Expert: James Ball - 5/8/2009

Question
I am recently remodeling my basement to an old (20s) house I purchased a few years back. There is a brick chimney that is used for venting a gas water heater. I opened up one of the prior flues to discover the chimney is filled approximately 4 feet up. The material is sandlike stuff, not hard. Is this normal or is it due for a long time awaited cleaing?

Answer
Hello Bobbi, sounds like a blockage (4' up?) 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 the chimney might not be sized right and may need relining.
James