How to Reline a Chimney Flue

In this video, chimney expert Mark Schaub renovates an old, unsafe chimney with an easy-to-install stainless steel liner.

Steps for Replacing a Chimney Flue Liner

1. Apply heat-resistant masonry adhesive to the top edge of the fireplace flue.
2. Set the stainless steel cap into the wet adhesive at top of the fireplace flue.
3. If the water heater flue is the same height as the fireplace flue, extend it with a 12 to 16-inch-tall section of the clay flue tile. Adhere to the flue extension with heat-resistant masonry adhesive.
4. Drop a weighted rope down the water heater flue to an assistant in the basement.
5. From the roof, tie the rope end to the stainless steel chimney liner. Feed the liner down the flue.
6. Have the assistant pull the rope, and chimney liner, down the flue and into the basement.
7. Seal the chimney liner flashing to the flue extension with silicone sealant.
8. In the basement, trim the end of the chimney liner and connect it to the rigid-metal vent pipe coming from the water heater.