This isn’t a subject I had intended to be studying but I have found it rather interesting.
Vince had hoped that pulling that lint/dust screen off the water heater, cleaning it and replacing it would solve our problems. We felt confident! Then, he took his shower and he takes a fairly quick shower. The alarm went off and the numbers were up to near 800 almost instantly. Our problem is not fixed!
Here’s a chart that shows the level of PPM and what can happen.
Even with the numbers going that high on the CO detector next to the water heater, the detector in the hallway between the two extra bedrooms stayed at zero so we’re confident we’ll be fine sleeping on that side of the house instead of the master bedroom, which is the CO hot spot right now. We made it through last night. Hopefully just two more nights to go before we can get a plumber out here.
Once we open the closet window and put a fan outside to suck that air out, it takes about 35 minutes for the alarm to stop sounding. At least we know it works well and would wake us up.
Vince said he would never have been concerned about having a CO detector because he just never felt like it would be an issue but I insisted. You’re welcome, Vince! 🙂
Teri says
Is this a gas/propane water heater? If so, would you feel safer with an electric hot water heater? Glad to know the alarms are working but hope you discover the problem. Take care.
Judy Laquidara says
No. We prefer gas. We’ve been here nine years and never had a problem. It’s just something that needs to be fixed. We have a call in to a plumber and hopefully he’ll get here some time next week.
Linda in NE says
Our son & DIL had the CO issue at their house. Figured the problem was the gas water heater so it got replaced. Part of the problem though was a couple of dead bats that had fallen down the vent. At least the problem was solved and they weren’t sorry at all that a couple bats got gassed.
Judy Laquidara says
Ours may have bug nests down the pipe but we have a cap and a screen on it so nothing big can get down there.
Susan Nixon says
I’m so glad you got the CO2 detectors! Better safe than sorry, right? Or dead!
Judy Laquidara says
Yes, I would never not have them in a house with a fireplace or gas. Chad said the one at the apartment in MO is probably the one I bought when they moved in 9 years ago so I bought one to replace it and one to put in the basement where the water heaters are.