Wood Stove Pipes

For your wood stove, one of the most important features is the wood stove pipe. Installing a wood stove pipe requires some specifications that should be followed carefully. This will allow your stove to function optimally and safely.

Wood stove pipe installation should be undertaken carefully. Wood stove pipes are designed to connect the woodstove to the chimney. Most often, your wood burning stove pipe will be painted with high temperature black paint, though some companies will make the wood stove vent pipe out of porcelain enamel like the stove. In most cases, the pipe for venting the wood stove has to be kept a minimum of 18 inches from anything combustible like the wall, ceiling or furniture. You can reduce this by installing a heat shield on your wood stove chimney pipe or by protecting the combustible surface. You can also purchase a close-clearance stovepipe for tighter places. For many wood stove pipes, an exhaust fan is needed to maintain your wood stove at a proper temperature.

For your outdoor wood stove, the pipe and accessories may be different. Some pipe styles are not acceptable for use outdoors, so make sure that your pipe meets outdoor specifications. Your wood stove pipe might also need a rain cap to prevent water and debris from falling down into the stove. You will also want to look into local zoning rules to make sure that you can install an outdoor wood stove in your area – some places have banned them for fear that they are an environmental hazard.

When purchasing your wood stove pipe, you should shop carefully to make sure that all of your parts will fit together. For instance, if you have a Hardy wood stove, you will want a Hardy wood stove pipe – and Empire wood stove pipe may not meet the requirements or fit properly. Also pay attention to the shape and size of pipe needed; even with the same company parts for different stoves can vary. For instance, if you need an oval pipe for your wood stove, a round one is not going to fit the bill.

As with all parts of your wood stove, the pipes should be checked frequently for wear and tear and repaired as needed. Whenever operating your wood stove, particularly an indoor one, you should be sure to follow basic safety protocols. Make sure that the smoke and CO2 detectors in your home are working properly, and keep a fire extinguisher within easy access in case of a fire.