If water leaks from your furnace, you’re probably wondering what to do next.
After all, your furnace is supposed to keep your home warm – not create puddles indoors!
Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with it alone.
Since 1996, we’ve been helping Chicago-area homeowners clean up all kinds of water damage, and we’ve compiled our top tips into this blog.
Key Takeaways
- If your furnace is leaking water, turn off the unit, clean up the water, locate the source of the leak (if you can), and contact an HVAC technician and a water damage restoration professional to begin more extensive repairs.
- Common causes of water leaks include condensation, clogged condensate drains, and faulty heat exchangers.
- Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent leaks and keep your furnace working for as long as possible.
Immediate Steps to Take
1. Turn Off the Furnace
The first and most crucial step is to power down your furnace. This helps prevent electrical hazards and avoid further damage to the unit, if possible.
Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the Power Switch: Find the on/off switch for your furnace, which is usually near the thermostat or the furnace unit itself.
- Shut Off the Circuit Breaker: If you can’t find the switch, turn off the furnace’s circuit breaker to ensure the entire unit is powered down.
2. Clean Up Standing Water
Next, clean up any standing water to minimize damage and decrease the chance of mold growth.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use Absorbent Materials: Grab towels or a mop to soak up larger puddles of water. If the pooling is minimal, a dry/wet vacuum may suffice.
- Check Surrounding Areas: After cleaning up all the visible water, carefully inspect the surrounding areas to identify any hidden pooling or water damage.
- Dry the Area: After the initial clean-up, use fans or dehumidifiers to dry the affected area thoroughly.
3. Locate the Source
Next, you’ll need to identify the source of the leak. This is the only way to repair the issue correctly and prevent future problems.
For more information on locating the source of the leak, check out the next section of this blog.
4. Contact the Pros
Finally, contact the pros needed to fix the furnace issue. You’ll want to call a certified HVAC technician and water restoration professional for a thorough assessment and repair.
If you’re in the Chicago area, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore will provide a quick response and all the expertise needed to restore your home.
Contact us today: (312) 707-8597.
Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water?
