Can Your Water Heater Leak Carbon Monoxide? What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Most people don’t think about their water heater unless the shower turns cold. But did you know your water heater could also pose a serious safety risk if it leaks carbon monoxide (CO)?
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious illness or even death. It’s produced whenever fuel is burned—natural gas, propane, oil, or wood.
How Can a Water Heater Leak Carbon Monoxide?
If your water heater is gas-powered, it burns fuel to heat the water. Normally, the carbon monoxide produced during combustion is safely vented outside. But if something goes wrong, CO can build up inside your home:
Blocked or damaged vent pipes: Prevent gases from escaping.
Cracked heat exchanger: Allows CO to leak into the air.
Improper installation: Poorly sealed or incorrectly vented units can cause leaks.
Lack of maintenance: Rust, corrosion, or dust buildup can create dangerous conditions.
Warning Signs of Trouble
While you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, there are clues that your water heater may not be venting properly:
Yellow or flickering burner flame instead of steady blue.
Soot stains around the unit.
Excess moisture or rust on the tank.
Family members experiencing unexplained headaches, nausea, or dizziness.
How to Protect Your Home
Keeping your family safe comes down to prevention and awareness:
Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
Schedule annual water heater inspections to check for leaks, corrosion, and venting issues.
Ensure proper installation by licensed professionals.
Replace aging units—most water heaters last 8–12 years before efficiency and safety decline.
Stay Safe with Powerhouse Heating & Air
At Powerhouse Heating & Air, our certified technicians inspect, repair, and install water heaters with safety as the top priority. We’ll make sure your unit runs efficiently and safely—so you can enjoy hot water without worry.
