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A gas leak was detected in the shutoff valve, so they sealed the valve shut and obviously damaged my fireplace in the process. From what I understand, even though I can’t use gas to start the fire, I can still use the fireplace if I lighted up with a lighter. Not 100% sure on that though - maybe someone can chime in on the accuracy?
I don’t really like the look of it, neither do I use it since I live in Arizona. What would be the best way to fix this fireplace? Fix the bricks and keep it? Or pay somebody to remove the bricks, do the drywall and fix the flooring? I might rent this house at some point, so I’m looking to minimize costs and liability, aside from the aesthetics.
There is no crawlspace in Arizona. Fixing the valve will be a major headache: the City comes out, turns off the gas, the repair is being done, the city comes out again to check the work, then I apply for a permit (I'm not joking), THEN they turn it back on. Estimated cost: $1500.
If you are concerned about costs, then the easiest thing to do would be to glue the bricks back into place, and disconnect it, so it can't be used. You can always put electric fake fire lights in it, or candles.
If you remove it, it will cost a lot not only in removing it, but in the drywall, painting, and the flooring - you'd probably need all new flooring in that room.
So, if it was me, I'd make the fireplace look nice, and turn it into a non-burning decorative item that was a bonus - with some fake electric fire logs, etc.
Fixing the valve will be a major headache: the City comes out, turns off the gas, the repair is being done, the city comes out again to check the work, then I apply for a permit (I'm not joking), THEN they turn it back on. Estimated cost: $1500.
...versus removing the fireplace completely? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeassseeeeeee!
$1500 sounds way high. Cost of materials would be a replacement valve, mortar to reset bricks, paint (looks like bricks are painted) and the correct pipe dope or tape.
Hard to imagine it will take more than a couple hours.
Alternately, find where the gas line tees off to go to the fireplace (by code this should not be under the slab, I believe; probably in the attic) and cut the line and cap there; reset the bricks, and now you have a non-gas fireplace.
However you do it, I would solicit multiple quotes.
...versus removing the fireplace completely? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeassseeeeeee!
Yeah, just sealing up at the roof will cost more. And all the gas line work will still have to be done.
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