My wall heater has a noxious odor. It's not natual gas smell I know how that smell. I think it has to do with a dirty flue? Will this smell kill me and my family?

When was the last time you call somebody for service? Normally you are supposed to do that once a year. If not, dust and others can affect the combustion and the resulst can be dangerous. Check the colur of the burner flame, if orange bad signal, if blue ok. But if it smells probably carbon monoxide is present. That kills you . Open windows and doors to clean up the air. Very dangerous!! The chimney... is ok? If clogged the combustion gases are returning down into your room. Check flame and give me some news.

It's probably your anode rod. It's a rod the manufacturer puts in your tank to draw corrosion to it and not your tank and heating elements you can pull it out but, it will void your warranty. It's located on top in the very center and is about a 1" hex head connected to it you have to shut off the water and gas or electric drain tank some not much then unscrew it cut the rod off. Then use Teflon tape or pipe dope and tread it back in. Turn the hot water faucet on in kitchen and turn on main water when all the air is out turn hot water faucet off.

I think that MKLINE is not talking about the same thing than us. GRETCHEN4 is asking about a WALL HEATHER, not a WATER HEATHER!! Anyway, better to read again pal... There is not a rod in a wall heather to prevent nothing...

Yes the smell you are experiencing may be deadly. Do not operate the unit until you have a pro into check it out.