Filter
Top Products
30318 R4 9/9/2005
6
Fig. 2: Common Chimney Problems
Table 2: Common Chimney Problems
Refer to Figure 2
Key Trouble Diagnostic Remedy
A
Top of chimney
lower than
surrounding
objects
Observation
Extend chimney
above all
surrounding
objects within
30 feet.
B
Chimney Cap
or ventilator.
Observation Remove
C
Coping restricts
opening.
Observation
Make opening
as large as
inside of
chimney.
D
Obstruction in
chimney
Can be found
by light and
mirror reflecting
conditions in
chimney.
Use weight to
break and
dislodge.
E
Joist protruding
into chimney.
Lowering a light
on an extension
cord.
Must be
handled by
competent
masonry
contractor.
F
Break in
chimney lining.
Smoke test -
build smudge
fire blocking off
other opening,
watching for
smoke to
escape.
Must be
handled by
competent
masonry
contractor.
G
Collection of
soot at narrow
space in flue
opening.
Lower light on
extension cord.
Clean out with
weighted brush
or bag of loose
gravel on end
of line.
H Offset
Lower light on
extension cord.
Change to
straight or to
long offset.
I
Two or more
openings to the
same chimney.
Found by
inspection from
basement.
The least
important
opening must
be closed,
using some
other chimney
flue.
J
Loose-seated
pipe in flue
opening.
Smoke test.
Leaks should
be eliminated
by cementing
all pipe
openings.
K
Smoke pipe
extends into
chimney.
Measurement
of pipe from
within or
observation of
pipe by means
of a lowered
light.
Length of pipe
must be
reduced to
allow end of
pipe to be flush
with inside of
tile.
L
Failure to
extend the
length of flue
partition to the
floor.
By inspection or
smoke test.
Extend partition
to floor level.
M
Loose-fitted
clean-out door.
Smoke test.
Close all leaks
with cement.