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