Gas leak in new house? (fireplace, hot water heater, phone, stove)

[helenocean]

We’re buying a new construction and it is almost done. The primary heat/stove/fireplace are using gas. When we walked in the house, we can smell gas in the kitchen. The builder explained that when they installed the stove, something didn’t get connected tightly, and it is all set. But a few days later, when the heat and fireplace is turned on, we can still smell something burning.

Is this normal for gas heat/fireplace? With little kids in the house, how can we make sure there is no gas leak?

[sweetana3]

First, gas leaks do not smell like burning. They smell sort of chemical used to make the gas stinky so you can tell there is a gas leak. Burning smells are usually caused when new gas appliances are used the first time. Any dust, dirt or coatings on the surfaces near the flame are "burned off" and exit causing a burning smell. It should not last long and it should not return or be continuous.

There is a big big big difference between a gas smell and a burning smell.

[VickiR]

Originally Posted by sweetana3

First, gas leaks do not smell like burning. They smell sort of chemical used to make the gas stinky so you can tell there is a gas leak. Burning smells are usually caused when new gas appliances are used the first time. Any dust, dirt or coatings on the surfaces near the flame are "burned off" and exit causing a burning smell. It should not last long and it should not return or be continuous.

There is a big big big difference between a gas smell and a burning smell.

Very true. And since you do have gas in your home, you should have a carbon monixide detector that you can get from a hardware store for around $35. Builders do not put them in your home since they are not code like a smoke detector but everyone should have one.

When gas logs are first turned on, they have a very strong smell but that should burn off in an hour or so.

If you still smell gas, I'd call the superintendent back and see what he says.

You can always call the gas company. They usually will come to your home free of charge anytime you smell gas. And they come FAST.

Vicki

[Poltracker]

If you smell gas (not the burning odor) in your home. You and your family should leave immediately and call the gas company from an alternate location or your cell phone outside. Good idea to leave a door open when you leave, this vents the house to help keep gas from building up. My Granny just barely made it out of her home before it exploded due to a gas leak and one of my co-workers was not as lucky and lost his mom. Apparently she smelled the gas, called for help, then walked into the kitchen to check it out. When she turned on the light swtich in the kitchen, the house exploded. Nothin to play with for sure. The odorant in natural gas is called mercaptan and typically is described as a sulfur, cabbage, onion, or garlic-like odor depending on stength and the sensitivity of the person describing it.

[momof2dfw]

As others have noted when you first turn on a gas appliance for the first time ever or in awhile it has a certain smell. When you turn your gas heater on for the first time in the winter it has the same smell. It goes away. When you have a gas leak it is a totally different smell and is VERY noticeable. Don't flip a switch, light a match or anything and don't even start a car if it is in the garage where you smell a potential gas leak. All it takes is any kind of spark to ignite. A couple of years ago in a rural part of Texas two young teens were killed when they started the truck to go let someone else know there was a gas leak. The truck was outside but there was enough gas leaking in the air that it sparked and exploded instantly.

How to check for a gas leak yourself: Get yourself a small plastic spray bottle and fill it w/ water and a little bit of some liquid dish soap. You can go to your gas meter and any of the fittings on the gas appliances like on the hot water heater. Spray the fittings and if it bubbles there is gas present. You DO have a gas leak. For certain appliances you have to have a plumber fix like the hot water heater. If your meter is leaking you can call the gas company. Again, it is better to be safe than sorry. Oh, and I highly recommend the carbon monoxide detectors. They are really easy as they just simply plug into any wall outlet. Most have a battery backup. You can even find them at the grocery store most times.

[leslie43]

my kitchen smells like rotton eggs only when the gas is on what should i do?

[BusySocialWorker]

Originally Posted by leslie43

my kitchen smells like rotton eggs only when the gas is on what should i do?

get out of the house asap and call the gas company - someone may need to come and make sure things are tightly connected or there is no leak.