Expert: James Ball - 12/19/2010

Question
We have a negetive presure in the basement.I get smoke coming through the blocks in the basement. There is a 2 cleanout's One for the fireplace & one were the hot water tank vent use to be.the hot water tank has been changed to a power vented one.I was wondering if I should fill up the the 2 cleanouts with sand so the smoke won't be pulled down the cleanouts into the basement

Answer
Hello Bob, the old flue that had the hot water heater should have had a plate (closed off) on top put on? if not it will pull smoke and "make up air" down that flue.
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, they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James