A simple job in Omaha turned into a lesson on hidden cracks

I used to think a quick visual check with a light was enough to spot issues in a flue. That changed after a job in Omaha last fall. I did my usual look, saw nothing big, and gave the all clear. Two weeks later, the homeowner called back with a small fire in the wall. I went back, pulled the liner, and found a hairline crack I totally missed. It was in a spot my old light just didn't reach well. Now I run a camera every single time, no matter how simple the job looks. That extra ten minutes could save a house. What's your go-to method for finding those tiny, hard to see flaws?

2 comments

2 Comments

felix981d ago

Man, do I ever get that. Was it the shadow just past a bend that got you? I had a nearly identical scare on a ranch house job last year. My old mirror and flashlight routine seemed fine until I missed a thin split in the terra cotta. The homeowner lit their first fire of the season and we got a scary smoke backup. I bought a decent borescope the next week and it's part of the basic kit now. That peace of mind is worth every minute it adds to the job.

patricianguyen1d ago

Oh man, my friend had a similar wake-up call! @felix98, your story about the smoke backup reminds me of when he missed a huge bird's nest because his light died at the worst time. He swears by his borescope now too, says it's the only way to really sleep at night after an inspection.