Should You Smell Gas From Hot Water Heater?

Is it normal for a hot water heater to smell like gas? The short answer is, “No.” Here's the long answer:

Natural gas is odorless

. … If this is the case, you likely have an issue with hydrogen sulfide gas in your water and may need to replace the anode with another type that won't produce this type of odor.

What do I do if I smell gas in my water heater?

This is fairly simple; just sniff!

Natural gas

smells like rotten eggs and is unmistakable. If you notice this smell in your home, immediately shut off the water heater's gas valve and contact your natural gas company.

Can water heaters leak gas?

There are two common ways a water heater can create a fire/explosion and become a dangerous bomb in your Atlanta-area home. Gas leak – If gas is leaking in or around your water heater,

the small ignition flame can ignite the gas

, causing a catastrophic explosion.

Can gas hot water heaters leak carbon monoxide?

If you have a gas water heater in your home that has been neglected for a long time,

improperly installed, or poorly ventilated, it could leak carbon monoxide

. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by burning fuels, such as gas, during operation. … You do not want to mess around with a leak.

How do I know if my hot water heater is leaking gas?

If you don't have a gas leak detector in your home, then

take a moment and stand quietly next to your hot water heater and listen for a hissing sound

. If you hear a hissing sound, this is a surefire indication that your water heater has a hot water gas leak that needs attention.

Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak?

Many smoke alarms also include carbon monoxide detectors today, however, a CO detector should be placed lower on the wall than most smoke alarms. And, you may be wondering whether a carbon monoxide detector can detect a gas leak. The

answer is no. CO detectors cannot detect a gas leak.

Why do I smell gas near my hot water heater?

If the water heater runs on natural gas, this smell is

an indication of a gas leak or gas combustion issue

. Shut off the gas to the water heater immediately and leave your house. Call the gas company to check for leaks. Afterward, contact water heater professionals to fix or replace the system.

What smells like gas but is not gas?

Sulfur

is often the cause of a gas smell in homes without gas leaks. It smells identical to the foul rotten odor of gas leaks, but it's not nearly as harmful in this case. Bacteria found in sewage systems or your kitchen sink release sulfur over time, causing the smell to permeate your home.

Why does it smell like gas when my heater is on?

Start of the Heating Season Gas Odors

When your furnace sits unused during the spring and summer, it's normal for dust, dirt, and other impurities to settle into the heating unit. When you turn on the furnace for the first time, you might notice a slight gas smell while the

furnace burns off the accumulated debris

.

What do I do if I smell gas in my house?

1. Immediately evacuate the area, and from a safe location either call 911 or SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200.
2. Don't smoke, or light a match, candle or other flame.

Why would a water heater leak from the bottom?

All hot water heaters come with a drain that's close to the bottom of the unit so

the tank can be fully vacated for performing routine clean

-ups, or prior to removing the tank. A leaky drain valve can be detected by dripping water or moisture, either around the valve itself or out of the drain opening.

Is it safe to sleep in a room with a gas water heater?

No

. A malfunction of the water heater or flue can allow carbon monoxide to flow into the room and accumulate at a fatal level. It's odorless, so you would be slowly asphyxiated without knowing what was happening.

Can you smell carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that

has no smell or taste

.

Who checks for carbon monoxide?

If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide in your home, leave the home immediately and call

the fire department

or a professional on-site air testing company.

What are the signs of a gas leak in your home?

• The smell of rotten eggs. …
• Hissing sounds. …
• Air bubbles outside your home. …
• Dead or dying plants. …
• Physical symptoms of natural gas poisoning. …
• Higher-than-normal gas usage.

How do I know if I smell gas?

1. the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs.
2. a hissing or whistling sound near a gas line.
3. a white cloud or dust cloud near a gas line.
4. bubbles in water.
5. a damaged gas pipe.
6. dead houseplants.