Category Archives: Chimney

There are three things you should know when it comes to gas safety. Knowing where PG&E natural gas pipelines are located near you, spotting a leak, and knowing whats below before you dig will keep you safe.

Living in the era of the internet means we have all kinds of information at our fingertips. It has never been easier to find out where pipeline markers are. Markers include an emergency number and indicate the need for extra care around gas transmission pipelines that feed local distribution pipelines. These markers specify the approximate location, but not all pipelines follow a straight path between markers. PG&E has an interactive online map where you can find out about the transmission pipelines in your neighborhood. You can also check out the National Pipeline Mapping System to see the location of all transmission pipelines in the United States, viewable by county, zip code or street address.

Being able to spot a leak is also very important. Spotting a leak requires 3 of your 5 senses. Smell, hearing, and sight.

• Smell
  • If you smell this distinctive “rotten egg” odor, move to a safe location and immediately call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000
• Sound
  • Always pay attention to hissing, whistling or roaring sounds coming from underground or from a gas appliance.
• Sight
  • Other signs of a possible gas leak can include dirt spraying into the air, continual bubbling in a pond or creek and dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area.

The last tip is certainly not least. Damage from excavation is a common cause of pipeline accidents. That’s why you must always call Underground Service Alert (USA) at 811 at least two working days before you dig—even in your own yard. USA is a free service that will notify underground utility operators in the area of your planned work. PG&E will then locate and mark our underground gas and electric facilities.

Most homeowners want to know if the work they will have done to their home “meets code.” This is a tricky question with many answers and many prerequisites that need to be addressed before you answer. Codes are an ever-changing thing. They are written by large national organizations made up by government, and industry officials. The question “Does it meet code” depends on many factors and isn’t a clear yes or no.

Understanding Codes

Codes are a moving object. By that I mean that they are always changing. In fact, codes are changed, adjusted and made about every 3 years. They get changed because we want to improve upon them as well as make structures safer. An indirect result of these changes is the ability to understand how things hold up or deteriorate.

Does it meet code?

The answer to this question depends on when, who and where you ask. Something that meets code perfectly today might not meet code tomorrow. Houses that were built a short while ago could have been perfectly built to meet code, but today they do not. You could also build the same house in two different states or even cities, and one may not pass

Inconsistent Code

As with a lot of things, codes start at the Federal level and trickle down the bureaucratic ladder. State, county, city and municipality codes are enough to make a person scream. Who’s got time to research all of this?

The Code Police

Private home inspectors have no authority to enforce the building code. The municipal inspectors are the only people who can determine whether or not something meets code. And since they are people, even that can vary.

Grandfathered Code

The word ‘grandfather’ does not appear in the building codes. What?! Yes, Grand fathered in doesn’t mean anything since building codes are for new buildings only. Codes aren’t retroactive. In conclusion, safety takes precedent over all things when doing construction. Things that are unsafe are more important than minor changes over the years that don’t present a danger.

There are 3 Levels to chimney inspections.  Mike’s Mobile includes a Level I inspection with every chimney sweep. Here is a breakdown so you can see what happens during each type of inspection.

Level One Chimney Inspection

If your chimney performance, appliance or venting system has not changed and you simply want to be confident in the continued safe use of the system, you will need the Level 1 inspection done on an annual schedule. We usually combine this service with the annual cleaning and sweeping that should be scheduled to guarantee continued safe use of your stove, chimney or furnace.
Our chimney inspection tech will examine the readily accessible portions of the interior and exterior areas of the chimney and the appliance or chimney connection. This includes the firebox, smoke chamber and damper along with the cap and crown on the exterior of your chimney if accessed with cleaning. We will be looking for any chimney structure or flue defect or underperforming areas with the appliance installation or connections. The whole system must be found to be clear of any blockage or deposits that may be combustible.

Level Two Chimney Inspection

A Level 2 inspection is recommended when you have had any changes done to your system. If you have changed fuel type, or had the chimney relined, if you have replaced your furnace or appliance (especially if the rating or efficiency differs from what was there prior). If you recently bought the home and are not familiar with the system performance, plan to do modifications to your chimney, stove or heating system or have had a chimney fire recently a Level 2 inspection is in order.
A Level 2 inspection is an in-depth look at the entire chimney, stove or furnace system. It includes all steps covered with a Level 1 inspection and also includes a visual inspection of all internal surfaces and joints. If necessary, we use a color video inspection camera to look inside the chimney or flue. This allows for a complete top to bottom visual inspection of your system.
A written report is produced that details all areas that may be of concern.

Level Three Chimney Inspection

Level 1 and 2 methods are included with Level 3 inspections, but with this type inspection portions of the structure or chimney will be required to fully investigate the deficiencies that exist. Many areas that are concealed from visual examination may need to be opened up by removing bricks, masonry, metal flue pipes, interior chimney walls, chimney crowns or other components of your system. These inspections are only required when the earlier inspection Level 1 or 2 reveals a serious problem and we need to gain access to the problem areas hidden from view. Level 3 inspections are needed on less than 2% of all inspections when serious problems are suspected that require immediate action.

Picking out the right firewood can be just as important as keeping your chimney maintained. The right firewood will help you wood stove, or fireplace burn more efficiently. Picking out the wrong wood that isn’t seasoned can cause smoking problems, odor problems, creosote buildup or even dangerous chimney fires. We’ve teamed up with our friends at the CSIA to help you pick out the right wood.

Click Here to see guidelines for the following:

Seasoned Wood
Storing Wood
Buying Wood
(If you’re in the San Joaquin Valley be sure to check out Dave’s Firewood 209-464-6157)
Top Firewood Tips