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Chimney & Fireplaces/Cone fireplace doesn't meet Gas co. codes?

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Expert: - 11/26/2009


Question

cone fireplace
Hi,
I would appreciate any help you could offer! We'd really like to be able to use the fireplace in our new home for the holidays but are at a loss for any solutions.

It's one of those gas cone fireplaces and was installed by the previous owner. We had the gas company come out to turn on our services and see if the thing even worked, which it did perfectly. To our disappointment, they then proceeded to turn the gas back off, saying it can't be used until it's up to code.

Apparently there is a flue (I think that's what they're called?) which can be opened or closed using a handle in the back. It is open when in the down position and has to be turned up right to be closed. The Gas Company says it must be removed completely before they will allow it to be used, they say it cannot have anything blocking the opening or allowing it to ever be closed. This is very strange and we have no idea how to go about solving this?  

We thought about just making it permanently open somehow, but they still say no it has to be taken out or removed.
There aren't any kind of bolts, screws, fasteners, etc. to undo and we're worried about breaking something. Also the sections that go up to the ceiling aren't detachable so we can't get to it that way.
Please let me know if pictures would help explain better, I have attached one I found online of the same fireplace, except ours goes up to the roof not the wall.
Thank you so much and happy holidays.  

Answer
Hello T, with out seeing it it is hard to tell you how to remove the "damper" the flue is the air channel in the chimney.
I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have and check the flue in the chimney too, they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James

James Ball

Expertise

I am a chimney sweep with over 22 years of experience, CSIA certified and member of the NCSG, I can answer questions about smoky fire places, wood stoves, and heating units (boiler and furnace chimneys) do you need a relining? A cap? And much more

Experience

over 22 years

Organizations
Chimney Safety Institute of America, National Chimney Sweep Guild

Education/Credentials
CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified

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