DIY Network

Flue Symptoms Rick Yeager searches a home to find the source of a mysterious scratching behind the walls. From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-106

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Most of the aboveground work has been completed; now the crew heads down into the basement to install a fire stop. Then the drywall will be replaced and painted, and the repairs will be finished.

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In the Basement

Materials:

fire stop
flue pipes (twist lock fitting, double wall insulation)
flue pipe Y connector
metal straps
cordless drill

1. In the basement, a fire stop is required at the ceiling and floor lines. In case of fire, the stop will prevent the fire from spreading into the wall cavity. Install fire stop sheet metal to close off the opening around the flue completely (figure L).

2. To vent the water heater and furnace properly, a directional, or Y, connection is needed. The new pipes and connectors should have double-wall insulation (figure M).

Note: Use twist-lock pipe fittings to make the job easier.

Figure L

Figure M

3. The connection from the water heater to the new flue should have a 12" rise from the water heater and connect at a 90-degree angle to ensure proper ventilation (figure N).

4. To relieve some of the weight from the pipes, install metal straps at the elbows for support (figure O) (figure P).

Figure N

Figure O

Figure P

Replacing Drywall

Materials:

tape measure
utility knife
cordless drill
screws
drywall sheets
drywall mud
drywall tape
fine-grit sandpaper
paint and paintbrush

1. Measure the narrowest section between the two drywall sides. This will be the reference point for cutting the drywall (figure Q).

Note: When cutting drywall, cut a little bit wider than the measurement; you can always shave it down.

2. Use a utility knife to score the paper carefully. Apply pressure by hitting in the middle of the score; the drywall should easily break in half. Finish the cut by running a knife down the paper to separate the pieces (figure R) (figure S).

Figure Q

Figure R

Figure S

3. Position the drywall in place and secure with screws (figure T).

4. With the drywall patch in place, apply an ample amount of drywall mud, making sure to fill in the creases (figure U).

Figure T

Figure U

5. Apply drywall tape over the seams and cover with another layer of mud. Allow this layer to dry (figure V).

6. Once the mud is dry, sand down the first layer, add another coat of mud and allow to dry. Repeat this step as needed (figure W).

Figure V

Figure W

7. Paint the patch to match the wall color.

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