The most common cause of a bad smell in your water heater is an overgrowth of bacteria which can cause a sulfur or rotten egg smell. These bacteria can survive in your hot water tank without oxygen, and react with sulfur and the magnesium in the sacrificial anode rod to produce smelly hydrogen sulfide gas.
How do I know if my gas water heater is leaking gas?
- The Smell of Gas. Gas smells like rotten eggs or hydrogen sulfide. ...
- Hissing Sound. Sometimes when a small amount of gas escapes the water heater it makes a hissing noise because it is escaping a high-pressure environment. ...
- Dead House Plants. ...
- Damage to the Pipe. ...
- Physical Symptoms.
Are water heaters supposed to smell?
Your water heater shouldn't smell at all. So, if you've smelled that particular rotten odor and can't understand why, you might want to check the gas inlet anyway and take the right steps to correct that smelly problem, fast!May 11, 2020
Can gas water heater leak gas?
There are many different types of water heaters but one of the most popular is tankless or gas water heater. Leakage of gas is prevalent these days, and several different individuals also die every year due to the gas leak from the water heater.Oct 14, 2020
How do I know if my water heater has a gas leak?
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.
What do I do if I smell gas in my 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.Nov 12, 2018
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.Apr 17, 2017
How do I get rid of a bad smell in my water heater?
To get rid of the bad odor, you'll want to contact a plumber to flush and disinfect your tank. Doing so will remove the bacteria and particles that create hydrogen sulfide. During a water heater flush, a plumber can replace your anode rod if it is corroded to prevent the smell in the future.Feb 21, 2020
What does a water heater gas leak smell like?
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.
How do I know if my water heater is leaking carbon monoxide?