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1answer
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Smell coming from guest bedroom

Asked August 25, 2018 by a homeowner in Other (Emalyn Waletzko)

House was built in 2000; new water heater installed 3 days ago. Furnace and AC are original to the home. Moved in 2 months ago.
Since we moved in, we have noticed a smell coming from the guest bedroom. It is only present in the guest bedroom. The bedroom is on the main level, adjacent to the garage, but is on slab. The basement is across the hall and below. The smell has been described as exhaust (no, cars are not running in the garage when the smell is present), plastic burning, and jet fuel. It seems stronger since the new water heater was installed and the plumbing to the garage sink was turned off. There are two plumbing pipes in the closet in that bedroom, but no apparent leaks (we have not opened the wall to physically look at one of the pipes, but the other is exposed. The smell dissipates after some time, but comes back almost daily. No pattern of water usage, etc have been noticed. P-trap in garage sink is not the issue, as we have run water consistently. CenterPoint Energy has tested for gas leaks and found nothing.

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    VNOC Handy ServicesContractorAugust 26, 2026

    It sounds like you're dealing with a persistent odor issue that could stem from several sources. Since the smell is localized to the guest bedroom and has intensified after the installation of the new water heater, it’s possible that the issue could be related to the plumbing or HVAC system.

    First, consider having a licensed HVAC technician inspect your furnace and air conditioning system. Sometimes, old systems can develop issues that lead to strange odors, especially if there is a buildup of dust or debris. Expect to pay between $75 and $150 for a service call, with additional costs for any repairs.

    Next, since there are plumbing pipes in the closet, it’s wise to have a plumber check for any hidden leaks or issues that might not be visible. They can also examine the P-trap and ensure it’s functioning correctly. Plumbing inspections typically range from $100 to $300.

    Lastly, since the smell resembles exhaust, ensure that there are no venting issues related to your new water heater or any gas appliances.

    As a next step, I recommend getting 2-3 local quotes on Handyman.com for both HVAC and plumbing inspections to identify the source of the smell.

    — Assisted answer

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