Water down chimney

223vmax

I built an extension 18 months ago which included a new chimney built with liners. I had no problems with the chimney until 6 months ago when I installed a small stove. Since then I've had problems with water coming down the chimney and dripping on the top of the stove when I first light the fire. I think water is entering the chimney somewhere and pooling up, then when the chimney get hot and expands the water is released. After a few minutes the water stops. Up baffled as to where the water is pooling and how its entering the chimney as I had no problems until I installed the stove. Anyone any idea's as to the source of the water? I only burn coal and well seasoned timber with little moisture content. The water that comes down is like creosote.

MicktheMan

Have you considered condensation of combustion gases within the (relatively) cold flue which then runs back down the flue onto the stove when the stove is first lit? As the flue warms up, this condensation slows and stops.

Where I would be looking is how is the stove connected to the flue and is this connection sealed.

bman1

Just to save the next person asking, did you run a flexi flue or did you use an adaptor to go from the 8" flue to the 6" stove pipe. Regardless of which way it was done do you have a cowl on the top?

223vmax

bman1 wrote: »

Just to save the next person asking, did you run a flexi flue or did you use an adaptor to go from the 8" flue to the 6" stove pipe. Regardless of which way it was done do you have a cowl on the top?

Many thanks for your response, yes I used an adapter between stove pipe and flue and yes I have a cowl on top.

223vmax

MicktheMan wrote: »

Have you considered condensation of combustion gases within the (relatively) cold flue which then runs back down the flue onto the stove when the stove is first lit? As the flue warms up, this condensation slows and stops.

Where I would be looking is how is the stove connected to the flue and is this connection sealed.

I don't think this is part of the problem as if I don't light a fire for a few days I get more water coming compared to when I have a fire every day.

MicktheMan

223vmax wrote: »

I don't think this is part of the problem as if I don't light a fire for a few days I get more water coming compared to when I have a fire every day.

Incorrect.

Not lighting stove for a few days means that flue is colder and therefore more condensation (more condensate, i.e. liquid produced) whereas lighting daily means warmer flue and less condensation (less condensate produced).

I think you misunderstood my post above.

Boiled-egg

I had the exact same problem. My chimney cap was cracked and freeze thaw opened the craic about 10 mm. I ended up taking off the cap and relining the chimney with a flexi flue, replacing the cap with a precast one and problem solved. Oh yea i also createdva soot box behond my stove so my stove is not physically connected to the chimney.
I feel sorry for you as there is nothing worse than the smell of sooty water sizzelling on the stove.