What should you do when your water heater burning smell? Most people may freak out, thinking that the burning smell is a sign that something is burning inside their heater. A burning smell may indicate something wrong with your heater, but it doesn’t always mean it has caught on fire.
In fact, there are some logical explanations for why the burning smell happens – along with the solutions to do in case you encounter such a thing.
Why Does My Water Heater Smell Like It’s Burning?
One of the most common reasons is debris or dust burning. When you haven’t used your heater for a long time or have never cleaned it, it’s easy for the dirt and dust to pile up. When it happens, the dust would be engulfed in flames, creating the burning smell of dust.
This is a relatively safe situation, meaning you are not in a fire-hazard situation. The smell should dissipate not long after, and you can perform a regular cleaning routine to ensure the water heater’s burning smell won’t happen again. Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent dust accumulation, leading to unpleasant odors or even minor fire risks.
Another possible reason is the high pressure. This is common when you smell the plastic-burnt stench. The water heater produces vapors that should be released via the already provided exhaust pipe. However, when the air pressure isn’t optimized, the vapors may create an odd smell similar to burnt plastic.
If you smell gas around your water heater, it could indicate a gas leak, an immediate hazard. Turn off the gas supply, evacuate the area, and call the fire department immediately. Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring, can cause insulation to melt, leading to a burning plastic smell.
This requires urgent professional attention as these issues pose significant fire risks. Water heaters account for about 12% of residential fires, often due to gas leaks or electrical malfunctions.
These electrical problems often stem from worn-out or loose electrical contacts, which can overheat, producing an electrical burning smell. Such odors clearly indicate underlying electrical problems that require immediate professional attention. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent the distinct and concerning scent of electrical burning in your home.
If so, you must call a plumber or professional HVAC technician. Don’t try to solve it independently as you aren’t trained.
What does it mean when a new gas water heater smells burning? Again, first of all, there is probably fine dust or dirt within the system. This is possible when the heater has been kept in the store or warehouse for a while.
If your new heater emits a burning smell, especially one resembling rotten eggs, it might be due to sulfate bacteria reacting with the anode rod. Anode rods should be checked and replaced regularly to ensure the water heater’s longevity and prevent odor issues. This is particularly important in areas with hard water or high sulfate levels.
Read also: Is Gas Water Heater Exhaust Dangerous? Getting Your Facts Straight
If it smells like dust and has gone after a while, you have nothing to worry about. But then again, there is always a possibility that something is stuck or trapped within the system. That’s why you must have the technician check the system entirely before the installation.
Is It Safe if My Heater Smells Like Burning?
Well, it can be a yes and a no. You should be fine if the burning smell dissipates after a few minutes. However, you may notice some of these smells require different approaches and quick thinking.
- Plastic burning smell. If your heater smells like this, there may be a foreign item within the ductwork of the HVAC system. It can either be a small object or (unnoticed) spill. You can try turning off the heater and removing the registers. Check the system to remove or clean the culprit responsible for the smell.
- Rubber burning smell. If you smell this, turn your system off and call the electrician. It may be dangerous to smell or inhale. There is probably a foreign item that is trapped within the system. There is also a possibility that one of the parts is malfunctioning. It’s also possible that an electrical fault burns something within the heater.
- Smoke-burning smell. After you make sure that the smell comes from the heater, contact the HVAC technician right away. There may be something blocked in the system that you want to address immediately.
Read also: How to Remove Sulfur Smell From Hot Water Heater
Table of Water Heater Smells
| Smell | Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Burning Plastic/Rubber | Electrical issue, melting insulation, or wiring | Turn off the heater and call a technician immediately. |
| Rotten Eggs/Sulfur | Bacterial buildup in the heater or well water contamination | Flush the tank, replace the anode rod, or contact a professional. |
| Smoke | Blockage in the system or foreign object | Turn off the heater and remove the blockage. Contact a technician if necessary. |
| Gas | Gas leak | Turn off the gas supply, evacuate, and call the fire department. |
Conclusion
In short, it’s better to be safe than sorry if you aren’t sure about the heater’s condition and are worried about your (and family) safety. You should contact a professional expert and ask for their assistance. Never underestimate water heater burning smell, and contact an expert right away for your own safety.
