Clean out T sealed?

[cristiansmom]

In my original pellet stove install they used a clean out T. Every few times when I was cleaning the stove I would just twist it off and empty it out. Two years ago we had our new Harmon pellet stove installed. The first year there was a slight smoky smell but we only used it for a month before the end of the season. This year at startup if the season the smoky smell was pretty bad so they came and they sealed up all our exhaust pipes including the T ( silicone all around it so I can't remove it).. Don't I need to empty that? Every time I did before there was quite a bit of ash in there so I'm assuming yes... So how do I get this silicone off so that I can empty this T again???

Debi

 

[rickwai]

Did they apply it to the outside of the seam or apply it to the gap and the put cap on and twist lock? If just on the outside it should open with a little effort. They make a silicone tape that is removable. Yes you want access to the clean out. That is why it is there.

 

[cristiansmom]

Did they apply it to the outside of the seam or apply it to the gap and the put cap on and twist lock? If just on the outside it should open with a little effort. They make a silicone tape that is removable. Yes you want access to the clean out. That is why it is there.

It's on seam! It's like they just slapped it all around it! I need to get it off but I have no clue how.

 

[SciGuy]

If it's just on the outside of the seam, I'd use a screw driver or other sharpish instrument to dig under the silicone in one spot to detach a big enough piece to pull on as you cut underneath while applying some pull to the detached end. As Rick said, they make silicone tape that would be handy to use for future sealing operations. Good luck.

Hugh

 

[tlc1976]

I’ve used an oil filter wrench to remove a stuck cap. That is if it won’t move after removing the silicone.

 

[SciGuy]

I’ve used an oil filter wrench to remove a stuck cap. That is if it won’t move after removing the silicone.

Great idea. I've noticed that clean out caps become more and more difficult to unscrew the older they are .........or perhaps it's the older I am

 

[tlc1976]

Great idea. I've noticed that clean out caps become more and more difficult to unscrew the older they are .........or perhaps it's the older I am

My cap is outside. First time I tried to remove it, it was horribly stuck. Had to use the filter wrench. After that I keep a little -40f to 450f silicone grease smeared on the contact surface, and never had a problem since.

But with the cap in the house, you need a good seal first. Any grease on the outside would probably stop any sealing tape from sticking.

 

[mtnbiker727]

I use Sharkbite brand silicone pipe wrap on my T, so I can get take it apart without much effort. The wrap is really stretchy and bonds to itself chemically. I found it in the plumbing section at Lowes.

 

[rickwai]

I use Sharkbite brand silicone pipe wrap on my T, so I can get take it apart without much effort. The wrap is really stretchy and bonds to itself chemically. I found it in the plumbing section at Lowes.

Can it be reused or do you need a new piece each time?

 

[SciGuy]

Rick,

You'll need to use a new piece as the silicone "welds" itself to itself. It does not stick to the pipe but is stretchy and once you've wrapped it back around on itself makes a tight seal that will be easy to undo in the future. Amazon sells 36' for $14.24. It's supposed to be good to 500*F. Amazon product

 

[rickwai]

Rick,

You'll need to use a new piece as the silicone "welds" itself to itself. It does not stick to the pipe but is stretchy and once you've wrapped it back around on itself makes a tight seal that will be easy to undo in the future. Amazon sells 36' for $14.24. It's supposed to be good to 500*F. Amazon product

THX!

 

[mtnbiker727]

Can it be reused or do you need a new piece each time?

I cut it to get it off, and a couple times I was successful at stretching it farther and having it reweld itself. But other times I couldn't get it to do that.

 

[HearhFlame]

Can you post a screenshot of the tape from Amazon. Having hard time figuring out which one it is

 

[HearhFlame]

My cap is outside. First time I tried to remove it, it was horribly stuck. Had to use the filter wrench. After that I keep a little -40f to 450f silicone grease smeared on the contact surface, and never had a problem since.

But with the cap in the house, you need a good seal first. Any grease on the outside would probably stop any sealing tape from sticking.

What is the name/brand of that silicone grease?
Also, are there any contraindications for using the silicone tape instead of rtv silicone on the adapter to stove. That would make it easy to take it apart and pull the stove away from the horizontal pipe without having have to disrupt the silicone seal at the thimble

 

[tlc1976]

I’ve never used the silicone tape so I don’t know. But here is the grease I use. Works great for cars, appliance repair, lots of things. I get it by the tube at Ace Hardware.

Super Lube® Silicone Lubricating Grease with Syncolon® (PTFE)

Super Lube® Silicone Lubricating Grease with Syncolon® (PTFE) is NLGI Grade 2 and has a wider operating range than petroleum-based lubricants; -40°F to 500°F (-40°C to 260°C). It has excellent water protection and it is a moisture barrier.

www.super-lube.com