By Justin Wilder, Owner of Wild Water Plumbing
Carbon Monoxide from Gas Water Heater in Hampstead, NC | Emergency Plumbing
It Was Just a Beeping Sound, Until It Became a Real Emergency
In Hampstead, NC, a homeowner called us after their carbon monoxide (CO) detector wouldn’t stop going off near their gas water heater.
At first, they thought the alarm was faulty.
But what we found could have turned deadly if they had waited just one more day.
A small gas leak and improper venting were allowing carbon monoxide to build up inside the home.
The family had no idea.
Thankfully, the alarm did its job, and so did we.
Gas Water Heaters Can Leak More Than Water
When most people think about water heater issues, they imagine leaks or no hot water.
But if you have a gas water heater, there’s a much more serious risk: carbon monoxide poisoning.
Here’s what can go wrong:
- Improper exhaust venting
- Damaged or rusted flue pipes
- Cracked combustion chambers
- Backdrafting during HVAC operation
- Gas line leaks from corroded connectors
These issues often go undetected until someone starts feeling dizzy, sick, or worse.
How Wild Water Plumbing Handled the Hampstead CO Alarm
When our tech arrived, we followed emergency gas safety protocol:
1. Immediate Gas Shutoff
We shut off the gas line and opened windows to vent the house. Safety first.
2. CO Meter Testing
We used our own calibrated carbon monoxide meter to confirm elevated levels near the water heater area.
3. Full System Inspection
We found a damaged vent pipe and an aging gas water heater that wasn’t combusting properly.
4. Same-Day Replacement
We replaced the faulty unit with a new, sealed-combustion gas water heater with safer venting and tested it thoroughly before relighting.
5. Client Education
We explained carbon monoxide safety and helped the family upgrade to smart CO detectors for real-time alerts.
Why Hampstead Homes Are at Risk
Many homes in Hampstead, especially near the coast or in older neighborhoods, use natural gas water heaters in tight utility closets or unventilated spaces.
That setup increases the danger of carbon monoxide buildup.
If your water heater:
- Is over 10 years old
- Shows signs of rust or corrosion
- Has a faint gas odor nearby
- Is in a confined or windowless space
—then it’s time to have it inspected.
Veteran-Owned. Gas-Safe. Always Honest.
I’m Justin Wilder. At Wild Water Plumbing, we take gas appliance safety seriously.
As a U.S. Navy Veteran, I treat every home like it’s my own, and we never walk away from a dangerous situation without fixing it.
We’ll always:
- Give you honest advice
- Provide transparent pricing
- Respond 24/7 in Hampstead and Onslow County
Carbon Monoxide Can Kill; Your Detector Might Be the Only Warning
Wild Water Plumbing | Veteran-Owned Emergency Gas Plumbing in Hampstead, NC
Call today if your CO detector is beeping or if you smell even the faintest gas.
📞 Call or text (910) 750-2312 to schedule your estimate.