Expert: James Ball - 11/27/2010

Question
I have a woodburning stove and just noticed last night when burning a fire that there is smoke leaking from the elbow bends.  The fire wasn't burning any differntly than any other time and I didn't do anything else differently, but you could see where the smoke was coming out.  Is there any way to seal where it's leaking or do we need to completely replace it? Thanks.

Answer
Hello gina, when was the last time it was cleaned? the elbows are make to be adjustable so replacing them might not help, you might be getting negative pressure that as the smoke is going up the chimney it might be pulled out of the elbow due to other things in the home, next time you see it try opening a door or window for a minute and see if it makes a difference if it does then you have a negative pressure issue.
James