I make it a point if at all possible to check the inside of the chimney flues. You just never know what may be lurking inside that long dark shaft.

The digital camera is a great device for checking out flues. It's like having your eyes on a periscope. I can stick my hand inside a cleanout snap a picture pull it out and see what's inside. I got this shot recently on an inspection. I was giddy when I looked at it. It's a great shot! (inspectors get excited about stuff like this)

If you look at the picture you will see a pipe blocking the flue. It is difficult to see because the rust is almost the same color as the terra cotta.

That pipe is actually the furnace and water heater flue pipe. Problem is, as you have no doubt guessed by now, that it should not be so far into the chimney. Those rust stains are actually from condensation of combustion gases.

The pipe should extend only a few inches into the flue. This one has been inserted fully inside with an elbow angled up toward the top.

The second picture shows the underside of the pipe inside the basement. That goo was dripping from the pipe onto the floor. A large sticky puddle of brown gunk was right below the pipe.

Unfortunately I was not able to get a look from above on this house because the roof was too steep to walk, but this shot was enough to know there needs to be repairs to the pipe and quite possibly the chimney.

The cure for this flue is to pull that pipe out, clean up the pipe and chimney and tune up the furnace and water heater. Should be just what the doctor ordered.

James Quarello
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

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