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Chimney & Fireplaces/Brick chimneys leaking water into basement

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Expert: - 2/2/2008


Question
I have two woodstoves (one upstairs and one in the basement).  Both have brick chimneys that go all the way to the basement.  Chimneys have clay liners and both have caps.  Problem is that once or twice a year one of the chimneys fills up with water and it leaks out onto the basement floor.  I can see where the water has ran down the liner.  I didn't build the house but it looks like both chimneys just sit on the basement slab.  I don't understand where all the water is coming from?? I live in WI so get lots of snow.  Possibly some still gets into the chimney and melts?.  Is there supposed to be a drain or something in the bottom of the chimney?  Is it common for water to run down the line?  Thanks.

Answer
Derek,

There are a number of possibilities for water entry. The open flue, The crown may be damaged and water can wick or absorb through the exterior. A CSIA certified chimney sweep can help with any and all of these issues. www.csia.org. I also recommend a complete NFPA-211, level II inspection to determine if this water entry has resulted in any damage that can put your home or family at risk. Check out the links at the bottom of my home page, www.brooks-hearth.com and find a qualified inspector in your area. Good luck.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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