A cramped living situation pushed one Redditor toward an unconventional fix: turning a large walk-in closet into a bedroom.
But a gas water heater tucked into the space quickly turned the question from comfort to safety.
What happened?
In r/Plumbing, the Reddit user wanted to know whether it was a good idea to turn their 8-by-8-foot walk-in closet into a sleeping space.
They said their grandfather had moved into their studio indefinitely after learning that the veterans home wanted to place him in a skilled nursing facility rather than assisted living.
"He maintains unusual hours with the bright tv/lights and I would really like more privacy," the original poster explained.
The closet seemed like the perfect solution, except it contained a gas water heater.
"This closet bedroom would be a really easy fix for that suffocating feeling I'm getting, so long as it doesn't become more of a literal suffocating feeling!" they continued.
Why does it matter?
Fuel-burning appliances in or near sleeping areas can raise serious safety concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 400 Americans die every year because of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning unrelated to fires.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn't that worth an email or two? |
While a carbon monoxide detector is an important warning system, it does not replace proper venting, adequate clearance, and compliance with local building and fire codes.
People are most vulnerable to carbon monoxide exposure while sleeping, when symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or nausea may go unnoticed.
Other Redditors' advice reflected these concerns.
"No gas appliances in sleeping quarters in my code," one said.
"It needs to be vented…" another wrote.
What can I do?
A licensed plumber or local building official can determine whether the layout poses a risk.
For households already thinking about replacing an aging gas unit, Cala offers another path.
Cala's customizable smart heat pump water heaters heat water exactly when it's needed without the risk of toxic indoor fumes, helping families balance comfort, safety, and costs.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
