Smoke in the room, a smell that will not go away, water stains, cracks, scratching sounds, a lazy fire, black flakes. Answer a few questions and the Chimney Doctor tells you what the symptom usually means, how urgent it is, what to do right now, and which Lowes service fixes it.
It starts with the kind of fireplace or flue you have, then the main problem, then one or two follow-up questions specific to that problem. Each path ends in a result with five parts: an urgency level, the likely problem category in plain language, what to do immediately, what not to do, and whether the fireplace should stay off until it is inspected. The urgency scale runs from routine maintenance through service recommended, repair soon, stop using until inspected, and leave the home and call 911. Dangerous symptoms are never rated as safe.
Smoke entering the room · smoky or musty odor · water, stains or dripping · cracks, loose brick or falling debris · animals, birds or scratching · fires that burn poorly or use more wood · creosote and black buildup · damaged caps, crowns, flashing and chase covers · dampers that will not move · chimneys that have not been inspected · suspected chimney fires · carbon monoxide alarms and fumes.
No. It is educational guidance based on the symptoms you describe. A real diagnosis comes from a technician inspecting the chimney in person, often with a camera. The tool is designed to tell you how urgent a symptom usually is and what to do first.
No. The result appears as soon as you answer the questions. Call or quote buttons are offered afterward and are optional.
Leave the home with everyone, including pets, and call 911 from outside. Do not use the tool in an emergency.
Some symptoms, such as flue tile pieces in the firebox, glazed creosote, a damper stuck closed, an animal in the flue, or any sign of a past chimney fire, mean the next fire could be the one that causes damage or puts smoke and carbon monoxide into the home. The tool errs on the side of safety until an inspection clears the system.
Related: chimney inspection · chimney sweep · chimney leak repair · smoking fireplace repair · animal removal · Cost Calculator · Safety Quiz · Back to Help & Tools
A Lowes technician can usually be at your DFW home the same day, with a camera if the flue needs one.
(214) 225-8874The Chimney Doctor is an educational tool from Lowes Chimney Sweep. It does not replace an on-site inspection and does not guarantee a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 911.
