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  1. Drifthopper Member

    joined: Apr 12, 2007
    82 posts
    Stove pipe elbows – regular vs. corrugated?

    I need to install new single wall flue pipe from the stove to the wall thimble.

    The existing black pipe from Tractor Supply rotted out in two seasons you can poke your finger thru it.
    I need a 90*elbow, 30” straight, and another 90* elbow and I’m looking at the corrugated elbows as opposed to the more common 3 section elbows.

    Is there any advantage (or dis-advantage) to the corrugated?

    I’m thinking that the corrugated would last longer.
    Any input…Greatly appreciated.
    #1

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  2. BrotherBart He Who Moderates

    joined: Nov 18, 2005
    21,911 posts
    Northern Virginia
    They not only last longer, they don't let air leak into them through the seams like the adjustable ones do.
  3. RustyShackleford Minister of Fire

    joined: Jan 6, 2009
    513 posts
    NC
    BrotherBart's answer seems to imply that there's no such thing as a
    non-corrugated non-adjustable elbow. Certainly not true ...

    You might want to check out www.elmerspipe.com. I THINK they are
    the only supplier of fixed single-wall elbows in angles smaller than 45
    (they have 15 and 30 degrees). Unfortunately, they do not have an
    "offset chart" (a table which tells you how much offset you get from
    two elbows and a given length of pipe in between). Never mind on
    that, just realized you are using 90-degree elbows only.

    The other cool thing is, you can talk to Elmer directly: that's right, the
    telephone is answered by a lady who can put you directly in touch
    with the owner of the company and supevisor of the fabricating.
    They will make you custom length pipe for NO extra charge. And
    it sounds like they will fabricate you ANYTHING you want.

    I am in the process of redoing my BK connector with their pipe,
    and I expect to be very pleased when all is done.
  4. BrotherBart He Who Moderates

    joined: Nov 18, 2005
    21,911 posts
    Northern Virginia
    Only answered that way because he said "regular" and the ones you find everywhere locally are usually the adjustable. You don't have to go to Elmer's for fixed 15, 30, 45 and 90 degree single wall elbows. Every pipe maker I know of makes them. I have a stainless Olympia 30' in my system. Double wall is a different story but if he was talking about double wall he wouldn't have been contemplating the corrugated one.
  5. RustyShackleford Minister of Fire

    joined: Jan 6, 2009
    513 posts
    NC
    Hmm, the main alternatives I looked at were Simpson and Selkirk.
    The Simpson DuraBlack catalog that I have only shows 45 and 90.
    It's hard to tell with the Selkirk, because they're so squirrelly about
    the names of the product lines, but it doesn't seem like it.

    Oh well, I like the Elmer's, but it ain't cheap.
  6. BrotherBart He Who Moderates

    joined: Nov 18, 2005
    21,911 posts
    Northern Virginia
    Simpson may not make the 15 and 30 anymore. I know they still make a 90 in the Dura Black. I will have to check tomorrow. It has been four or five years since I was pipe shopping. I know that Olympia and a few other brands have the short angles because I ordered one last year for a friend.
  7. summit Minister of Fire

    joined: Aug 22, 2008
    1,901 posts
    central maine
    glad you checked them out, sounds like a convert to Elmer's! They do make really nice pipe. It's expensive, but it is the best single wall pipe money can buy.. and chimney liners, too!
  8. RustyShackleford Minister of Fire

    joined: Jan 6, 2009
    513 posts
    NC
    I just wish they would put an offset chart in their catalog. With all the diameters they
    make, and then the 15/30/45/90 elbows, it'd be a lot of data. But still ...
  9. northernontario Member

    joined: Sep 28, 2010
    118 posts
    Ontario
    (reviving from the dead... to continue the discussion on pipe elbows)

    Yes, 45° and 90° exist in adjustable and non-adjustable forms... the "slip ring" style , except the non-adjustable has had it's connections made much tighter (not sure if they're crimped any further... or just assembled more tightly). There is also the corrugated non-adjustable style. One continuous length of pipe.

    The two 45° elbows makes a long-radius 90°, which has less resistance to flow. But it also introduces more seams that can leak.

    So I'm curious, has there been any lab testing on pipe elbows showing pipe flow losses? Are the non-adjustable seamed elbows more tightly sealed than the adjustable seamed elbows? Do the ribs on the corrugated elbows restrict flow?

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