24
TROUBLESHOOTING
An existing factory-built metal chimney needs a careful
inspection. Your new cookstove should be connected only
to factory-built chimneys approved to ULC Standard S629
in Canada and UL 103HT in the U.S. Possible problems
with an older metal chimney can include a warped or buck-
led liner caused by the heat of a chimney fire, corrosion
of the outer shell, a loose flashing, and a lack of proper
support. Any discoloration of the metal shell near a joint
indicates that the insulation has settled. A damaged metal
chimney should be replaced with a new approved chimney
which will be safer and will perform better.
Safety Practices
What To Do If You Have a Chimney Fire:
1) Close all the combustion air dampers on the appliance.
2) Call the fire department immediately.
3) Get everyone out of the house in case the fire spreads.
4) Go outside and check to see that hot ashes do not ignite
shingles.
5) Watch anything near the chimney that could catch fire
and burn.
6) After the fire has run its course and the chimney has
cooled, have the chimney thoroughly inspected to
determine if it sustained any damage.
7) Resolve to inspect and clean the chimney more often to
prevent another chimney fire.
Flue Pipes
Flue pipes carry the exhaust gases from the appliance flue
collar to the chimney. The flue pipe assembly is an ex
-
tremely important part of a woodburning systems and
should be carefully planned and installed.
Here is a checklist to follow when installing or checking a
flue pipe assembly. It is based on the requirements found
in the Canadian Standards Association’s Installation Code
for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment (Standard
B365).
1) Single-wall flue pipe assemblies must not exceed 3 me-
ters (10’ ) in overall length.
2) The assembly should be as short and direct as possible.
3) A single-wall flue pipe assembly must have no more than
two 90 degree elbows; use 45 degree elbow, wherever
possible.
4) Do not use galvanized flue pipe because the coating can
vaporize at high temperatures, emitting poisonous gases
and leaving the pipe thin and weak.
5) Flue pipes for woodburning appliances need to be
thicker than those used for other fire-burning appliances;
24 gauge for 150 mm (6") .
6) Joints between pipes should overlap at least 30mm
(1
1
⁄
4
").
7) Each joint should be secured with three sheet metal
screws.
8) The assembly should be constructed to allow for
expansion. Elbows in an assembly allow it to expand;
straight flue pipe assemblies should have one section left
unscrewed and secured with an inspection wrap
clamped around the joint.
9) The pipes should slope up towards the chimney at least
20 mm/meter (
1
⁄
4
in/ft).
10) One end of the flue pipe assembly must be securely
fastened to the flue collar of the appliance and the other
end fastened to the chimney.
11) There must be provision for the cleaning and inspection
of the pipes by removal of the pipe. The removal of the
pipes should not require moving the appliance.
12) The crimped ends of the pipes should point towards the
appliance so that condensation drains to the appliance
and does not leak out.
13) A flue pipe must never pass through a combustible floor
or ceiling, or through a concealed attic, roof space, or
closet.
Flue pipe assemblies should be stable and secure. To
check the stability of a flue pipe assembly, grasp it at its
mid-point and give it a good shake. If it is properly con-
structed, it will have little or no movement.