Get matched with top fireplace pros in Riggins, ID

You should only use water to put out a fire in your fireplace in an emergency situation. Even then, it is better to use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire quickly. Make sure every room in your house that has a fireplace also has a fire extinguisher—and that everyone in your household knows how to use one.

Yes, a pellet stove can heat an entire house—as long as you choose one that’s large enough for that purpose. For context, pellet stoves generate between 8,000 and 90,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs), and you’ll need 30 to 60 BTUs per square foot, depending on your climate zone. If you’re unsure which size pellet stove to buy, reach out to a local pellet or wood stove repair company.

Yes, removing a chimney is a difficult and major undertaking. Chimneys often provide structural support to a home, so if it's a load-bearing structure, you'll need to take extra precautions to maintain your home's integrity. A project of this complexity typically requires a structural engineer, a masonry contractor, and a demolition crew. The removal process may involve taking the chimney out brick by brick from inside the walls. The cost for chimney removal can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the job's complexity. Due to the difficulty and cost, some homeowners opt to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the top and bottom, sometimes also removing the visible exterior portion at the roofline.

Your chimney needs a structurally sound chimney cap, protective lining, damper, chimney flashing, and brick and mortar to prevent water from goind down your chimney. A pro can help you identify where the issue is so that you can stop water from coming down the smoke shaft, through your damper, and into your home.