The simplicity and ease of use of gas furnaces was appreciated by many users. Thanks to the stove it’s easy to cook the most difficult dish. But sometimes users notice that during operation it stinks of gas from the stove - the smell can be felt during operation of the burners, oven or after turning off the device. But what is its appearance connected with and evidence of what it is?
In this article, we will look at why gas leaks occur, and talk about how to troubleshoot on your own. We will provide the presented material with visual photos and thematic videos.
Features of the operation of the gas stove
Professionals know that the gas that is supplied in centralized lines is odorless. An unpleasant aroma is given to him with the help of an odorant of ethyl mercaptan. This is done for safety reasons, since it allows any user to detect a leak in a timely manner, and, as a result, to avoid poisoning or explosion.
At the moment when gas is ignited in a burner or oven, a small part of the fuel can enter the room, creating a feeling of leakage. However, this situation is safe, and the smell quickly disappears.
If the unpleasant aroma is constantly felt during cooking, you should think about the likelihood of depressurization of the system, the need for repair work.
It is worthwhile to engage in an independent search for gas leaks, restore the system’s performance, only if you have specialized knowledge and experience in servicing gas appliances
Sometimes users do not understand why when a burner or oven burns and at the same time it smells of gas.
In this case, the cause of the leak may be:
- loosening the attachment of the connecting hoses;
- the presence of deformation, cracks in the gaskets;
- the appearance of holes in the hose during prolonged use;
- loosening the gas tap;
- drying of the lubricant;
- incorrect installation of the plate.
Before raising the alarm, it is worthwhile to figure out whether it really smells of gas. For example, manufacturers treat the burners with a special composition, so when working with a new gas stove, an unpleasant smell is often felt. It appears when grease burns out. After a couple of weeks of operation, the smell disappears without outside interference.
Sometimes the cause of unpleasant aromas that appear during the operation of the gas stove is the carelessness of the installers. They leave pieces of paper, rags, plastic in the inside of the device. Under the influence of high temperature, the material gradually burns out, exuding an uncharacteristic aroma.
In accordance with the contract, gas service employees are obliged to check the serviceability of equipment at least once a year
When the gas smells constantly from the oven, an unpleasant smell is felt when the burners are turned on, you should consult a specialist, call the gas service. If you want to fix the problem yourself, you must immediately begin to search for a leak.
Self-diagnosis of faults
To find out if the gas smells from the oven or from the stove, you need to determine where the leak occurred.
Having decided where there is a gap, it will be easier to describe the malfunction when calling a specialist. This will help the master to take the necessary parts for repair.
If there is an unpleasant odor in the room, it is important to deal with the nature of the malfunction:
- gas enters the room even when the stove is not working;
- an unpleasant odor appears after turning on the device;
- gas oozing from off burners when the neighboring ones work;
- unpleasant aroma appears only during the ignition of the stove.
Most of the defects are eliminated by replacing a hose that has lost its tightness, a worn gasket, and failed parts. However, it is better to entrust the work to restore the performance of the stove to professionals.
There are several ways to determine the cause of a gas stove malfunction. In the process of diagnosis, it is important to comply with safety regulations, not to let children to a faulty device
When it is detected that the gas panel is leaking gas during operation, it is important to quickly locate the leak.
You can independently determine it in several ways:
- Aurally - in the place of depressurization, a characteristic whistle appears.
- By smell - unpleasant odors intensify as you approach the leak.
- ATorally - to determine the place from which the gas comes out, use soap suds. To do this, soap is diluted with warm water. Thick foam is applied to the joints of hoses, pipes, taps, threaded connections. When you turn on the appliance, soap bubbles will appear in the leak.
- With the help of specialized sensors. Compact devices analyze the composition of air. In case of serious deviations, they emit a sound, light signal, and some models equipped with a shut-off valve block the gas supply.
When the presence of a gas leak is confirmed, and its place is found, it is important to ventilate the room well, to report a malfunction to the gas service.
You cannot look for a gas leak using a lighter. If gas has accumulated inside the stove, such actions may cause an accident.
While you are expecting gas service specialists, it is not recommended to use electrical appliances, turn them on / off.
Gas stove troubleshooting
Before starting repairs, it is important to know that all gas fittings are made of their alloys that do not give sparks when touched. In the process of restoration work, it is worth using similar materials.
Of the tools, pliers, an adjustable wrench for the stove and valve, and a gas wrench will be needed.
Problem # 1 - burner malfunctions
When the smell of gas appeared as a result of an extinguished flame, you must immediately close the valve, ventilate the room. This situation is considered an emergency, so you need to immediately open the windows wide open. When the burner cools down, it is important to thoroughly blow it, clean from the remnants of food, fat.
During the operation of the stove, soot accumulates on the burners, which can give the flame a yellow tint. This can be misleading, create the appearance of a malfunction where it does not exist.
A working burner ensures an even blue flame. If tongues of yellow, red color slip through, this indicates a burner malfunction, a probability of fuel leakage
After thorough cleaning of the burner, it is necessary to install it in place, light it, check the operation
If a defect is caused by a defect, it is worth replacing the burner with a new one.
Problem # 2 - breakage of the connecting hose
The hoses used to connect the gas are sold at specialized points of sale. Visually, they differ from the rest with a bright yellow shell.
Gas supply hose, connecting elements, are distinguished by a bright yellow braid. This allows you to highlight the elements suitable for creating a gas pipeline from other similar products.
When a crack in the hose becomes the cause of the leak, replace it. After all, carrying out repairs will provide a short-term effect and an unpleasant smell will appear again very quickly.
Problem # 3 - Leakage in the area of the stopcock
To check the operation of the unit, it is necessary to apply a soap solution to the nozzle.If a leak is detected, immediately shut off the gas supply, call a professional. If there is a new valve, linen tow, the master will quickly replace the gas valve.
At the end of installation, the connection is tightened until the valve is in the desired position. Correct installation is determined by re-applying a soap solution.
The stopcock is located on a pipe connected to the central line. Also, the problem may be in the valve at the place of connection of the stove to the cylinder. If the connection is not tight, a gas leak may appear here.
To extend the life of the compound, it is stained with oil paint. After the composition dries, a dense film is created that can reduce the likelihood of leakage.
You can get detailed gas leak detection instructions by watching the video.
Summing up, it is worth noting that the cause of an unpleasant odor that appears during the use of a gas stove may be the lubricant applied by the manufacturer, or the leak of blue fuel.
If the composition deposited on the nodes of the new equipment burns out over time, then the gas entering the room can cause poisoning or an accident.
At the first sign of a malfunction, you should turn to professionals. It is worthwhile to troubleshoot yourself only if you have specialized knowledge, experience working with gas equipment.
Have you encountered a gas leak and want to talk about your experience finding and fixing problems with other users? Share your experience with our readers, leave your comments in the block below, ask questions to our experts and participate in the discussion.