Does this flue look normal?

[Justin Passing]

I put my head through my aunt's loft hatch and noticed that the boiler flue looks a bit like it's been leaking water.
It must be 20 - 25 years old.
It was tested with a smoke bomb when the service was done. No comments were made so that was presumably OK.
No water seems to be making it down to the ceiling or boiler.
The boiler says Potterton Kingfisher Mf cf L 70

What do you think, is this sort of minor leak anything to worry about?

I tried to upload images but it isn't working - I'll try again later.
The joints have white crusts in places, and a run mark down the side..

 

[Justin Passing]

pics added

 

[Mr Smyth]

I would get this checked by a Gas Safe Engineer as soon as possible and advise that you do not use that appliance until then.

Could just be some water that has its way in or moisture condensing in the flue.

Could also be leaking POC's/Fumes into the loft space.

Personally I check the rooms above and the loft when I test a flue but I realise that many do not.

Plenty of comments like 'Oh nobody has ever checked up there before' and plenty of leaking flues.

Hope this helps

 

[simond]

It looks like there has been water leaking into the flue.

Most likely cause is cracked or damaged ridge tile vent.

Could be worth borrowing some binoculars. If the ridge tile vent is cracked, it could drop and block the flue, with potentially lethal consequences.

 

[Justin Passing]

I thought it looked ok ?


I wondered about condensation, like car exhausts.
So you're saying they don't normally have signs of water leaks from the joints?

 

[simond]

If you are happy that the flue tile is undamaged - on both sides - then you could have condensation occurring in the flue.

If it is very cold in the roof it is possible that the combustion products could condense causing the white staining.

But the level of corrosion and any consequential impact on safety is a call that has to be made by an RGI on site. I'm not willing to give you any kind of assurance over an internet forum.

Your post implies that there is no water/condense leaking into the boiler and no water leaking through the roof ridge tile. Fact is, it is going to be one or the other.

 

[oph]

Looking at that pic it does seem to be originated from the last highest joint which is the ridge tile adaptor. Re the condensation, if the flue is too or not lagged as some flues are of this ilk then it wont draw as well.

Its one of those situations like the other lads say, get someone in.....