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Author:
takeadoe (OH)
Good evening everyone. My tenants called this evening and noted that when the gas hot water heater was on, there was a faint smell of gas. I checked it out and noticed that to be the case. The odor was really faint, so much so that if you weren't positioned just right, you would miss it. As noted, it seemed like you had to have your nose right at the flue. I've posted the details (model number) associated with the hot water heater. Does anyone have any ideas at all? For the time being, I've asked them to keep and eye (I suppose a nose would have been more appropriate )on things and let me know if it get's worse.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
That's not the correct thing to do. If it gets worse, they may not wake up to call you. Get a qualified technician in to find out what's wrong.
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Author:
takeadoe (OH)
Thanks for your reply. I will heed your advice.
Mike
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Author:
asktom (MT)
With the water heater firing, hold a lit match next to the bottom of the downdraft diverter. The flame should be drawn toward the diverter. If the flame is pushed away from the diverter, turn off the water heater and have someone who is qualified check it out. The flame being pushed away means that carbon monoxide is entering the room and that stuff can make you seriously dead.
(The downdraft diverter is that thing on the top of the water heater that the vent pipe connects to, they are usually sort of bell shaped and will open on the bottom).
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Author:
takeadoe (OH)
I'm on it. Thank you to all.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
you are a landlord
you are now aware
SHUT IT DOWN PENDING REPAIR
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
takeadoe (OH)
I've advised them to move the CO detector to the basement and in fact, on top of the water heater.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
You have either:
A back draft from a fuel fired device
or
a gas leak.
Relocating a safety device from its proper location is NOT indicated.
Shutting down the offending device is the ONLY thing to do.
FIX THE PROBLEM
or
KNOWINGLY RISK LIVES
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
takeadoe (OH)
All - Your advice has been heeded! Thank you!
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
ps. I sincerely hope your tenant has seen this post and the replies. You are a landlord. You need to act like a professional. I also sincerely hope that you have proper COMMERCIAL insurance to cover your business activity.
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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