r/Fireplaces • u/LostTwo4794 • 4d ago

Basement getting smoked out

Hello. I have a stack with 3 flues. Two fireplaces and one furnace. When I turn on the top fireplace in the first floor my basement gets smoked out. Any tips on why this is happening ( I believe theres a break in the flue) and thinking about doing a wood insert with a new vent.

We only really use the first floor fire place too so it’s constant. The smoke is worse in the beginning but I think it’s more then just a cold flue because I’ve tried to start the basement fire first to warm up the flue but it still gets smoked out

Im getting a cleaning done and want this done before winter as i use the finished basement. I attached a picture

All help/opinions are welcome. Thank you

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u/mrseantron 🔥 🔥 🔥 4d ago

Your picture is tricky due to perspective, but it looks like all your flues are at roughly the same height, which is a recipe for downdraft problems. I'd look at raising your top floor flue by at least 12". But if there's a break in the flue, don't use it at all, because it's not safe.

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u/LostTwo4794 4d ago

Yes they are all the same height, thank you for your input I will have to raise the one we use