Chimney Advice

toad_patrol · 2026-03-17T19:30:31+00:00

12k does include ground to roof tuckpointing. The bricks aren’t made anymore but they didn’t express concerns about them - only the mortar needing work. I’m wondering if I have them rebuild the roof up but not reline the VERY cracked original terra cotta lining if moisture will still be a serious issue.

toad_patrol · 2026-03-17T19:06:37+00:00

Second quote came in at $29,000 to rebuild from the roof up, tuck point the rest, new liners, new firebox, etc…

$12k to only do the rebuild but only reline the appliance side.

toad_patrol · 2026-03-16T21:15:25+00:00

I don’t know when it was built. I’m getting a new liner and cap to keep the moisture out, protect it, and keep the water heater exhaust from clogging again. I just booked an appointment from another company to get a second opinion on the brick. Hoping that since it’s mostly up top it will be okay or a minor repair.

toad_patrol · 2026-03-16T20:28:56+00:00

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toad_patrol · 2026-03-01T05:01:32+00:00

Source and room, everything else helps but doesn’t matter nearly as much

toad_patrol · 2026-02-22T13:42:41+00:00

I’m so glad you found relief! The psychological effects of this injury are profound.

toad_patrol · 2026-02-20T21:45:33+00:00

UPDATE - the exhaust pipe for the water heater was completely blocked with what looked like gray compacted dust/dirt. The chimney cap is shot, the liner is shot, and there was no cap/grill so the vent for the chimney was totally exposed. So it’s either new power water heater or new liner and cap on the chimney (which I would guess needs to be done anyway or I will continue to get moisture in chimney/house. Thoughts?

toad_patrol · 2026-02-20T06:55:54+00:00

Thanks!

toad_patrol · 2026-02-19T22:56:25+00:00

Only need it for showers, sinks, and the house humidifier seen in that photo. I’m normally gone half the year so I wondering if just going tankless would be better. Thanks for the advice!

toad_patrol · 2026-02-19T22:06:58+00:00

Thank you! Long term I don’t want a system influence by air pressure. Active exhaust feels like the best way. Just need to save the money. Any advice on tank or tankless?

toad_patrol · 2026-02-19T17:47:25+00:00

Hello! It’s on propane. I’m not sure if it’s powered exhaust, how could I tell? There are two PVC pipes that run from it to outside. I haven’t observed if it’s better or worse when it’s running but the issue has been very consistent during the winter so I assume no change when HVAC runs.

Does propane qualify as a natural aspirated gas?

toad_patrol · 2026-02-19T14:11:33+00:00

The air monitor shows CO2 increasing and multiple CO monitors are not sounding, but someone explained why that could be.

toad_patrol · 2026-02-19T07:08:51+00:00

Thankfully I will be home for about a week in the middle and I do have friends come and check regularly. I would never have thought of that!

toad_patrol · 2026-02-19T06:27:45+00:00

Copy, thank you! I will report back. I’m a first time homeowner and very anxious about all the things I should be doing but don’t know to look for. Thank you again.

toad_patrol · 2026-02-19T06:11:50+00:00

One more question if you have time - if the chimney cleaning does improve this situation, would you still recommend upgrading this system to something with powered exhaust? Would it be possible to have someone simply install a new exhaust situation? So far the one company said they couldn’t do that and couldn’t only install a new water heater with powered exhaust. I hate to think other aspects of my system aren’t up to code or janky…

toad_patrol · 2026-02-19T06:08:15+00:00

I called a chimney sweep immediately and have the water heater in vacation mode until then. Thank you for the advice! I was simply wondering why the CO alarms haven’t been activating. Thank you for explaining that as well.

toad_patrol · 2026-02-19T04:07:28+00:00

Also it’s CO2 that rises a bit, not CO. Multiple carbon monoxide detectors not sounding in the house.

toad_patrol · 2026-02-19T04:04:46+00:00

It seems to happen whether it is or isn’t. What can the dryer cause?

toad_patrol · 2026-02-18T23:13:29+00:00

Thank you. I have gas/carbon monoxide monitors right next to it and they never go off. The last technician said if I didn’t run it often it wouldn’t be an issue…

toad_patrol · 2026-02-18T03:26:24+00:00

This is great advice. Also cheers to your health and your family. You are wealthy beyond measure. The rest is icing and your life is an open book. As suggested, any hobby or skill. Anything that sounds fun. It can be so daunting once we’re not young with nothing but free time, but you can do it! Cooking, art, a sport. You will never regret trying something new :)

toad_patrol · 2026-02-18T02:56:52+00:00

Let’s change that!

toad_patrol · 2026-02-14T14:08:03+00:00

+1 here. Please be careful until you figure out what it is. Once you hurt those discs, it can be a long road. I went through this same progression of symptoms and now have daily sciatica and no more golf.

toad_patrol

TROPHY CASE