Is a Furnace Leaking Water Dangerous?

Discovering plumbing leaks is inconvenient, but unsurprising. But a furnace leak elicits concern. Is a furnace leaking water dangerous?

A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling tackles HVAC repair in Louisville, KY, daily. Our team knows the ins and outs of furnaces. We’ll examine what causes a furnace leak and whether you should worry about it below. 

What Makes a Furnace Leak?

When you discover a furnace leaking water, you should first figure out where the water comes from. Moisture can trickle from numerous locations within a heating system. Let’s explore some common leakage sources below. 

Condensate System

Water vapor transforms into a liquid when the furnace warms the air. The condensate system handles that water by transporting it toward a drainage pipe where it can exit your home or business. It’s often the first place to look for a leak since it directly handles water. 

Leaks in the condensate system can develop in:

• The drain line. The drain line consists of a flexible section of hose and a more fixed piece of pipe. Both components can develop dry rot or cracks, which allows the water to escape before it can exit. 
• The drain pan. Condensation collects in the drain pan before it flows into the line. Water may back up into the pan because of clogged drain lines, and the pan may overflow. 
• The condensate pump. This mechanism pumps liquid condensation out of the system and into the drain pan and line attachment. The furnace unit itself may leak if the pump fails. 

You will probably notice stains on the ceiling or wall closest to the unit. See if you can find a piece of pipe jutting out of your home. You might have a blocked or damaged condensate system if the pipe is close to the leak damage and unit.

Frozen Coils

Most furnace systems feature evaporator coils to help manage internal moisture and heat. HVAC system efficiency and performance largely depend on functioning coils. Sometimes, the evaporator coils freeze up because of:

• Low refrigerant
• Dust buildup
• Airflow restrictions

When the ice melts, it can trickle out of the furnace and make its presence known in nearby rooms. Check your vents for obstructions and replace your air filter if needed. Reach out to our Louisville HVAC company if that doesn’t solve the problem. Our team can clean the coils or top off your refrigerant if needed.  

Heat Exchanger Failure

Is a furnace leaking water dangerous? Let’s cover one more reason why your heating system may leak: heat exchanger issues. Your heat exchanger moves the warmth produced by fuel combustion into the air that circulates through your ductwork. 

Although it’s an essential part, the heat exchanger can also be incredibly hazardous. When it moves heat into the ductwork, the surrounding internal air cools and can become a liquid. If the heat exchanger sustains damage, it may leak and increase your risk of carbon monoxide exposure. 

Is a Furnace Leaking Water Dangerous?

Many property owners typically associate furnace dangers with fuel leaks and fires, not dripping water. So, is a furnace leaking water dangerous? Take it from us — it absolutely can be, but not for the reasons you might think. 

Water Damage

First and foremost, any type of leak can cause water damage in your home or business. It soaks into the materials of ceilings, walls, and floors. Those soaked areas become grossly stained, and the structures might warp in response to the dampening and drying process. 

This can make the affected structure unstable in extreme circumstances. At worst, the brownish-yellow stains just look ugly, and you will have to paint over them to make the structure look uniform again.  

Mold Contamination

Water-soaked building materials can also promote mold growth. Many fungal species thrive in moist environments with little natural sunlight, and your home or business interior fits both descriptions. 

Mold and mildew are silent intruders that can significantly impact your respiratory health. You might wrestle with symptoms like:

• Sneezing and coughing
• A runny nose
• Persistent congestion
• A dry or irritated throat
• General fatigue 

Don’t underestimate how these organisms can affect your day-to-day health. 

Electrocution

Ceiling and wall leaks are electrical hazards, as well as potential biohazards. When water trickles down a structure’s interior, it can contact live wires. Water conducts electricity, so the electrical current may reroute to the water instead of staying within the wired network. 

An innocent passerby can quickly become an electrocution victim if the water and electricity make contact at the wrong time. This can also increase your building’s potential for a fire. 

Carbon Monoxide 

Carbon monoxide has no smell or color. You won’t know it is gradually replacing your oxygen when it infiltrates your building unless you have a dependable detector. If a damaged heat exchanger is the cause of your furnace leak, it could be the harbinger of a toxic, deadly substance slowly overtaking your property. 

What to Do If You Think Your Furnace Leaks

Treat furnace leaks like warnings. If you see water dripping around or near your furnace, you should:

1. Turn off the furnace. Eliminate the problem as soon as possible. 
2. Cut the power supply. Go to your electrical system and flip the switch for the leaky area. This limits potential electrical hazards. 
3. Place towels or containers near the leak. Do whatever you can to soak up and catch any excess water. 
4. Contact your HVAC company in Louisville, Kentucky. Providers like A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling provide emergency HVAC services. 
5. Wait for the technician to arrive. Your technician will quickly troubleshoot and diagnose the problem. 

Furnace leak remedies range from basic maintenance to substantial repairs or complete system replacement. You can discuss your options and budget with the technician once they find the issue. 

Get in Touch with A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling to Stop the Leak!

Is a furnace leaking water dangerous? Furnace leaks are dangerous in many ways. A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling can plug the leak and protect your comfort and safety. Call 502-708-2247 when you notice your heating system making noise or other worrying symptoms.