Smell Of Gas In The Apartment

[lucha54]

We moved to a 15-year old building with a two year contract in early December. I've had two friends come over (aged in their 40s and 50s) that notice a strong smell of gasoline when entering. I usually don't smell it. I sometimes do smell a little bit faintly, but not as bad as they claim. One of them is adamant that I get it checked out as soon as possible so we don't blow up. The other says, "it's not so bad to have a little leaking, but it kills brain cells."

Does anyone have a referral for a gasista? I told the landlord and he replied, 'there's never been a gas smell before'. He gave me the number of the guy who put the kitchen together, when I call it says the number is 'out of service'. I think I need to take matters into my own hands and get a professional over ASAP to check this out but I don't have the faintest idea of where to turn. My boyfriend downplays it (me too up to now since we barely smell anything except maybe a little bit upon entering when we've been out of the apartment all day) so it's clear that I need to take the initiative... any guidance would be greatly appreciated!!! THANKS EVERYONE!

Edit: If there is a gas problem and I've had to pay a gasista to check it and then fix it, how much is it the responsibility of the landlord to pay us back or discount it from the rent? He's been a good landlord so far but I'm sure how to approach this.

 

[thorsten]

I don't know exactly how it is here in Argentina, but in Germany the smell of gas (as used for heating/gas ovens) is very different from the smell of gasoline. The natural gas itself does not have any smell; it is added artificially in order to warn for leaks. Typically it is a very strong smell which you cannot ignore (in the past they used sulfur-based smells which is like a rotten egg, nowadays they use smells without sulfur but they are strong and extremely artificial).
Does the smell appear after you used the gas for cooking? Do you have a "door guy" to ask for a recommendation?

 

[nlaruccia]

I would let the owner of the apartment know ASAP that the number they gave you is out of service and if you can hire a gasista to check out the problem and then deduct it from the rent. I wouldn't just go ahead and do it then demand they reimburse you. Usually the portero of the building you live in can recommend one that's matriculada and trustworthy that frequently works in your building.

 

[nicoenarg]

A couple of things about this:

1. You have to make sure you turn off the gas by turning the metallic handle thingy (not sure what its called) to the off position when you're not using your stove/oven.
2. If after turning off the gas you still have the smell of gas then the proper thing is to call Metrogas to check all the connections for your apartment. However, a complaint to Metrogas usually ends up with gas disconnected for the whole building until they can make sure all is well. Maybe that's why your landlord doesn't want to deal with it.
3. Either way, make sure you get a licensed gasista and not someone who "knows" how to fix stuff.

PS: Point # 2 above happened with my parents in law who called Metrogas for gas leakage problems and then the whole building didn't have gas for the whole month of July. So its only based on that that I told you about that. Not sure if its a general policy or not.

 

[Montauk_Project]

your landlord has to fix this. Be firm and insist that he sends someone over or that he reimburses you for a gas leak. If not, tell him you will call metrogas which will turn off the gas for the whole building and you will tell all the neighbors that it was his fault.
having said that, if you smell gas, it might be worth it to get a gasista and then pay for it yourself or at least fight the bill later
This happened a few years ago when I was renting an apartment, the gasista discovered that there was a leak because an old pipe that had been covered up was still receiving gas.

 

[thorsten]

Montauk: Can you tell how the gas smells here in Argentina?

 

[EricLovesBA]

As stated before, gasoline and gas are very different smells. If it's gas I would not recommend ignoring it, but if only guests can notice it then it must be a very small leak. You are likely too accustomed to the smell to track it down, but you could ask anybody over to try to help you figure out where it's coming from, first by sense of smell to find the general area, and then with a spray-bottle full of soapy water (or a match if you want to ignore sensible people's advice to the contrary) to find exactly what fitting has the leak. Sometime's it's as simple as tightening down a loose fitting. If you really can't track it down then it might be a leak in a pipe inside the wall or something.

People here in Argentina are deathly afraid of gas leaks and many of them will give that advice above of turning off the cutoff valve at each appliance, especially at night to avoid being asphyxiated. I'm told those little wall vents, one up high and one at the floor, are critically important in case of a problem as well.

Anyway, good luck with all that. Take care and be safe!

 

[Montauk_Project]

like gas in the USA, gas smell?
When I lived in the apartment I also didn´t notice it at all until someone came over and told me.
If you are worried, tell the landlord that you fainted and need a gasista right away. If he doesn´t send one over tell him you will hire one and then he will reimburse you. Even if you end up paying it yourself (what can it cost, 300 pesos for a visit) your life is worth it.

 

[TomAtAlki]

But gasoline smells VERY different from gas. Which is it?
Nancy

 

[nativexpat]

Want to know what gas smells like? Just find someone who has a gas stove and ask her/him to turn it on for you...