The first week after a new gas boiler or water heater is installed is the right window to confirm normal operation and catch anything unusual while it is still fresh.
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Quick answer
In the first week after a new gas boiler or water heater installation, a homeowner should confirm hot water reaches expected temperature and volume, that space heating (if applicable) responds normally to the thermostat, and that there are no unusual smells, sounds, or visible leaks around the new equipment. Most reputable installations include a walkthrough covering the basics, and any settings, warranty registration, or manual should be kept together. Anything that seems off, from a fault code to a persistent smell, should be reported promptly rather than waiting, since early issues are far easier to resolve while the installation is fresh.
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Before the technician leaves after a new install, you should have had a walkthrough covering how to read the display or indicator lights, where the shutoff valves for gas and water are located, and basic operation of any new thermostat or control. If this walkthrough felt rushed or you are unsure about any of it, it is entirely reasonable to call and ask for those points to be clarified rather than guessing. Keep the manual, any warranty paperwork, and the installer's contact information together somewhere accessible, since you will likely want them again well before the first annual service.
| Day | What to check |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Confirm hot water and, if applicable, heating both work; note any smells or sounds |
| Day 2-3 | Check for any dampness or staining around the unit; confirm settings held from initial setup |
| Day 4-7 | Run the system through a full normal week of household use, including any weekend high-demand days |
| End of week 1 | Call your installer with any lingering questions or anything that seemed off, even if minor |
Any smell of gas, a lockout fault referencing flame, ignition, or venting, or visible water leaking from a fitting warrants a prompt call rather than waiting out the week. Smaller things, like a setting that seems slightly off, a sound you are not sure is normal, or a question about how a feature works, can reasonably be gathered up and asked in a single follow-up call at the end of the first week, especially if the installer mentioned they would check back in.
A small amount of trapped air working its way out of a newly filled heating system, producing occasional gurgling for the first few days, is common and typically resolves on its own or with a quick radiator bleed. Slightly different sounds than an old, worn-out unit made are also expected simply because the new equipment operates differently, not necessarily because anything is wrong. If you are ever unsure whether something is a normal settling-in quirk or a genuine issue, it costs nothing to ask rather than assume.
Safety note
If you ever smell gas near a boiler, water heater, or vent, do not investigate further: leave the home first, then call FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911. Combustion appliances should only be serviced by a Technical Safety BC licensed gas fitter.
Yes, this is often trapped air working its way out of a newly filled system and typically settles within a few days, sometimes helped along by bleeding radiators.
Leave the home immediately and call FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911; do not attempt to investigate the smell yourself.
Compare it against what was discussed during the sales and installation process; if hot water volume, recovery, or temperature seems noticeably below what you expected, raise it with your installer.
Many installers offer or include a check-in during the first week or two; if this was not mentioned, it is reasonable to ask about it.
Keep the equipment manual, any warranty registration confirmation, and your installer's contact information together in an accessible place.
No, a reputable installer will still answer follow-up questions well beyond the first week; the first-week window is simply the best time to catch anything early.
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