Diagnosing Common HVAC & Plumbing Issues

Your Home Comfort System is Talking-Here's How to Understand What It's Saying

That unexpected puddle on the floor. A strange clanking from the basement. The unsettling realization that the hot water isn't so hot anymore. These are moments that can send a homeowner's stress levels through the roof. When your home's core systems act up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but don't panic. You're in the right place.

Most HVAC and plumbing issues send out warning signs long before they become emergencies. Understanding these signals is the first step toward a fast, effective solution. This guide is designed to be your trusted resource, helping you diagnose common issues, understand the stakes, and decide on the best next step with confidence.

First Steps: What to Do in the First Five Minutes

Before you start troubleshooting, let's manage the immediate situation to prevent further damage. If you see water, your first priority is safety and containment.

1. Safety First: If there's significant water, especially near electrical appliances like your furnace or water heater, shut off the power to those units at your breaker panel immediately. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix.
2. Turn Off the Water: Locate the shut-off valve for the specific appliance if you can. For a major leak, you may need to use the main water shut-off for your house.
3. Contain the Area: Mop up any standing water. The average water damage claim costs about $11,000, so minimizing the impact now can save you a significant headache later.

With the immediate situation under control, you can now investigate the cause with a clearer head.

Diagnosing Furnace Leaks: Is It Your AC or Your Heater?

A furnace leaking water is one of the most common service calls we get, especially in the summer. It seems counterintuitive, but it's often an issue with your air conditioning system, which shares components with your furnace.

Common Cause 1: Clogged Condensate Drain Line (Most Likely in Summer)

When your air conditioner runs, it pulls humidity from the air. This moisture collects and drains away through a condensate line. If this line gets clogged with algae, dust, or debris, the water has nowhere to go but back-often leaking out around the base of your furnace.

• Symptoms: You'll see a steady dripping or a puddle of clean water around your indoor unit, primarily when the AC is running.
• The Fix: This can sometimes be a DIY job if the clog is easily accessible. You can try using a wet/dry vac to clear the line from the outside drain point. However, if the clog is deep or you're unsure, a professional can clear it quickly and safely.

Common Cause 2: Condensation from a High-Efficiency Furnace (Most Likely in Winter)

High-efficiency furnaces (90% AFUE or higher) are designed to extract so much heat from combustion gases that the exhaust cools and creates condensation. This is normal. A dedicated drain line carries this acidic condensate away.

• Symptoms: Leaking water around the furnace during the heating season.
• The Fix: The issue is likely a clog or crack in the furnace's specific condensate line. Due to the acidic nature of the water and the complexity of the system, this is a job best left for a certified technician.

Decoding Water Heater Problems: From Pilot Lights to Puddles

Your water heater works tirelessly behind the scenes. When it fails, it disrupts your entire routine. Here’s how to figure out what’s wrong.

Common Cause 1: The Pilot Light is Out

This is a frequent issue with older, tank-style gas water heaters. A pilot light can go out due to a draft, a dirty thermocouple, or a faulty gas valve.

• Symptoms: No hot water. When you check the unit, you don't see the small, steady blue flame.
• The Fix: You can often relight the pilot yourself by following the instructions printed on the side of the tank. However, if the pilot light got wet from a leak or it won't stay lit after several attempts, it signals a deeper problem. This requires a professional to diagnose the thermocouple or gas control valve.

Common Cause 2: Leaking from the Bottom

A puddle under your water heater can mean a few different things, ranging from a simple fix to a critical failure.

[IMAGE: water-heater-leak-sources.jpg]

• Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Valve: This safety valve can sometimes release a small amount of water due to excessive pressure. If it's constantly dripping, the valve may be faulty.
• Drain Valve: The drain valve at the bottom of the tank can sometimes leak if it isn't closed tightly or if the washer inside has failed.
• Tank Failure: Unfortunately, if the water is leaking from the tank itself, it's a sign of internal corrosion and failure. There is no repair for this-the entire unit needs to be replaced.

Proactive Care is the Best Fix

It’s a fact: regular maintenance can prevent up to 95% of all HVAC repairs. Instead of waiting for a stressful breakdown, a planned service call can identify worn parts, clean critical components, and ensure your systems are running at peak efficiency. It’s the single best way to protect your investment and maintain your peace of mind.

Explore our services heating-cooling-maintenance-plans to see how simple and affordable it is to keep your home comfort systems in top shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a small leak really a big deal?

Yes. Even a minor drip can lead to significant water damage, mold growth, and compromised structural integrity over time. It’s also a symptom that a component is failing, and ignoring it could lead to a much larger, more expensive repair down the road.

How much should I expect a repair to cost?

Repair costs vary widely depending on the issue. Clearing a simple clog might be a straightforward service call, while replacing a major component will be more involved. We believe in transparency. When our technicians diagnose a problem, they explain the issue clearly and provide you with a detailed, upfront quote before any work begins. For larger investments, we also offer flexible [Link to /financing] options.

How do I choose a reliable HVAC or plumbing company?

Look for a company with a long history in your community, like Habberjam Mechanical, which has served Edmonton and Kelowna for over two decades. Check for credentials like BBB accreditation and COR safety certification. A trustworthy company will have certified technicians, stand behind their work, and prioritize your safety and satisfaction. You can learn more about and our Opening Doors with Trust promise.

Let's Get Your Home Back to Normal

Diagnosing a problem is the first step, but you don't have to handle the solution alone. For over 20 years, Habberjam Mechanical has been the trusted partner for homeowners in Edmonton and Kelowna, providing reliable, high-quality plumbing, heating, and cooling services.

If you're facing an issue you can't solve or simply want the confidence of a professional diagnosis, we're here to help. Our team is ready to restore your home comfort with the expertise and care you deserve.

Ready for a stress-free solution? Contact us today to schedule your service call.