I have this water/gas heater outside by my house and I went to check it, noticed it smells like it's leaking gas! is this like hazardous? what should I do?
2007-01-31 07:18:12 · 9 answers · asked by nnjj 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
First off, don't panic.
1) Since the water heater is outside, the explosion risk is minimal, and the asphixiation risk is nearly non existent.
2) Try to identify if the smell is constant, or if it comes and goes with the cycling of the water heater.
3) If the smell is constant, turn off the gas valve to the water heater and see if the smell goes away. Most valves are intuitive as to whether they are on or off. On, the valve handle will be paralell with the pipe. Off, the valve handle will be perpendicular to the pipe. If the smell goes away after you turn it off, then you likely have a gas leak. Spray a little soapy water on all the pipe joints starting at the valve and working your way to the water heater. If you have a flexible gas hose, replace it with a new one. Those things leak often... I don't know how they can be code for permanent fixtures!
4) If the smell only comes around when the heater fires up, then it is probably just some waste gas escaping before the ignition source ignites it. This is usually not something to worry about.
2007-01-31 09:25:30 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda H 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes - it's leaking gas. Shut off the gas to that heater (if possible) and wait a while (say, an hour or so) for the gas to dissipate. If you don't know anything about gas, I'd suggest calling a heating guy to come out and look at it - it may just be a blown out pilot light, but it may be a leak in the gas line. Either way, the possibility of blowing yourself up is probably not something you want to risk.
2007-01-31 15:34:05 · answer #2 · answered by JerH1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's outside you are somewhat safe from and explosion, but not from a fire. Take soapy water and put in spray bottle and spray it on the gas lines, when you see the bubbles that is the location where the gas is leaking. Turn off gas, tighten down ( or find someone who can help tighten) on the connection. Turn gas on and spray again and check for bubbles again. Repeat if neccessary.
2007-01-31 16:13:58 · answer #3 · answered by 1TON 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is dangerous.
There could be a gas leak.
Open a window. Turn off the gas - do NOT use fire, lightswitches or anything.
Call the gas company and tell them what you smell, when you first noticed it, and what steps you have taken.
Ask them if they think you need to do more.
Ask them to assist you quickly!
2007-01-31 15:29:06 · answer #4 · answered by U_S_S_Enterprise 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
USUALLY DURING THE COLD MONTHS, THE GAS COMPANIES INCREASE THE SMELL IN THE GAS SO YOU CAN FIND LEAK, & BE ALLERTED!!
WHEN YOUR WATER HEATER GOES WHOOOSH & LIGHTS, YOU MIGHT GET A TRACE SMELL OF GAS, SPACE HEATERS, WHEN LIGHTING SAME THING. IF YOU CALL THE GAS COMPANY, THEY WILL EITHER TURN OFF YOUR GAS, OR COME IN WITH SNIFFERS & THEN TURN OFF YOUR GAS! CALL A PLUMBER WITH A SNIFFER, OR TURN OFF THE GAS APPLIANCE AT THE GAS STOP AT THE WALL/OR NEAR THE APPLIANCE, & SEE IF THE SMELL CONTINUES...
GOOD LUCK!
2007-01-31 15:41:30 · answer #5 · answered by Bonno 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when in doubt, get out of the house and call the gas company. Do not open windows, do not worry about dissipation until a professional tells you that it is ok to re-enter your home.
2007-01-31 17:15:23 · answer #6 · answered by johntindale 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SHUT IT OFF!!! CALL GAS COMPANY NOT FROM YOUR HOUSE!!! 2 houses have EXPLODED in this state in the last month! CALL GAS COMPANY
2007-01-31 15:24:21 · answer #7 · answered by Dannielle T 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Extremely dangerous, call UTILITY company immediately, it could explode!!! Turn off if possible, NOW!!
2007-01-31 15:24:37 · answer #8 · answered by Lottalady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CALL THE GAS COMPANY NOW!!..
2007-01-31 15:24:46 · answer #9 · answered by tiny b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋