What's going on with our water heater/leak?

Question

Last week we were smelling gas in our house, knew it wasn't normal so we called the gas company to check it out. Apparently there was a small leak in our hot water heater (the heater was 14 yrs old) that was leaking out but not causing a problem where could blow up the house. We had a heating & plumbing company install a new gas water heater yesterday. They installed all new piping, etc. We are still smelling the gasoline to a certain extent. Is this normal?

Answer 1

I think they may have a gas leak there.

You shouldn't smell gas, it would dissipate within an hour if it was from them working on it.

I would call them back.

You should get a quick response for a possible gas leak.

Any old gas piping laying around could also be the source and should be removed from the area.

Answer 2

Gasoline does not smell like natural gas or LP it sounds like you have a venting problem and the fumes are coming into the home. To check that out get a CO2 detector with gas appliances you should have one.

Answer 3

If it is just a faint smell, yes you will still be able to detect it. It's from when they switched to gas line to the new WH. Even though, they had turned of the gas, there was still gas in the line. If it doesn't go away in a day or so, just run your nose along the piping to the WH or put some soapy water in a spray bottle and spray it in the piping (on the fittings). If it starts to bubble up, you have a leak. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

It is somewhat expected in this case. But to be sure call the plumbing company to actually check. All gas leaks are potentially dangerous. Do not wait around on this. Call them today. After all you paid them a bunch of money for a good job. I assume they checked the venting while they were there.