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Maintenance
Mendip stoves recommends that the Churchill, Loxton & Sqabox models need to have the ash removed from the stove at
regular intervals (weekly if used daily). Allowing the ash pan to over flow can impede the function of the stove and can
cause possible damage to the stove grate and ash pan. To remove ash pan use ash pan tool to hook under frontal loop on
front of ash pan drawer. Lift and pull out of firebox chamber. Take care to support ash pan during movement, always
wear a heat resistant glove. Make sure the stove is completely cold before cleaning out ash (embers can remain hot for
over 24 hours).
Ash must be stored in a non-combustible container and must not be mixed with other combustible waste.
Prolonged non use (summer)
If the stove is to be left unused for a prolonged period of time (e.g. over the summer) then it should be given a thorough
clean to remove ash and unburned fuel residues. To enable a good flow of air through the appliance to reduce
condensation and subsequent damage, leave the air controls fully open.
It is important that the flue connection, any appliance baffles or throat plates and the chimney are swept prior to lighting up
after a prolonged shutdown period.
Annual service
The inside of the stove should be serviced /cleaned once a year. To clean the inside, remove all ash, soot and tar residue
from the combustion chamber. Remove insulated chamber panels and baffle, dirt and soot will collect behind it and this
must be cleaned out. Check the quality of all insulated panels and replace any which are damaged or cracked, replace
stove door rope cord in the door. Check glass is correctly positioned.
The stove, the flue pipe connection and the chimney should be checked regularly by a qualified engineer. The chimney
should also be checked for blockages before relighting the stove if it has not been used for an extended period of time.
The paint/ lacquer can wear thin in exposed places due to overheating. This, and other lacquer damage, may be repaired
using Senotherm paint/lacquer spray available from your Mendip dealer. To clean the outside of the stove use a dry
cloth.
Sweeping your chimney
Ensure that your appliance, flue ways and chimney are swept regularly. This can be incorporated in the service regime of
your appliance. Regular sweeping is essential and means at least once a year for smokeless fuels and a minimum of
twice a year for bituminous coal, wood or any other non-authorised/smokey fuel. If a throat plate is incorporated, it is
essential that the throat plate is removed and cleaned above, all ash and debris should be removed. Ensure adequate
access to cleaning doors where it is not possible to sweep the chimney through the appliance.
Where a chimney has served an open fire installation previously it is possible that the higher flue gas temperature from a
closed appliance may loosen deposits that were previously firmly adhered, with the consequent risk of flue blockage.
It is therefore recommended that the chimney be swept a second time within a month of regular use after installation of the
stove.
Aerosols
Aerosols are flammable and therefore dangerous to use around a lit stove. Do not use aerosols sprays near your lit
stove. The use of any aerosol is dangerous and care must be take in handling aerosols.
Warning Note
Properly installed, operated and maintained this stove will not emit fumes into the dwelling. Occasional fumes from
de-ashing and re-fuelling may occur. However, persistent fume emission is potentially dangerous and must not be tolerat-
ed. If fume emission does persist, then the following immediate action should be taken:-
(a) Open doors and windows to ventilate the room and then leave the premises.
(b) Let the fire go out.
(c) Check for flue or chimney blockage and clean if required
(d) Do not attempt to relight the fire until the cause of the fume emission has been identified and corrected. If necessary
seek expert advice.
The most common cause of fume emission is flueway or chimney blockage. For your own safety these must be kept clean
at all times.
CO Alarm
Your installer should have fitted a CO alarm in the same room as the appliance. If the alarm sounds unexpectedly, follow
the instructions given under “Warning Note” above.
