jhughes37 wrote:
Hello,

my uncle recently installed a new gas hot water heater.

A day later, I notice a slight odor coming from the furnace room -
this smell was probably there from the start, but no one noticed it.
Told him about it. He went in and sniffed around and said he knows
what natural gas smells like, and didn't smell anything. We did a
leak test, and sure enough there is a small leak at the valve. This
particular valve is old. On one side there is a bolt/screw, if not
tightened enough, it leaks. He tightened it. We did another leak
test, and no bubbles this time, and the smell has gone away.

I went in the next day, and smelled around. Near the gas supply to the
heater (inside the outer door) I smelled something, but didn't know if
it was metal or gas. I did a leak test on all the connections again
and saw no bubbles. Is it normal for there to be an odor in that
area? Is it the metal I am smelling? He thought the previous leak was
just the metal smell, but it was actually gas. Don't know what to
do.. all connections pass the water/soap test. The smell is not
detectable anywhere except within a few inches of where the gas line
connects to the heater. If there is a leak, it's probably very small.
Could it be within the heater, too, where a leak test is not
possible? How much gas would need to be released to cause an
explosion? If I installed a gas detector, would it sound if any gas
were present, even tiny amounts?

Also, the valve itself makes contact with the hot water heater, due to
the way the gas pipe is installed. It comes down from the ceiling
diagnally and doesn't quite clear the heater. Is that a code
violation? There is clearly some pressure on the valve.

At this point I am considering calling the city to inspect the
installation and check for leaks. I know he would not be happy about
it, but I am a bit concerned. What should I do?


James

In most areas the gas company will do the inspection for free. I
strongly suggest it. Gas is safe, but leaks are not.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia's Muire duit