Ash door?

[FatttFire]

I have an inside massonary chimney clay lined! Build in the 70's and works great the draft I get is the best! In the bottom of the chimney is an ash clean out! It consists on a 4" hole in the block, with a soup can stick in the hole! Yes a soup can, and yes it is empty! Should I replace it with a ash clean out door? Is this door air tight? Does it need to be? Can I do this myself?

 

[Adios Pantalones]

Is that Elaine Bennis?! I don't know!

Do you need the ash cleanout door? If using a woodstove- I wouldn't bother. Soup can has personality.

 

[blackgooseJT]

if what you describe is a clean-out for your stove flue, by all means keep it. it should be fitted with an airtight door placed high enough on the chase to provide a pit for accumulated debris.I've found the best to be Ahrens cast concrete with a 'lift-out" solid and gasketed door. I have no idea of your skills, but it ain't brain surgery. If you feel confident cutting masonry and mixing mortar you'll be okay. If not, skip the learning curve and get a pro to do it.

blackgooseJT