Are you having trouble getting your fireplace to work properly? Then you’ll need to make sure you’re troubleshooting the common chimney problems that might be interfering with its operation. Proper maintenance and a little bit of troubleshooting knowledge can help make sure your fireplace is in working order all throughout the chilly season.
The first step to troubleshooting common chimney problems is identifying what the issues are. Your problem might be one of the following: a clogged chimney, a deteriorated firebox, an obstructive flue, or an animal in the chimney. All of these issues can prevent your fireplace from working properly, but they are all quite different problems that require different methods of dealing with them.
If you suspect that your chimney is clogged, then you’ll need to hire a chimney sweep to come and take a look at it. The chimney sweep will be able to identify if the chimney is clogged and what might have caused it. The sweep will be able to clean it out using either mechanical or chemical means, depending on the blockage.
A deteriorated firebox will also cause problems for your fireplace. If the firebox is made of brick or mortar, then it will erode over time and can start to leak smoke or unburned gases. To repair this issue, you’ll need to call in a professional mason who will be able to identify the extent of the damage and then repair it.
An obstructive flue can also prevent your fireplace from working. This usually happens when there are objects in the flue that are preventing the smoke and heat from escaping. To fix this issue, you’ll also need to hire a professional chimney sweep who will be able to identify and remove any obstructions in the flue.
Lastly, you may find that animals have made their way into your chimney and are preventing proper air flow. If this is the case, then you should contact a pest removal expert who can come and remove the animals for you. Once the animals are gone, they will be able to identify any possible damage that has been caused and suggest ways to repair it.
Now that you know the most common chimney problems and how to troubleshoot them, you can make sure that your fireplace is working properly all season long. Remember, never try to troubleshoot a dangerous chimney issue yourself. Always call in a professional who will be better equipped to identify and deal with the problem. With proper maintenance and a little knowledge, you can make sure that your fireplace is in working order all winter long.