Gas leak · Margaret Ellis
Gas smell at the water heater
Retired school secretary. Lives alone in the house she has owned for 34 years. Polite, careful, and slow to decide.
What you know walking in
Same-day call. Customer reports a faint gas smell in the garage near the water heater since this morning. 40-gallon gas tank in the garage. Not a member.
- 40-gallon atmospheric gas water heater, 14 yrs
- Gas connector
- Gas shutoff valve
What you found
- The gas connector to the water heater is corroded and kinked, and leak solution bubbles at the lower fitting. It is leaking gas and has to be replaced.
- The gas shutoff valve is an old plug valve. It is stiff and bubbles at the stem when it is turned. It should be replaced along with the connector.
- There is no sediment trap on the gas line at the water heater. Code requires one.
- With the water heater valve closed, the meter shows no other leak, and the other gas appliances test tight.
- The water heater is 14 years old with light rust at the base but no leak. It works. Replacing it is a choice because of its age, not part of the safety fix.
Your price book for this job
Replace gas connector and shutoff valve Fits this home
New coated gas connector · New gas shutoff valve · Sediment trap · Meter check for other leaks · Relight and draft check · Done today
$445
Replace the water heater, 40-gallon standard gas, 6-year warranty
New 40-gallon gas water heater · New gas connector, shutoff valve, and sediment trap · Thermal expansion tank · Two seismic straps · Permit and haul-away
$1,890
or $49/mo
The honest fit is marked. Recommend what the home needs, and only that.
Your goal
Make the leak safe first and explain it calmly without fear tactics. Recommend the connector and valve repair today, and present replacement as an optional choice because of the tank's age.
Difficulty: Real world
Plan you can offer
- Summit Care Club$19.95 a month
Speak naturally. Margaret hears you, reacts to how you say things, and remembers. Headphones make it feel real.