I'm curious if it's common practice to place a natural gas leak detector close to my gas water heater for safety. Are natural gas leaks frequent enough that having a detector is a good idea, or can we rely on just smelling them if an issue arises?
3 Answers
It's not absolutely necessary to have a gas leak detector near your water heater, but it's smart to have various detectors around your home, especially carbon monoxide ones. They can give you an added layer of safety without being overly paranoid about it.
I had an explosive gas detector that detected a small leak in my furnace that we weren't aware of. For me, it proved its worth! It's pretty reassuring to know you're not just relying on your sense of smell.
I personally have a gas leak detector in every room with a gas appliance, including my water heater. For me, it's worth the $50 for peace of mind. I found out that natural gas rises, so I installed mine near the ceiling to ensure it's effective. One small leak can lead to big problems, so I'd rather be safe than sorry!

Totally agree! It's better to be cautious. I think having a detector can really help identify leaks before they become a serious issue.