Bad smell coming from my flue??

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Jez151

New Member
Jan 17, 2016
6
Bridgend
I have a cleave view 500. We have owned it for 5 years and when we moved home it came with us. We installed it a year ago in our new property and since this time when the stove is run down and running cooler and then we load it up for example the morning after doing an overnight burn we get a bad odour which fills the house. It would appear to be coming from he the fire cement and the cement seems to leach a fluid. Does anyone have any ideas as to what this is and how to rectify the problem??
 
It sounds like you are getting some creosote buildup and some downdrafting. There can be multiple things that contribute including poor draft due to improper installation, too short of a chimney, wet wood, running too cool...

To help figure out what's going on you'll need to explain how the stove is installed and the length of the flue. Pictures will help immensely. Also explain where you are getting your wood and any stove temperatures you have recorded while running.

Not sure that your stove is available in the US so the more you can tell us the better.
 
The flue is 10metres long, as the stove sits proud from the fire place it has 1 straight black pipe and then 2 45degree bends. They are installed the correct way round and all connections are sealed with vitcas Fire cement. [Hearth.com] Bad smell coming from my flue??[Hearth.com] Bad smell coming from my flue??
 
10 m is pretty long. Once the black pipe enters the existing (exterior/interior?) chimney what's there? Is is clay lined masonry, steel liner or chimney pipe? Whatever it is, what size is it?

If you are seeing dripping creosote the flue gases are too cool either due to wet wood, cooling too much before exiting or a combination of both. BTW liquid creosote is bad stuff. Google stage 3 creosote. This a problem that's more than just a nuisance.
 
The wood I'm burning is perfectly dry seasoned hard wood. It's been out side split for 2 years and then inside my shed for another 2 years. The black pipes are connected to a flexi silver coloured liner which is specked for multi fuel and is 6".

The flu runs into the chimney which is built of bricks and mortar.
 
Hmmm...from your description you should have good draft. Is the creosote leaking into the stove (new creosote) or on the outside of the liner/pipe. Possibly the old chimney wasn't cleaned well enough before it was lined and you are getting water intrusion from up top between the liner and the old masonry?

It would appear to be coming from he the fire cement and the cement seems to leach a fluid.
What exactly does this mean? Not sure from you description.
 
The black pipes are connected to a flexi silver coloured liner which is specked for multi fuel and is 6"
I should have asked. Just to be crystal clear, does this liner go all the way to the top and have a cap?
 
We are fairly exposed and we have a really strong draw. Originally it was running down the back wall where the flue goes through the registry plate and the smell persisted for some time. We would have to exit the room, close door and open the windows. It hasn't done it for some time and now it seems to be leaching out of the fire cement where the black pipe enters the top of the stove. I've attached a pic and not the best!! But I think you can make it out..[Hearth.com] Bad smell coming from my flue??
 
I would check your cap. The cap is often the weak link being the coolest part of the system. If it appears to be clean then it is either old creosote as I mentioned or possibly one of the connections in the new system has become separated or liner got kinked.

It looks like the plate around the black pipe is removable. You should be able to get a better look with it off. The liner should be insulated top and bottom to keep air (smells) from drafting down into the room and to prevent heat loss. That plate is a good start but who knows what else is there (or not).

Is the smell stronger with the stove door open or does it matter?
 
Have to say this installation would never pass inspection in the US. The wood beam appears to be only about 10cm away from the single-wall pipe. That is asking for trouble. Are there other combustibles within 50 cms of the uninsulated pipe?
 
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