My bridgewater hot water heater has black soot all up the front of it and set off my co detector filled my basement with a carbon smell so shut it down for now any ideas on what to do...

God bless the CO detector...

Check the water heater flu for obstruction or blockage (will probably need to unscrew the sheet metal flu). Also, check that the chimney isn't clogged from years and years of use...may need to use a small mirror inside the chimney to confirm that the flu way is clear, OK?

If necessary, call a chimney inspector.

Mark

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check that the chimney isn't clogged from years and years of use

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Or, depending on where you live, from snow on the roof.