Symptom field notes
Suspected chimney or vent blockage
A suspected blocked exhaust path is a reason to stop using the connected appliance and arrange qualified assessment. A carbon-monoxide alarm or immediate danger requires getting outside and calling 911.
Do not push rods into an unseen obstruction or run the appliance as a test.
What to document
- What symptom first raised concern?
- Which appliances connect to the system?
- Was there a storm, animal activity or recent work?
Keep dates and observations separate from guesses about the cause. Photographs from a safe location and earlier service records are useful starting material.
What to ask the contractor
- How will the entire affected passage be assessed?
- What access is required for removal?
- How will remaining damage or restrictions be documented?
Ask for findings, access limitations and recommended next steps in writing. A proposed product or repair method should follow an explanation of the observed condition.
Turn the observation into a comparable scope
Send the same brief to each company. Ask whether the appointment is an inspection, a diagnostic visit or a repair, and how additional work is approved. If proposals disagree, compare the evidence each contractor cites before comparing totals.