Double Wall Chimney Issue

[tenn_miata]

I've got a Vermont Castings catylitic stove connected to about a 20' run of stainless double wall. Specifically, GSW Super Chimney 2100 Max and is almost 17 years old. I noticed a rust hole on the outer liner (see pic). I think my problem may have started when I replaced my gutters with larger gutters which forced me to cut a slot in the new gutter's front edge so it wouldn't interfere with the chimney (gutter installers had tilted the chimney back which I didn't think was a good idea). I noticed after this that I occasionally had some water running down outside of the chimney. I had assumed that since it was stainless this would not be problem - I guess I was wrong. So, anyway, I have a couple of questions:

* First is it safe to continue burning my stove until I can get this fixed. I sweep my flue every year and burn only seasoned wood, so I think the risk of chimney fire is low. I've burned it once and noted no smoke or excessive heat at the hole - the whole piece gets about as warm as some other sections of the chimney. But, I'm worried that the inner liner may be rusted like the outer.

* Second, should I be thinking in terms of replacing the entire chimney or just the piece that is rusted? I figured that I would disassemble the chimney and inspect each piece, replacing any that showed rust. However, doing a quick search on the product line I found several articles about trademark infringement. Are they still in business? Do they go by another name? Would another brand be physically compatible?

Any advice appreciated, thanks.

 

[webby3650]

That's pretty strange. I'd also be concerned with the integrity of the rest of the system.

 

[Woody Stover]

That's pretty strange. I'd also be concerned with the integrity of the rest of the system

That doesn't look like any stainless I've ever seen. I would replace it all with Class A chimney but it wouldn't be cheap, of course. Actually, I would probably go through the roof in the center of the house if I could, for a better-performing system in warmer weather, which you have a lot of down there...

 

[bholler]

I would say the whole chimney needs replaced. I have seen chimneys that looked like that but only of coal stoves. Not sure what would cause it on a wood stove. Or that quickly.

 

[tenn_miata]

The piece that is rusting is the first piece right below a 30 degree elbow. What I think is happening is that water is running down the angled section and somehow getting into that piece and collecting inside of it....but, yeah, even so stainless should hold up better than that. It's probably not a very good grade of stainless....and obviously not sealed very well.

My intention is to burn it gingerly until I'm off at Christmas and replace it then. I don't think I can let it go until spring...

 

[xman23]

Any issue with the chimney needs to be evaluated ASAP. Have you located a source for the parts? If you take it apart you will need to replace that piece or two. Its outside the house, so It maybe safe to use. I would look at it with the stove running.

 

[bholler]

My intention is to burn it gingerly until I'm off at Christmas and replace it then. I don't think I can let it go until spring...

What exactly is "burning gingerly"? If you are going to burn it low you are risking creosote buildup which could cause a fire and if you burn it hot to avoid that you may heat up that aea where the insulation has gotten wet and is compromised.

 

[firefighterjake]

Me personally . . . I would take the time and money to replace something that could potentially be a serious danger to me and my family.

 

[T-roy_]

Could you swap sections of chimney and leave that section out until you replace it?

 

[T-roy_]

Assuming the other sections are sound...

 

[tenn_miata]

Thanks All. Great idea T-Roy. There is another same length section at the top of my stack that should work nicely. I'll take it apart this weekend, giving me a chance to inspect each piece. If everything looks ok, except for the piece with a hole, I'll put it back together with the bad piece at the top. This will give me some time to research replacements and price shop....in the mean time, I'm checking the chimney frequently and letting the fire die out before bed-time