Tag Archives: flue pipe

HEY FLUE PIPE: KEEP YOUR DISTANCE!

Is your flue pipe a little too cozy with other elements of your home? 

During a recent home inspection on Shaw Island, I noticed a combination furnace-water heater double wall B-vent flue pipe in direct contact with sheetrock and floor carpeting within a hallway closet. 

This is a big “no-no” because the pipe did not observe proper clearance-from-combustible requirements, a significant safety issue. 

Typically, 1″ of space, free and clear from contact, is advised around this type of piping.

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VIDEO: Holes in Furnace Flue Pipe!

Inspecting the furnace at a recent home inspection in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, I discovered several holes in the flue pipe. This is an obvious safety issue as combustion byproducts are no longer fully contained within the metal flue pipe. Replacement of corroded and deteriorated flue pipe was advised, together with fully servicing the furnace by a qualified HVAC contractor.   Continue reading →

‘BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE’: GREAT SONG, NOT A GOOD IDEA FOR YOUR HOUSE

It’s surprising how often I come across this issue when doing home inspections: metal flue pipes serving furnaces and water heaters that come in contact with roof sheathing and underlayment in the attic. When this occurs, it’s a very obvious safety issue.

This issue is especially common when roofs are replaced. Why? Contractors may neglect to appropriately cut back roofing materials during installation. 

If you want to make sure your home doesn’t inspire David Byrne to write another song about burning structures, you’d be well-served to provide 1-inch of clearance, free and clear, around the flue pipe at all times. And again, this is especially important if you have had your roof recently replaced.