Expert: James Ball - 12/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: Sept 2008 we had record rains, starting the 3rd continuous rain our flu started leaking. We had someone come out and they repaired the crown.The fall months went by with out issue. THen in December we had icy rain and it began to leak again. The same chimney sweep came out and he then felt a draft. Initally he thought it was the tile and that the draft ws causing frost inside to melt and suggested we put in a liner...but that did not explain the leak in September (warm, no frost)I questioned how that would stop a leak. He went to the top, while his partner looked in the firebox, upon opening and closing the the damper, the partner in the box noticed that the draft stoped. They both thought maybe the damper had lifted with the ice and suggested we wait to see what happens. We have rain again and it is leaking. The damper is a top damper only put in about 5 years ago. The roof does need replacing, but they said the flashing looked fine. (we had the flashing around the chimney fixed 5 years ago with the new damper). We are confused and dont know what to do next or what type of chimney sweep we should hire(level of certification). We called one we found on a cerfitification list who apparently had about 5 levels about a week before Christmas, but they have not called us back. We are confused and dont know who to count on.

ANSWER: Hello Les, when you say "our flue started leaking" I guess you mean the water drips in your fireplace? and it is coming down your chimney? run a hose on the roof on the down hill side of the chimney (back up and let the gutter over flow also) run the water around the base of the chimney maybe 6" at a time doing all 4 sides and again at 6" at a time run the water higher up the chimney until you get to the top, now run the water over the crown and top of the "damper cap" last with it closed.
as some point the water may come in again and then at least you have a starting place for the water getting in.
I do not feel a liner will solve this problem but I have not seen it.
is the damper cap closed when the water gets in? a driving rain will get down an open damper cap.
Keep me posted
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You are correct, the water appears to start from the top, and comes down the flu into the firebox. It is difficult to see all the way to the top to be certain. And yes, the damper cap is completely closed...as closed as it can be on the pull chain. I suppose I will need to wait until it is dry to try the hose option......

Answer
Welcome back Les, yes please wait until it is dry and safe to do the hose test start even below the chimney on the roof line I always start by plugging the leader and over flowing the gutters and work my way up the roof from there (and really soak it maybe 20 minutes per area then check, move the hose 6" then recheck until you get to the top.)
if you sweep has a video scan camera they can set this up and view the inside of the chimney as you do the water.
keep me posted
James