Month: February 2021

How to Deal with a Water Heater Gas Leak?

water heater, water heater gas leak, gas leak, water heater maintenance, water heater repair

How to Deal with a Water Heater Gas Leak

A gas leak anywhere in your home can be incredibly dangerous. You can usually spot a gas leak from a pungent odor coming from near the leak. With appliances that you don’t interact with often, like your water heater, you might not know of the gas leak immediately, which makes a water heater gas leak even more dangerous. However, it’s important to stay calm and try your best to troubleshoot the problem. To help you out, the pros at Leak Finders have prepared a guide on how to deal with a water heater gas leak as soon as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide on Troubleshooting a Water Heater Gas Leak

  1. Take Precautions

Just to be safe, wear a mask to prevent direct exposure to the gas leak.

  1. Locate the Gas Pipe Feeding into Water Heater

Make sure you can pinpoint the gas pipe that is leading into the water heater. Once you do, turn off the main gas pipe by twisting the handle counterclockwise. This might not be able to fix the leak, but it will stop the gas from flowing to the water heater.

  1. Disconnect Gas Line

A flexible gas pipe is the line that attaches the water heater to the main gas valve. You can safely do this by following this guide.

  1. Replace Gas Line

Replace the flexible gas line with a new one. Make sure you purchase the right type from your nearest home improvement store. You can do so by following this guide!

Should I Fix a Gas Leak Myself?

The main question when it comes to fixing the gas leak in your water heater is whether you can do it all by yourself or not. To be honest, this is one of the things that is best left to the professionals! Plumbers and technicians have the right tools and knowledge to fix gas leaks which, let’s not forget, are incredibly dangerous. So, if you’re not experienced in plumbing or are not comfortable taking on big home improvement jobs, it’s best to call a professional to help you out!

Signs of A Gas Leak

As we mentioned before, a pungent odor is one of the main signs of a gas leak. However, there are other signs too such as:

  • Discolored flowers and grass
  • Deteriorated and cracked pipes
  • Hissing or whistling sound from near the gas lines

Health Effects of Gas Leaks

Exposure to these gas leaks can lead to several symptoms such as:

  • Breathing problems
  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Watery eyes
  • Irritation of the throat
  • Breathing issues
  • Blisters on skin on direct contact with liquid gas

Have any more questions about how to deal with water heater gas leaks? Get in touch with the pros at Leak Finders! Our team of professionals will be more than happy to assist you in troubleshooting gas leaks and answering any more of your questions. Call us today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service with us online!