New homeowners often wonder if a gas water heater should smell when it runs. It shouldn't. A strong exhaust odor in the kitchen points to a venting problem, and plumbers in the thread told the homeowner to turn the unit off and call a professional immediately. Popping and clanking can be normal, but any gas or exhaust smell is not. A carbon monoxide detector costs about $30 and can catch a serious risk before symptoms show. If the water heater needs replacement, a heat pump water heater eliminates combustion venting altogether and uses less energy, which lowers bills. Anyone with a gas unit should check the venting, install a detector, and treat any smell as an urgent issue.
