Who to call for odor related to chimney and/or boiler?

thanks everyone! am going to call big apple chimney.

casabk

in Boiler Repair 12 years and 9 months ago

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casabk | 12 years and 9 months ago

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We live on the (top) 5th floor of a five-unit brownstone and for the last couple of months have been smelling a terrible odor whenever we open the windows (even though the smell doesn’t seem to be coming in from the windows). I went up on the roof and identified the same odor coming from one of our chimneys and think it’s the chimney that is connected to the boiler. We have a gas boiler and converted at least over 14 years ago (that’s as far back as anyone can remember). We had someone come check out our chimneys last week and he said they aren’t lined but still seem to be in good shape and shouldn’t need to be lined. The plumber I called said they won’t come because they don’t investigage “smells” unless the boiler is oil. I’ve looked through old posts on brownstoner and a number of people seem to report a similar issue but I haven’t located any answers or suggestions about who exactly to call. The smell seems nasty and toxic to me and I’m worried about inhaling it any longer. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much.

Bklnite | 12 years and 9 months ago

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At the other end of that chimney – in the boiler room – is the smell there too? From your description of the smell, could it be sewer gases from a vent?

Master Plvmber | 12 years and 9 months ago

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If your building converted from oil to gas fuel 14 years ago, then you’ll need a liner. Or at least a thorough cleaning and inspection with a video camera. Looking down the top with a flashlight is by no means a substitute for a video inspection. 
Years ago the gas utilities and DoB did not insist on the liners, but now we’re following western Europe’s lead since they’ve got 20% (80% fewer) carbon monoxide (CO) related incidents then we have every year.   There is sometimes a negative effect on old chimneys when the carbon soot from an oil boiler dries out and flakes off from the chimney walls, exposing the brick and mortar to natural gas’s cooler flue temps. It’s unfortunate byproduct of increased efficiency and very different combustion properties. If I were you, I’d call a company like Big Apple Chimney (718-648-3998), tell them John from Gateway explained the situation to you and you’d like an inspection. See what Jason or Rich will do for you.