could be the result of an incorrectly sized flue pipe. Whether a home has a high-efficiency or a standard furnace, a furnace technician should be contacted to evaluate the problem and make a specific diagnosis.

3. Humidifier-Related Issues

If your furnace is connected to a whole-house humidifier, the problem with leakage may be a result of the humidifier not working correctly. Humidifiers are usually connected to the home's plumbing system. If a leak or crack develops anywhere throughout the humidifier, the water can eventually drip around the furnace.

4. Plumbing and Drain Problems

A plumbing leak that is not even part of the actual furnace but is near the furnace could also be the reason for leaking water. A leaking pipe nearby can make it seem like it's the furnace that's the problem. Drain hoses can also cause a furnace to leak water if the hose is crimped or blocked.

No matter what the problem may be, water surrounding a furnace needs to be inspected as soon as possible. If the furnace is even partially submerged, it should be turned off immediately. Cullins One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® can not only diagnose and repair any furnace-related issues a homeowner may be experiencing but backs its work with an exclusive written guarantee.