If you’ve ever walked into your basement or utility room in the middle of winter and noticed a puddle of water under your furnace, you’re not alone. Many Kansas City homeowners experience this issue during the coldest months of the year. A furnace leaking water can be a minor nuisance – or it could be a sign of a serious HVAC problem.
At Haha’s Heating & Cooling, we get this question a lot during winter service calls. While a leaking air conditioner is more common in the summer, a leaking furnace during heating season often leaves homeowners confused and concerned.
Let’s walk through what could be causing this issue, what you should do about it, and when to call a professional.
Common Causes of Furnace Leaks in Kansas City Homes
Not all furnaces are the same, and not all leaks are created equal. The source of the water will depend on the type of furnace you have, how old it is, and whether your system includes components like humidifiers or high-efficiency drain lines.
Here are the most common reasons a furnace might leak:
1. Condensation from High-Efficiency Furnaces
If you have a newer, high-efficiency furnace (usually 90% AFUE or higher), it produces condensation during the heat exchange process. This water is normally drained through a condensate line into a floor drain or pump.
The problem:
- Blocked or cracked drain lines
- A clogged condensate trap
- Faulty condensate pump
If any part of that drainage system gets blocked, the water can back up and leak around your furnace.
2. Internal Drain System Issues (for Combined HVAC Systems)
Many Kansas City homes have HVAC systems where the furnace and AC share internal drain lines. If the AC was recently used or the shared drain is clogged, it may look like the furnace is leaking even when it’s not operating.
3. Humidifier Leaks
If you have a whole-home humidifier installed on your furnace, it may be the actual source of the leak. Over time, these units can develop:
- Cracks in the water panel or casing
- Clogged drain lines
- Leaky fittings or feed tubes
Water from a faulty humidifier often drips down the side of the furnace, making it appear that the furnace itself is leaking.
Explore our humidifier services for help diagnosing or replacing these add-ons.
4. Faulty Secondary Heat Exchanger
High-efficiency furnaces contain a secondary heat exchanger, and if this component cracks, water can leak internally into the furnace cabinet. This issue is more serious and often signals that the furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan.
If your furnace is over 15 years old, you may want to explore furnace repair or replacement options.
5. Clogged or Disconnected Drain Line
Even non-condensing furnaces may have drain lines that remove residual moisture. If these tubes get disconnected or clogged, it can lead to a slow but steady leak around the base of the furnace.
What to Do When Your Furnace Is Leaking
A leaking furnace doesn’t always mean an emergency, but you shouldn’t ignore it. Here’s what Kansas City homeowners should do first:
Step 1: Turn Off the Furnace
If the leak is significant or water is pooling around the system, shut off power to the furnace using the breaker or the switch on the unit itself. This prevents electrical hazards and further damage.
Step 2: Soak Up the Water
Use towels or a wet/dry shop vac to clean up as much standing water as possible. The longer it sits, the more likely it is to damage flooring, drywall, or the furnace cabinet.
Step 3: Check the Filter
If water has reached the filter area, remove and inspect your furnace filter. A soggy filter should be replaced immediately.
We offer filter replacement services to keep your system running clean and efficiently.
Step 4: Inspect Visible Drain Lines
Look for plastic or PVC tubing connected to your furnace. Check for cracks, blockages, or disconnections. If you’re comfortable, you can gently remove the tubing to flush it out with vinegar or water.
Step 5: Call a Professional HVAC Technician
Most furnace leaks are caused by issues you can’t see or fix easily without training. If the leak persists or if you see rust, corrosion, or pooling water after the system is turned off, call an expert.
You can schedule service with Haha’s Heating & Cooling for fast, local help in Kansas City.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Furnace Leaks
Water around your furnace might seem minor, but it can quickly lead to larger problems:
- Corrosion of internal components
- Mold and mildew growth
- Damage to electrical parts
- Water damage to flooring or walls
A small leak today can lead to expensive repairs or full system failure tomorrow. Our team is trained to catch problems early, saving you time and money in the long run.
How to Prevent Furnace Leaks
You can prevent most furnace water issues with routine maintenance. Here’s what we recommend for Kansas City homeowners:
- Schedule preventive maintenance each fall
- Replace air filters every 1 to 3 months
- Make sure drain lines are flushed during seasonal tune-ups
- Inspect humidifiers annually
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat to monitor usage and efficiency
Learn more about smart thermostat installation and how it helps with system performance.
Local Example: Furnace Leak in Overland Park
A customer in Overland Park called us in late November after noticing a puddle of water on the basement floor. Their high-efficiency furnace was leaking due to a clogged condensate drain line. Our technician flushed the line, tested the pump, and replaced a cracked fitting. We also upgraded their filter and inspected the humidifier.
The result? No more leaks, lower energy bills, and peace of mind heading into the holidays.
When It Might Be Time for a New Furnace
If your furnace is leaking and also showing signs like:
- Short cycling
- Strange smells
- Inconsistent heat
- Rising utility bills
It could be more cost-effective to upgrade your system.
Explore furnace installation services with financing options and high-efficiency units that work better for Kansas City winters.
Call the Trusted HVAC Team in Kansas City
If you’re dealing with a leaking furnace, don’t wait for things to get worse. Haha’s Heating & Cooling is here to help with expert diagnosis, fast repairs, and honest recommendations. We serve homeowners across Kansas City, Liberty, Overland Park, and surrounding areas.
Contact us today or check out our Google reviews to see why we’re one of the most trusted names in HVAC service in the metro.
