Gas Leak

Hello

I was outside whilst someone was showering. I was standing near the gas hot water unit and I could smell gas.

Wondering if this is normal?

Also the unit is just below my bedroom window.. So also wondering if this could be rising up to my room? Is this normal?

TIA

 

Is the unit located appropriately (Rheem etc have these on their websites).

 

I don't know but it is placed near bottom bedroom and ours is on top.

Gosh even after I get a plumber... Do I live in fear it could fault again and my family one day come and find me....

The bottom floor takes showers in the middle of the night so fumes there.

 

Must be located away from the corner of the building and windows.

 

It is common - in Vic anyway - for there to be an odour of gas by products as gas is burnt in an instantaneous heater.

So when I run the hot water I get a smell from the unit. This smell is not a gas leak - just normal operation.

 

Thank you hoping so...

 

The unit will have a different smell when running,but there should be zero gas smell..Maybe check the area when the unit is not running then if you still smell the gas ,first shut down the unit ,then ring a lic plumber ..
imho..Just hope no ones a smoker..

 

A gas meter can have a light smell of gas. A gas burner / heater should have a far reduced odour as the gas is largely burned. If in doubt a plumber can assess any leaks using a simple hand held detector AND their experience.

Ironic gas has no smell. It is odourless. But Ethyl Mercaptan is added as it makes an leak detectable and unpleasant

 

Thanks so much Paul for great info.

 

It is normal.

 

Outside the bathroom is the gas water heater which is next to the clothes line. I was hanging out the washing.