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AKaeTrue · Sep 18, 2007, 10:07 PM

I put this here because heating - fireplace - really didn't know where else to go.

I've been reading on the internet about chimneys emitting oder and it all describes a different smell than I'm smelling.

My fire place (which has not been used for at least 4 years) has been leaking when it rains for some time now - BTW fluke is closed.
We don't use it and the water is just dripping through the inside of the fireplace not causing any visible water damage.
So, I didn't think much of it.
I started smelling this musky odor in the last 4 days that keeps getting stronger.
I first thought it was a water leak or something under the house,
But everything is dry and fine there.
I'm guessing now the odor is due to the rain coming into the chimney that drips in the fireplace since
The only room with the oder is the one with the fireplace in it.
Can this cause a musky oder?
My husband says no that this isn't a problem and we don't need to do anything about it.
Is this a problem since there is an odor? Or do fireplaces/chimneys not give off musky odors?

I know this seems like a dumb question but I need some backing up before I can call anyone out here to check it out.
Thanks for any opinions and advice.

hvac1000 · Sep 19, 2007, 12:37 AM

First of all never leave water drip into a fireplace. Fix that problem. Fireplaces contain many toxic chemicals left over from burning wood. Normally this is not a problem but with water leaking into the fireplace it can be a big one. The water wets the dry creosote in the chimney and causes the odor. When a fireplace is dry the odor will not be present or be of a very minor
Consequence.

Have a professional come and clean the chimney and while they are there cleaning they may see the cause of the leak. If not they will have to search to find the leak and fix it.

AKaeTrue · Sep 19, 2007, 09:26 AM

Thank you hvac for confirming my worries.
I've called a full service chimney sweeping company
And waiting for their call back to set up an appointment.

LEILA007 · Sep 19, 2007, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by AKaeTrue

I put this here because heating - fireplace - really didn't know where else to go.

I've been reading on the internet about chimneys emitting oder and it all describes a different smell than I'm smelling.

My fire place (which has not been used for at least 4 years) has been leaking when it rains for some time now - BTW fluke is closed.
We don't use it and the water is just dripping through the inside of the fireplace not causing any visible water damage.
So, I didn't think much of it.
I started smelling this musky odor in the last 4 days that keeps getting stronger.
I first thought it was a water leak or something under the house,
but everything is dry and fine there.
I'm guessing now the odor is due to the rain coming into the chimney that drips in the fireplace since
the only room with the oder is the one with the fireplace in it.
Can this cause a musky oder?
My husband says no that this isn't a problem and we don't need to do anything about it.
Is this a problem since there is an odor? Or do fireplaces/chimneys not give off musky odors?

I know this seems like a dumb question but I need some backing up before I can call anyone out here to check it out.
Thanks for any opinions and advice.

A chiminey need to be cleand 1 per yr . I would start there. Call up a chimney cleaner which you will need in any case. Where I'm from there no more than 150-200max I'm sure if there's a problem he will know.