A home inspector reported on TikTok that combustion gases were escaping into a house from an operating gas water heater. The appliance's exhaust outlet was not connected to its vent pipe.
The frightening discovery became the focus of a Halloween-themed video.
Here's what to know
In a TikTok video, content creator and home inspector Brad (@duesouthbrad) showed the disconnected vent pipe.
@duesouthbrad Killer Water Heater?! Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time. I've been trying everything to get into the Halloween spirit, but apparently all I needed was a killer water heater! 🎃💀😂 Nothing says Halloween quite like a gas water heater running with the exhaust flue completely disconnected, dumping combustion gases and potentially deadly carbon monoxide into the house! Forget haunted houses. This one's trying to kill people for real! 👻😂 #DueSouthBrad #HomeInspection #Halloween #KillerWaterHeater #HomeInspector ♬ original sound - duesouthbrad
"I've been trying everything, trying to get into the Halloween spirit, and it has just not been happening," Brad quipped while sporting a mask. "That is, of course, until I ran across this killer water heater."
The video showed a water heater that was leaking really hot air that was coming out of the exhaust. It was missing a connection to the flue.
The caption warned that the disconnected flue was "dumping combustion gases and potentially deadly carbon monoxide into the house." In the video, the inspector indicated both the intended pipe connection and the spot where hot exhaust was escaping.
Brad also admitted he was "sleepy" in the video, which prompted some jokes from viewers.
"Sleepy lol I wonder why," one responded, in reference to a potential gas leak.
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For homeowners considering replacing a gas unit, a properly installed heat pump water heater may also help lower energy bills. It would also avoid the prospect of leaking carbon monoxide.
More background
"I'm not a licensed plumber," the inspector acknowledged while discussing a flexible line attached to the heater. The creator also raised whether that line belonged in the installation.
To Brad, the part indicated the job was done by pros, which added to his confusion over the disconnected flue. Another apparent problem with the installation emerged.
According to the inspector, the drain pan beneath the appliance lacked an outside drain.
"So this thing is an absolute horror story," the creator said.
Commenters responded with dark humor, including one who imagined the property being offered to short-term guests.
"The only thing that could make that better is if the owners are renting it out as an Airbnb," they wrote.
What can be done?
For owners of gas water heaters, keeping a carbon monoxide alarm nearby is one protective step.
Another is checking that the appliance's exhaust outlet and vent pipe are connected, and having an inspector like Brad come by if there are any doubts.
For homeowners weighing an upgrade, Cala offers smart heat pump water heaters. Cala's customizable smart heat pump water heaters can help homeowners decrease their energy bills by heating water exactly when it is needed.
Homeowners interested in that approach can explore the customizable water-heating options available from Cala.
Where can I learn more?
A disconnected vent pipe is one way water heater exhaust can end up indoors.
• A home inspection flagged water heater backdrafting, and plumbers warned repairs could be expensive.
• A renter noticed unusual water heater exhaust before a carbon monoxide alarm started beeping.
• A homeowner investigating a gas smell learned fumes were filling the house from their water heater.
• After chimney work, professionals warned that furnace-water heater venting could send exhaust the wrong way.
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