From: Speedy Jim 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Help - water heater gas smell
Date: Mon, 02 Feb 2004 13:01:28 -0500

Amamba wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I have a water heater that must be 10+ years old. Recently, I noticed
> a faint gas odor near the control unit at the base of the heater. I
> can only smell it if I have my face really close to the unit, almost
> touching it with my nose :). It seems to be coming out of the base of
> "hot-warm" control knob. Is it anything that requires immediate
> attention ?
> 
> Thanks !
> 
> Eugene

The tiny rubber seals inside the gas control can deteriorate over
time (10+ yrs) and leak a little.
If you have to get right up there to smell it, it's probably
not an immediate threat.

Gas heaters have an average life of-you guessed it-10 years!
It has paid its dues by now and I'd be looking into a new one.

Jim