Water heater smells like gas? Don’t worry! Here we show you five causes and practical solutions you should know about. Natural gas is not a guest in our homes; many homes use it to power several appliances. From stoves to water heaters, gas serves you in many ways!
Gas is odorless and colorless, so you may not perceive it. Sadly, without a gas detector, it may be hard to know if there’s a leak. But thankfully, manufacturers often add a chemical called mercaptan to the gas. This chemical gives gas the smell that makes leaks detectable. So, when you perceive a smell like rotten eggs, stinky stuff, or sulfur, there is a leak.
Many things can cause your gas to leak, making your water heater smell. Here, we explore all of those causes and many more! Also, we show you practical tips on how to fix the problem—sounds good, right? Let’s dig in already!
5 Reasons Your Water Heater Smells Like Gas
If your water heater smells like gas, there is a gas leak. This smell could result from several factors, such as:
Excessive Pressure
Too much pressure from the water heater can cause a gas leak. Water heaters should function at certain optimal ranges. So, when there is excess pressure on it, it can affect the tank. This pressure occurs when the water temperature is too high. It also occurs when the water supply pressure exceeds the tank’s capacity. Surprising, right? We know.
Crack in Water Storage
Another reason your water heater smells like gas is that there’s a crack in the tank. That’s right! Gas may leak through the crack and cause damage. This happens mostly with glass-lined water tanks. When this happens, guess what? You should replace the tank.
Faulty Valve
A drain valve is one of the most vital parts of a water heater system. If your valve is loose or spoiled, water and gas may leak. If it is a loose valve, you can tighten it with a pipe wrench.
Lack of Draining
Ideally, you oughta drain your water tank at least once a year. Water contains natural minerals that harden over time in the tank, and guess what? These deposits can cause the tank to crack if they remain. The good news is that you can avoid this if you drain and clean your tank periodically.
Worn Heater
Water heaters that are worn out or have exceeded their lifespan can cause many problems. Sadly, they can also cause gas leaks, making your heater smell like gas. Ensure to use quality water storage and change it when it gets old.
5 Solutions for When Water Heater Smells Like Gas
When your water smells like gas, don’t take it lightly! Do you know the worst-case scenario in this case? It can result in a water heater explosion. That can be so scary! So, it’s very important to put all safety measures in place ASAP! If your water heater smells like gas, then do these:
Turn off the Water Heater
First, turn off the water heater. We’re pretty sure you know how deadly gas leaks can be. Ensure that you immediately turn off the heat source when you smell gas. After that, proceed to the primary source.
Shut Down the Valve
The next thing to do is shut off the supply valve. That way, you stop the gas supply to the heater. Also, avoid turning on any switches or using any electronic devices in the area. Doing this will likely ignite the gas and result in something worse. You don’t want that, do you?
Create Escape Routes
The next step is creating escape routes for any gas in the area. Open the doors and windows to allow the gas to escape. Allowing the gas to stay trapped in the house during this period is dangerous.
Evacuate the Premises
Ideally, this should come first, but still, evacuate the leak area. Always remember: safety first! Leave the area where the gas is leaking. That way, you can call for help without causing further damage. Sounds rational, right? Exactly!
Call an Expert
Guess what? Gas leaks are very tricky; it may seem like you should handle them yourself, but resist the urge. When you’re safe outside, contact a plumbing expert or gas company. They will help you assess the risk and put out potential fires.
How to Prevent Water Heater Gas Leaks
Remember the saying, “Prevention is better than cure?” If you don’t want your water heater to smell like gas, which indicates a gas leak, the best thing to do is stop it from happening. Follow the prevention tips below:
Reduce Heater Temperature: Remember what we said earlier? High water and heat pressure can cause gas leaks. So, it is ideal to lower your heater’s temperature. Setting it between 120 and 130° F is most likely the best! Any higher can cause burns; this damages your water heater and may lead to explosions.
Conduct Routine Checks: Ensure that you form the habit of conducting checks on your water heater. You can do this in two ways! You can do the physical inspections yourself or call a contractor to help you. Carry out physical inspections for obvious signs. Also, check the valves to ensure that the pressure is optimal.
Ensure Prompt Repairs: When you notice something faulty in your water heating system, fix it asap! Don’t wait until bigger damage happens. As soon as something needs fixing or replacing, get it done. According to Nike, “just do it!
Install Gas Detectors: Be truthful to yourself: if you don’t have the time to do routine checks, install gas detectors. This may not be a direct preventive measure, but it helps you spot the problem asap.
FAQs - People Also Ask
How can I tell if my water heater is leaking gas?
Gas detectors can detect when there is a gas leak. However, you can get close to the heater and then quietly listen for a hissing sound. That’s not all! A bad smell, like rotten eggs or sulfur, can point to leaking gas.
Why is my water heater smelling like gas?
If your water heater smells like gas, it most likely means a gas leak. Gas is naturally odorless, but the additive mercaptan makes it detectable. So if you smell gas, it means it has escaped from storage. You should call for help immediately!
How do I stop my gas heater from smelling?
If your gas heater smells, it could only mean one thing: there is a gas leak! First, turn off the heater and the supply valve. Then open your windows to let the gas out, and leave the area. Lastly, call an expert to check it.
What are the signs of a gas leak?
Some signs of a gas leak include a sulfur smell, rotten egg smell, and hissing near the water heater or gas line. Other signs include water bubbles, dead plants, and high gas bills. Also, a gas leak can be evident when your water heater smells like gas.
Our Final Thoughts
If your hot water heater smells like gas, you most likely have a serious issue on your hands. The first culprit was a gas leak. So, you have to be very careful when going about it. You can easily prevent and manage these gas leaks. However, always ensure that your safety comes first to avoid further damage. The tips will guide you and give you ready-made solutions if your water heater smells like gas.
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
