Leaking in basement - Can I fix or do I have to call someone

[Anonymous]

I am a new homeowner and my husband is traveling for work. We have dripping in our basement with this crazy storm. It's in two spots and seems to be coming from the large furnace pipes in the ceiling.... What could be causing this (I checked ceiling above and its dry so definitely coming from pipes), wondering if I have to call someone or if there is something I can try first.

[Anonymous]

Could be condensation

[Anonymous]

It might be coming from somewhere else and just running down along the pipes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
It might be coming from somewhere else and just running down along the pipes.

+1
Water is a funny thing. Where you see it is not where it's getting into the house. We spent weeks looking for a leak in the roof only to finally figure out it was a problem with the siding. Even a professional roofer was struggling to find the leak. If you can't figure out where the water is coming from, call a handyman for some help. It might be obvious or it might be tricky.

[Anonymous]

Op here - thanks for advice, will call someone in the morning! I am still learning what is possible myself vs not. I have to admit I was pretty proud I installed a new chain in the toilet tank when it broke a few days ago - I was close to calling a plumber, lol!

[Anonymous]

If you can see them, you can get fire rated caulk or spray foam and seal it (but also you need someone to seal from the outside)

[Anonymous]

Its most likely leaking from the storm collar around the furnace flue flashing on the roof.

This type of pipe runs from your boiler room right out the top of the roof, by code it isn't allowed to touch anything or make many turns- so if water gets on it or around it the water will just run downhill until it cant go any further.

It has likely been leaking for a long time, it has probably just dissipated along its journey down the pipe during normal rains; last nights volume and duration were exceptional which is why you are seeing the leak now.

Call a roofer, not a big deal to fix.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Its most likely leaking from the storm collar around the furnace flue flashing on the roof.

This type of pipe runs from your boiler room right out the top of the roof, by code it isn't allowed to touch anything or make many turns- so if water gets on it or around it the water will just run downhill until it cant go any further.

It has likely been leaking for a long time, it has probably just dissipated along its journey down the pipe during normal rains; last nights volume and duration were exceptional which is why you are seeing the leak now.

Call a roofer, not a big deal to fix.

I have had this type of leak once of twice over a 10 year period. In my home, the flashing is like an umbrella that stops rain that is going down, but water can come in if the rain is moving sideways due to severe wind. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Its most likely leaking from the storm collar around the furnace flue flashing on the roof.

This type of pipe runs from your boiler room right out the top of the roof, by code it isn't allowed to touch anything or make many turns- so if water gets on it or around it the water will just run downhill until it cant go any further.

It has likely been leaking for a long time, it has probably just dissipated along its journey down the pipe during normal rains; last nights volume and duration were exceptional which is why you are seeing the leak now.

Call a roofer, not a big deal to fix.

I have had this type of leak once of twice over a 10 year period. In my home, the flashing is like an umbrella that stops rain that is going down, but water can come in if the rain is moving sideways due to severe wind. Good luck.

Wrong, that means your flashing is bad and you have a leak at all times, just not enough to show, this could cause hidden mold. It should never leak.

The issue described sounds like flashing issue on your furnace flue. You might need a new flue or flashing, best call a roofer