Smoking fireplace

[Welfarite]

I have a problem with double chimney fireplaces; i.e. one fireplace in the living room, the other in sitting room, both sharing same chimney. When I light either one, the smoke fills the non-lit room. I thought there should be two seperate flues up the chimney or is the smoke being blown back down the non-lit flue? I've tried blocking up one with electrci fire, it works somewhat but I'd like to get to root of problem. Any ideas?

 

[pat127]

You are absolutely right. There should be 2 separate flues. Joining them like this prevents an adequate draw from being created.

 

[nutty nut]

First - check that you have 2 chimney pots. Then light a few papers in each fire a few minutes apart and check if the smoke is coming out of different pots.

I think you have 2 flues but have a bad downdraft. Most likely will be sorted out with a suitable cowl available from your local builders suppliers

 

[Welfarite]

Have two pots and have put cowls on them last year but problem persists.