After a first-time homeowner asked the internet whether a gas water heater's smell was supposed to be so noticeable, plumbers reacted immediately, cautioning them that "you should smell nothing."
The homeowner also said the unit in their new house was loud, made popping sounds, and filled the kitchen with the exhaust-like odor.
Here's what to know
In Reddit's r/HomeMaintenance community, the original poster said they were unfamiliar with gas water heaters, writing, "When this one runs it's pretty loud and pops a lot and I can smell it running. I can smell … exhaust through the whole kitchen."
OP added that contractors "will come check it out for a fee, but I don't know if that's just normal use."
The replies largely drew a line between noise and smell. One commenter warned, "That needs addressed immediately. Probably an exhaust issue … Some clanking and popping is pretty normal. Metal makes noise when heating and cooling. Hard water can also cause buildup, and that can be noisy too."
Another commenter explained that if "you can smell exhaust in the kitchen, that's not normal at all. The popping is one thing but exhaust fumes inside the house means the venting is messed up."
A third user recommended that OP "go drop $30 on a carbon monoxide detector. Just to keep you and your family safe."
What can be done?
The comments section explained that any gas or exhaust smell warrants prompt attention from a qualified professional. They also recommended turning the water heater off and opening windows until it can be checked, especially given the risk of carbon monoxide.
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If replacing the unit turns out to be the better option, switching to a non-combustion model could eliminate this specific kind of venting problem, while providing efficiency improvements.
For homeowners who decide a replacement makes more sense, Cala is one company worth knowing about. Its customizable smart heat pump water heaters help homeowners decrease their energy bills by heating water exactly when it's needed.
That approach can reduce wasted energy while still making sure hot water is available for showers, dishes, and laundry. If an aging gas unit needs to be replaced, comparing options such as a Cala heat pump water heater could be a practical next step.
Where can I learn more?
Similar concerns have come up in other stories about gas appliances, strange smells, and indoor air risks.
• In American homes, gas-powered appliances worsen indoor air quality beyond just the kitchens.
• A homeowner shut off the power after a concerning smell from a water heater.
• A tenant feared a landlord had fixed a gas leak without solving the danger.
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