The most likely cause of a stuck fireplace damper is a build-up of rust, soot, and creosote on the hinges of the damper. Soot and creosote can build up from the normal use of the fireplace. Dampers rust when rain comes down the chimney because there is no chimney cap or the chimney cap has deteriorated.
How do you fix a stuck chimney damper?
Take a steel brush or a handheld whisk broom and clean the damper and the area around it. This typically requires laying on your back inside of the fireplace which is not comfortable. If the damper is stuck, take a penetrating oil like WD-40 and spray the handle and the hinge where it connects to the damper plate.
Why won’t my fireplace flue open?
If your damper is either stuck open or sealed shut, the best thing you can do is contact a professional fireplace technician right away. Typically, the issue can be resolved by cleaning up the dirt that has made the valve stick.
How do I know if my damper is broken?
You can inspect your fireplace to see if it’s open by:
- Feeling for a Draft: Place your hands into the fireplace (when no fire is currently lit), and feel for a draft of air coming from the top.
- Manually Check: As long as the fire is out, use your hand to gently feel where the damper is located.
How do you open a chimney damper?
You should turn the knob clockwise, as far as it can go, or push the rod all the way up to open the damper. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace, it means that your chimney has a top-mounted damper. If the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is closed.
How much does it cost to fix a damper?
If your damper isn’t working, you’ll need to replace the part. Expect to pay $350 on average to replace a motorized HVAC damper, with a typical range of $250 to $450. However, you could pay as little as $100 or as much as $600.
How do I know if my damper is open?
Visually Check
A visual check is one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is open or not. Simply stick your head in the fireplace and look up. If you have a throat damper, the closed damper immediately above your head will block your vision. You should be able to reach up and touch the closed damper.
How do you open a stuck chimney flue?
If the damper still refuses to budge, use a rust- and corrosion-cutting oil such as WD-40 to help dissolve the rust and corrosion at the damper’s hinges. When the damper is operational, work it back and forth while applying a high-temperature lubricant at all the joints and moving parts.
Is a damper and flue the same thing?
A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.
Should fireplace damper be open or closed?
The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. Never close the damper or leave the fireplace unattended while there is a fire in the fireplace. This is not only a fire hazard, it can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Should damper be open or closed in summer?
closed
Even if you have a chimney cap, it is a good idea to keep the damper closed in the summer. Chimney caps can become damaged creating a pathway for rainwater or pests to get into your chimney. Closing the damper will ensure that they can’t get into your home through the fireplace.
How do you open the damper on a wood burning stove?
Quote from Youtube video: Um any time that you go to operate a dampener like if you're going to start a fire or add wood to the fire you're going to want to make sure the damper is in the open. Position.
How do you open a flue on a wood burning fireplace?
Some open the flue by rotating a knob in the anticlockwise or clockwise direction, while others require you to pull or push to open the flue. You can quickly tell whether you have an open or closed flue depending on the position of these controls.
How does a chimney damper work?
A chimney damper is a manual mechanism that controls airflow and smoke through the chimney flue. A closed damper acts as a seal that keeps the exterior air out and the interior air in. In contrast, an open one sends carbon-monoxide-rich exhaust through the flue and also assists in starting and controlling a fire.
How do I know if my flue is open on my wood stove?
One of the best ways to check if the damper is open is to look. Stick your head in the fireplace and look up. If it’s dark outside, use a flashlight. If you have a throat damper, you will see it closed above your head, blocking your vision, or it will be open.
How do I test my chimney flue?
Again, use a mirror and light to inspect the chimney flue for any creosote buildup or defects. If available, use a snake inspection camera to get a closer look down the flue.
How do you tell if your chimney is blocked?
A blocked chimney can lead to a dangerous chimney fire.
Signs of a blocked chimney and its flue liner include:
- An excessive smell of smoke during a fire.
- A white residue on the walls of the flue liner.
- Water leakage.
- Debris falling towards the base of the fireplace.
Does closing the damper on a wood stove?
You don’t want to leave your wood stove damper fully open, though, because then the heated air will continue to escape, and your room won’t get warm. By closing the damper, it will reduce the oxygen levels in the chimney, and you’ll have a longer fire. According to Northeastern Chimney, this also creates a downdraft.
Can I leave the flue open overnight?
The smoke from burning wood contains carbon monoxide, so in order to prevent this toxic byproduct from entering your home, it is important to leave the flue open overnight. This enables a draft to carry the compound out into the atmosphere, instead of sinking down the chimney and saturating the room.
