Check 4 - Debris in Cleanout
A cleanout (dropleg) must be present such that the upper
edge of the cleanout cover is at least 12 inches below the
lower edge of the lowest chimney inlet opening.
A chimney without a cleanout could become partially
blocked by debris. If no cleanout is present, the chimney
must be relined. (Fix 4)
Remove the cleanout cover, and examine the cleanout
for debris. If significant amounts of any of the following
are found:
•
Fuel oil residue
•
Bricks
•
Mortar or sand
•
Pieces of the tile liner
•
Rusted pieces of the metallic liner
…then the chimney must be relined. (Fix 4)
Check 5 - Liner condition.
If a metal liner is present, it must be checked. It cannot
be assumed that all existing metal liners are correctly
installed and in good condition.
Remove the lowest existing vent connector, and examine
the inside of the elbow or tee at the base of the liner. A
small amount of soot may be considered acceptable,
provided the installer vacuums it away. If rusted pieces of
the liner have collected here, the metal liner must be
removed and replaced. (Fix 4)
Next, gently tap the inside of the liner with a phillips
screwdriver. If the screwdriver perforates the liner, or if
the tapping does not sound like metal hitting metal, the
liner must be removed and replaced. (Fix 4)
Remember that all appliances must be vented inside the
liner. Venting one appliance inside the liner and another
appliance outside the liner is not acceptable.
Next, use a flashlight and small mirror to sight up the liner.
B vent must be supported so as to not come into direct
contact with the chimney walls or tile liner. If it is not, it can
probably be rehung so as to be acceptable. A thimble or
fire stop may be helpful here.
Flexible liners should be hung straight or nearly straight.
If it is spiraled in the chimney and in good condition, it
should be rehung. To do this, break the top seal; pull up
and cut off the excess liner length, and refit the top seal.
Use caution when doing this, as the cut edges of flexible
liners may be sharp.
The surfaces of the liner must be physically sound. If
gaps or holes are present, the metal liner must be
removed and replaced. (Fix 4)
Finally, confirm that the metallic liner is the correct size
for the appliances to be installed. Use the GAMA tables
and rules.
If a metal liner is not present, a clay tile liner must be
present, or the chimney must be lined. (Fix 4)