Posted: 2/11/2011 8:15:24 AM EDT
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Related to the current thread on chimney fires, but I didn't want to get off topic.
I burn a cast iron wood stove, installed with good quality multi wall pipe in the early 80's. I burn one to two cords a year and I'm pretty cautious about cleaning and overfiring, etc. Is there a reasonable expectation of how long this pipe is safe to use? I clean and inspect regularly and can't see any evidence of damage inside. |
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all the the multi walled stuff i'v seen is stainless steal, if thats the case it should darn near out last the house.
if its normal sheat metal, it will rust out eventualy, but the time frame would depend on alot of things, how seasoned your wood is how much water can get into the chimny from out side. |
| It also depends on how dry the wood is that you are burning if its wet there will be alot more creosote build-up. i clean mine once a year just to be safe and if i feel like its getting really bad ill have someone come out and clean it for me. and our place was built in 79 and still retains all the original stove and chimney pipes |
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Good replies. In the back of my mind I'm thinking I ought to replace the pipe while I am able to obtain and afford it because the stove is not a luxury. On the other hand, it is good pipe and still looks fine inside.
This stove is also equipped with a catalyst, which would seem to help. |
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Quoted:
Good replies. In the back of my mind I'm thinking I ought to replace the pipe while I am able to obtain and afford it because the stove is not a luxury. On the other hand, it is good pipe and still looks fine inside. This stove is also equipped with a catalyst, which would seem to help. If it is stainless it should be fine unless it has been damaged by repeated overfiring, chimney fires, or burning corrosive/non-wood stuff in it. (Think plywood and the resins in it, treated lumber, etc.) However, at the length you have used it for, I would want to have a pro come check it out and inspect it with a camera. |
| I assume you are talking about the double wall, insulated pipe. If so, there are several kinds and some were a real flop. The Metalbestos brand has held up well, but there was one brand from Canada that was terrible. Give yours a healthy close look and go from there. |