Why is smoke coming down my other chimney?

If you have more than one flue in the chimney, you should have a liner in each flue. If there are breaks in the linings, smoke could be crossing over to one of the adjacent flues. A cross-flue problem like this can result in smoke leaking into the home through a chimney-connected appliance in another room.
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Why does smoke come down my other chimney?

Most chimneys are built with the flues terminating at the same height above the concrete chimney cap. This means that exhaust gasses exiting from one flue could, under certain conditions, enter another nearby flue. One of those conditions would be wind coming from a specific direction.
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How do I stop my chimney from smoking crossover?

This phenomenon is called cross-drafting, and there are several possible solutions:
  1. Open a window near the fireplace that is being used. ...
  2. Add an extra flue tile extension to the upstairs fireplace flue, so the smoke exits at least 18″ above the downstairs flue. ...
  3. Consider a pair of top-sealing dampers.
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Can smoke coming back down chimney?

In other words, the smoke and flue gases are not being pulled up the chimney with sufficient strength. This becomes a problem if the wind outside is drawn into or over the chimney in a way the prevents the gases from exiting. In that case, they can be forced back down the chimney and may seep out of your woodburner.
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Can two fireplaces share the same flue?

Fireplaces can't share the same flue but can be run in the same chimney with their own flue liners.
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Common Wood Stove and Firplace Backdraft Smoke Issues



Who is responsible for shared chimney?

And the answer is simple: if the chimney is on the party wall, then the party wall act applies. This is usually the case, because at least one side of the flue is usually on the party wall, and, in some cases, the chimney itself can overlap and become shared in the loft spaces of the two properties.
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How do fireplaces share a chimney?

Fireplaces on multiple levels can also share one chimney structure. Since the fireplaces are on different stories of the home, the chimney extends from the lowest floor through the roof. Each fireplace can face the same direction, if you want, since they will not block each other.
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How do you fix a chimney Backdraft?

How to Prevent Chimney Downdraft
  1. Shut Off Exhaust Fans: When your fireplace is in use, turn off your exhaust fans, as they naturally increase negative pressure by pulling air out of the house.
  2. Adjust Your Damper: If your damper is warped, you might need to adjust it slightly to get the right airflow.
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Should smoke come out of chimney?

A modern chimney should produce little smoke when the heating system runs smoothly. White smoke coming from your chimney isn't necessarily a bad sign. Depending on the heating equipment installed in your home, wispy white smoke could be a normal byproduct of operation.
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How can I improve my chimney draft?

How to Increase Draft in Your Chimney
  1. Start with a Hot, Fast Fire. Starting a cold wood stove with a hot, fast fire will get the draft going the quickest. ...
  2. Burn Extremely Low Moisture Wood. ...
  3. Improve Airflow Around the Fire. ...
  4. Warm the Chimney Flue. ...
  5. Provide Enough Air to Replace the Air That is Lost.
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Where is the smoke coming out from chimney going?

When your fireplace and chimney vent as they should, fire by-products (such as smoke, vapor, and unburned wood) are pushed up the flue (the space inside the chimney) and out of the house while the outside air is pulled into the flue to keep the flames alive. This vital exchange of air is known as the chimney “draft.”
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How do you fix negative pressure in a chimney?

The best way to get rid of negative house pressure is by making the home less airtight, and the easiest way to do so is by opening a window near the fireplace. While this is an effective method for preventing many of the performance problems associated with negative pressure, it is not a permanent solution.
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Why does my chimney not draw correctly?

Too Small Chimney Caps or Chimney Pots

The base of the chimney pot or cap often fits over the top of the flue, but should never be smaller than the flue. The top of the chimney pot shouldn't be much narrower than the flue itself – “choking down” the diameter can cause smoke draw issues.
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How do you stop a downdraft in a wood stove?

Reverse the downdraft by increasing the air pressure in the room with the wood stove. Open a window before you light the fire. Turn off appliances with fans that draw air out of the house, including the clothes dryer, kitchen range hood and bathroom fans.
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How do I know if my chimney is blocked?

Signs of a blocked chimney and its flue liner include:
  1. An excessive smell of smoke during a fire.
  2. A white residue on the walls of the flue liner.
  3. Water leakage.
  4. Debris falling towards the base of the fireplace.
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What should smoke look like coming out of a chimney?

The smoke coming out of your chimney should be almost colorless and thin. Thick, white or black smoke indicates that your fire is not receiving enough air.
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How can backdraft be prevented?

How to prevent backdrafting:
  1. A flue vent. A flue vent that is improperly sized (either too large or too small) or blocked by an animal nest will not draw the exhaust properly. ...
  2. Keep venting needs in mind. ...
  3. Know the ripple effects of changing mechanical systems. ...
  4. Open windows and doors.
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Can a chimney have more than one flue?

A single chimney can safely have multiple flues inside the chimney, each flue venting an appliance, fireplace, or other device, provided that the chimney was properly constructed, including the necessary spacing or sealant between the individual flues.
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How many wood burning fireplaces can share a single flue?

You can tell whether a chimney is lined by looking for a liner extending above the top. True or False? Generally speaking, how far should wood framing members be kept away from masonry chimneys? Two wood burning fireplaces can share a single flue as long as they are on the same floor level.
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Can you remove one side of a shared chimney?

you can not remove half of a shared chimney stack because the brick work is all tied in together and removeal of your half of the stack will cause it to become unstable.
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Is a chimney breast a party wall?

If the chimney stack is on a shared or party wall you will need a party wall agreement. If you are doing any work on a party wall (and removing a chimney breast from a party wall is quite major structural work) you must follow the procedures laid out in the Party Wall etc Act.
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Do you need Neighbours permission to remove chimney breast?

If the chimney breast is attached to a wall between your home and another building you'll need to serve a Party Wall Notice on your neighbour before work can commence. Any gas, plumbing or electrical appliances and services need to be isolated and changed/removed before you begin.
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How do you know if your house has negative pressure?

With the house operating at what you suspect is a negative pressure, go to a door and open it just a bit. If you stand inside and put your face near the crack in the door, you'll feel the air blowing on you if there's a negative pressure.
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What causes backdraft in fireplace?

Occasionally, a draft can develop that moves in the opposite direction, filling the house with smoke and poisonous gases. Such a backdraft can be the result of a fire that isn't burning hot enough, an obstructed chimney or air pressure differences.
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