What does it mean when your water heater stinks?
Susan K asked:
It’s an oily/smoky smell. The water heater isn’t really working well and we have someone coming out to look at it on Tuesday. It started to stink today, though. Is this dangerous? Should I be more worried about it than I am?
Katrina
It’s an oily/smoky smell. The water heater isn’t really working well and we have someone coming out to look at it on Tuesday. It started to stink today, though. Is this dangerous? Should I be more worried about it than I am?
Katrina
March 28th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Ed
The inside is probably rotted out, you will probably need to buy a new one.
March 31st, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Johnny
it means it is time to buy a new one
April 1st, 2009 at 12:50 am
Emilie
time to buy a new one
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:23 am
Leighann
sounds like the burners are having a problem exhausting the fumes. If you can smell it, you should be concerned.
April 4th, 2009 at 4:56 am
Cheri
When you have it checked if it does not need to be replaced have them empty the tank. It may need to be refurbished. If it isn’t working the heating coils more than likely are gone. Make sure you get a complete estimate before you allow it to be repaired it may be wiser and better in the long run to buy new.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Maurice
you probably just need a new heating element 30-50 bucks
at home depot,it could also be your high temp pop off valve is discharging into the floor under or near the base of the water heater if it wet just call the plumber
April 11th, 2009 at 1:37 am
Lesia
It does depend whether it’s an electric or gas heater.
Either way, you have a problem that will be solved by replacing it. Especially if it’s old.
Sooty smell is usually a vent problem.
You said smoke though which leans me to think it’s an electric heater with a thermostat problem.
April 13th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Fritz
Seriously, for what it is going to cost to have a repair man come out and fix it, buy yourself a new water heater and have them install it, or do it yerself!!!!!!
April 14th, 2009 at 2:19 am
Corey
sounds like it may have a short in it somewhere if it’s electric. Find the breaker or fuse for it and turn it off. If it is gas turn the gas valve off, it means no hot water until it’s fixed but at least you’ll sleep better.