My parents' house smells like gas when the water heater is used. My stepdad says it's burnt gas & not harmful.

Question

There's a small hole in the tube from the water heater to outside, which is where I'm assuming the odor is coming from, but my stepdad says it's okay and won't let me call the gas company. I can only smell gas whenever hot water is used (shower, dishes, etc.) Is this dangerous?

Answer 1

I have a gas water heater. There should be little if any smell when it fires up to make hotwater. Check the exhaust vent. Its probably got soot in it and needs to be brushed out. This is a messy job and requires a long brush. Also i'm assuming it connects to the furnance or boiler next to it at a 45 degree arm. So check the vent on water heater first for soot then the furnance vent if it connects into that for exhaust.

Answer 2

Do you have a carbon monoxide detector in your house.  If you are referring to the exhaust vent to the outside has a hole then you could be putting carbon monoxide in the house.  That can be deadly.  How about patching the hole then see if it still smells.  It also may not be the exhaust, but a gas leak.  Unlike carbon monoxide, this will not kill you in your sleep, it would blow you up.  I think gas companies come out a check this for free,  if not it is well worth the peace of mind.

Answer 3

Tell your Dad that even with a natural gas water heater leaking can be fatal! We had someone improperly install a new NG water heater here last year (had a gas leak) and the lady fell asleep, and the fumes built up inside the home, reached explosive limit and exploded! Killed the lady and the explosion was heard for miles! If it is LP gas it is MORE dangerous! LP is lighter than air and will settle to the floor and seek a source of ignition!

Burned gas has no smell! An  odorant is put in the gas called percaptin, this is so we will know it there are leaks!

If nothing else it should be checked for emissions of carbon monoxide! This can kill as you sleep even without fire or explosion!

Answer 4

The byproduct of burnt gas is carbon monoxide, so yes it is extreemly harmful.  Depending on your gas company they may tell you to call a plumber.

Answer 5

You might want to have it checked out, but my gas water heater always did that.

Answer 6

You need to call the gas company, any time you smell a gas odor. They will come out at n/c. You need to be on the safe side, dont take chances with gas.

Answer 7

get your own house or apartment

Answer 8

it may be . you may have a clogged exhaust flew,or a slight

amount of gas not buring off possibly a leak after the mixing

valva you should at least install a carbonmonoxide detector