Homeowner Tool
Fireplace Problem Finder
Find your symptom, see what usually causes it, how urgent it is, and which service addresses it. This is general guidance, not a diagnosis.
If you smell gas: leave the home, then call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Do not operate switches or the fireplace.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Urgency | Recommended service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smell of gas near the fireplace | Loose fitting, valve fault or leaking gas line | Stop using | Gas Fireplace Repair |
| Gas fireplace pilot will not stay lit | Worn thermocouple or thermopile, dirty pilot assembly, draft issue | Book soon | Gas Fireplace Repair |
| Gas fireplace clicks but never ignites | Weak igniter, dead batteries, gas supply or control board fault | Book soon | Gas Fireplace Annual Service |
| White or black film on gas fireplace glass | Normal combustion residue or an out-of-adjustment burner | Plan ahead | Gas Fireplace Annual Service |
| Smoke spills into the room from a wood fireplace | Cold or undersized flue, blockage, negative house pressure, damper problem | Stop using | Chimney Blockage Removal |
| Crackling or roaring sound in the chimney | Possible chimney fire from creosote buildup | Stop using | Creosote Removal |
| Strong campfire or tar smell in summer | Creosote deposits plus humidity or downdraft | Book soon | Chimney Odour Removal |
| Water inside the firebox or stains on the chimney breast | Failed cap, cracked crown, worn flashing or porous brick | Book soon | Chimney Flashing Repair |
| Brick or mortar flakes falling into the fireplace | Freeze-thaw spalling, moisture in masonry, deteriorated joints | Book soon | Chimney Tuckpointing |
| Cracked firebrick or gaps in the firebox | Heat stress and age of the refractory panels or mortar | Book soon | Firebox Repair |
| Animal noises or nesting debris in the flue | Missing or damaged chimney cap | Book soon | Chimney Animal Removal |
| Damper is stuck or will not seal | Rust, warped plate or broken handle | Plan ahead | Chimney Damper Repair |
| Wood stove is hard to light and smoulders | Wet wood, restricted flue, worn gaskets or poor draft | Plan ahead | Wood Stove Service |
| Pellet stove shuts down or shows error codes | Ash buildup, dirty exhaust path, igniter or sensor fault | Book soon | Pellet Stove Service |
| Electric fireplace has no flame effect or heat | Tripped breaker, failed bulb or LED, heater or board fault | Plan ahead | Electric Fireplace Repair |
| Clothes dryer takes two or more cycles | Lint-restricted or crushed dryer vent | Book soon | Dryer Vent Cleaning |
| Buying or selling a home with a fireplace | Insurer or buyer needs a documented condition review | Plan ahead | Real Estate Fireplace Inspection |
| Insurance company asks for a WETT inspection | Wood-burning appliance needs a documented inspection | Plan ahead | Fireplace Safety Inspection |