American Chimney & Fireplace has been known since 2007 as the premier chimney service company in the greater Louisville, KY, region. A lot of folks don’t realize that we also work on the venting systems of boilers and gas water heaters.
The drafting flues that serve these appliances need regular inspections, repairs when necessary, and flue liner replacements when the current liner is seriously damaged. Here are some helpful things to know about boiler and gas water heater venting.
How Boiler and Water Heater Damage Occurs
The most common causes of trouble in these appliances’ vent systems include particulate matter buildup, creosote buildup, excess moisture, cracks and corrosion.
Our technicians clean out buildups to restore a smooth passage for the drafting of combustion gases, leading to better operational efficiency. Flue cleaning allows your appliance to run smoother and not have to work as hard, costing you less money to operate it.
A serious problem with obstructed flues is the release of carbon monoxide gas. This gas can also escape through a flue pipe that’s broken, cracked or deteriorated.
Carbon monoxide is produced during fire combustion and is both invisible and odorless. But it’s known to be potentially deadly to people and animals when inhaled in sufficient amounts.
Finally, there’s the risk of fire any time your boiler or water heater can’t vent efficiently.
Should Your Water Heater or Boiler Be Inspected?
The venting systems in both of these appliances should be inspected once a year by an experienced technician. In between inspections, keep an eye out for the following signs of trouble:
Stains
Stains on the surfaces of the boiler or water heater flue may point to damage or excess moisture.
Obvious damage
Look for holes, cracks, splits and gaps in the flue pipe.
Debris
Any kind of debris buildup inside the flue can lead to inefficient and possibly dangerous drafting.
Yellow flame
The flame in these appliances should be blue. If it’s yellow, it probably means there’s a clog, which can lead to an escape of carbon monoxide.
Odors
You shouldn’t smell any kind of odor near your water heater or boiler. If you do, it may be from the release of combustion byproducts.
Low heat
If your appliance doesn’t seem to be heating at its normal level, and if raising the thermostat produces little or no change, there’s a problem that needs to be looked into.
Flue Repair, Cleaning and Installation
After inspecting the venting of your water heater or boiler, we’ll be able to tell you what’s happening and what needs to be done about it.
We provide licensed repair and cleaning of all types of venting flues. We also install new, powerful stainless-steel flue liners surrounded by thermal insulation.
It’s neither fun nor safe to live with a boiler or gas water heater that’s not working right. When it’s time to have yours looked at, call American Fireplace & Chimney, a family-owned and family-operated service company that cares about your comfort and your safety.
Based in Louisville, KY, we proudly serve Pewee Valley, KY, Anchorage, KY, Clarksville, IN, Brandenburg, KY, Fisherville, KY, Glenview, KY, and other communities in the greater Louisville region.
