Why Is There a Puddle Around My Furnace in Charleston, SC?

You might notice a puddle of water on the floor around your Charleston, SC furnace and wonder where that is coming from. Chances are very good there is a leak. It is best to have it diagnosed by a professional to determine which of the following is the source of the leak.

Condensation

Water condensation is one of the more common reasons for a leaky furnace, especially in a high-efficiency furnace that has a secondary heat exchanger. The secondary heat exchanger causes the exhaust to undergo further heat transfer while creating water vapor that becomes liquid and needs to drain. If a floor drain is the mechanism for catching the water, it may pond before draining away completely.

AC Plumbing Leaks

If your heating appliance is also an air conditioning unit, it will have plumbing attached to it. The coolant pipe that sends refrigerant from the compressor to the air handler may have loosened, causing a leak. Or, condensation has formed on the outside of the pipe that is dripping onto the floor.

Failed Condensate Pump and Drain

Another common source of a leak around your furnace is a failed condensate pump. A clogged condensate pump will usually strain and make noise, signaling that it is working too hard.

It will also leak, especially if it’s too full and the drain hose becomes blocked with debris or disconnected. A clogged pump or drain hose (generally a PVC pipe) that leaks water from the furnace to the floor beneath it will need to be cleared, if it’s a clogged pipe, or in the case of a bad pump, replacement, by a skilled HVAC contractor.

As winter temperatures arrive in Charleston, SC, it’s wise to have your furnace serviced to identify any areas that might cause leaks. Reach out to M&B Heating and Air for fall maintenance before the temperatures drop.

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