Expert: James Ball - 3/22/2010

Question
We have a zero clearance fireplace.  The house %26 fireplace is just over 3 years old.  It has smoked back into the house since day one.  We have cleaned each year, opened doors, windows and all the things we were told to do and it still smokes back to the point we cannot burn wood in it at all.  I was told that the chimney pipe can be install upside down & is a more common problem than many think and it leads to smoke back into the house.  Is it possible to improperly install the chimney pipe backwards & if so do I have more than a smoking issue to worry about?  We have had the fireplace cleaned yearly.  We really appreciate your help.  Thank you so very much Garey

Answer
Hello Garey, try opening a few windows in that room (if you can also close off that room with a door or plastic and tape that might help too).
now see if it will draw, if not try hanging a drop light in the fireplace from the damper to help heat the chimney flue, if it drafts then it is the house (maybe a Radon system, exhaust vent, attic fan?). even if the pipe was up side down it should still draft.
Also 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