Propane smell from water heater

[rochar3]

I keep getting a propane odor from water heater. Particularly in hot weather. Does the water heater vent any propane?
Let me know

[arcamedies]

Heck noooooo, you have a leak, use some soapy water at the fittings and look for small bubbles and cap that sucker before she goes woof. Propane does not vent anywhere on anything, it's a sealed system.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by rochar3

I keep getting a propane odor from water heater. Particularly in hot weather. Does the water heater vent any propane?
Let me know

If it is having difficulty lighting, you may be smelling the propane from the unsucessful attempts. However I would certainly have a technician look at it.

A leak in the plumbing is certainly a possibility, Put some very soapy water on every joint and look for bubbles. A leak would be likely to smell more in hot weather, because the heater would run less often. The air flow from the heater running would dissapate the leaked propane.

To answer your basic question. The only gas that should be vented by a propane water heater is that which is being burned.

Regards,

Ken

[jcanavera]

One other factor is that the odor may be coming when you near the end of a tank. The chemical that is in propane that creates the odor tends to get concentrated as the tank gets close to empty and will taint the surrounding air on furnace vents, stove, or water heater.

Obviously you should check for leaks if this seems to be a constant condition.

Jack

[rochar3]

I have done the "soapy water" thing many times and can't see a leak. Thanks for your help.
Bob

[rochar3]

Thanks, I have done the "Soapy water" thing many times with no apparent leaks. Will try again.
Bob

[Melody Ranch]

Are you sure its a propane smell? Atwood heaters are famous for emitting a sulfur smell from the hot water system. The cause is a deteriorating anode. An easy, cheap, replacement of the anode fixes the problem. Then run the system for a few minutes to flush out residuals. A much better problem than a propane leak.

[arcamedies]

Originally Posted by rochar3

I have done the "soapy water" thing many times and can't see a leak. Thanks for your help.
Bob

You could have a leaky valve for the pilot connection, don't just soap the main line connection go to every coupling including the tiny one.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by arcamedies

You could have a leaky valve for the pilot connection, don't just soap the main line connection go to every coupling including the tiny one.

I'm pretty sure his trailer is new enough to have electronic ignition.