Do I have a safety hazard?

[Vickie]

I live in an old 14X70 mobile home (built in 1978).

The gas water heater I currently have was installed in 1997.

It is in it's own little closet, accessable only from outside the house.

A couple of times lately (within last week or 10 days), I have heard a strange sound, and after hearing it the second time today, I am now concerned that the T&P relief valve may be discharging.

I am on a water well, with water pressure so low that it is not even funny.........so I cannot believe there is an issue with water pressure from source.

It is extremely difficult for me to access the heater, because the "door" to it is a make-shift door made plywood covered with mh metal siding. The door is attached to the house with many screws. Due both to this, and to the fact that I am not physically able to handle it, I have not attempted to get the door off.

Can anyone advise me? Do I simply need to face the fact that it is time for a new water heater?

In the meantime....am I in imminent danger if this IS what is happening? I am not positive.....but I don't think there is any kind of drain pan under the heater.

Any advice would be appreciated.........I am really feeling uneasy about this. The water heater closet structure is just inside the threshold of my bedroom, and I do not have a smoke/fire detector installed at that end yet. (That's another story!)

Thank you in advance,

Vickie

[rmurray]

If it is the preasure valve...It activates when the hot water preasure in the tank is high..I would drain to a pipe comming out the bottom of the home not a pan...


Call yuur local fire department about help with a smoke dector..Most have programs to help get them affordably...Call a plumber about the water heater and have it inspected.....Better to be poor than have a disaster.....Take care of this stuff soon...