question about tape and caulk used for pipe joints

[datgrl]

Hello,

I've had my Breckwell BigE for 3 years. I use it to heat the basement when I'm down there and it works well.
After I had it cleaned this year, I noticed that the tape and caulk that was used to seal the pipe joints has
faded from black to a gray, and it seems brittle. Is this cause for concern or just normal age? Should the
pipe joints be re-sealed every year? My manual doesn't discuss it and a cursory look arouond the net
doesn't bring any results.


Thanks,

datgrl in Bmore

 

[Gooserider]

Not a pellethead, but since nobody else has tackled it... Don't hold me to it, but I would tend to say that if there don't appear to be any leaks from the joint, it probably isn't a big concern. If you seriously disturb or take a joint apart for any reason, then it should be re-sealed with fresh material - I believe it is high temp silicone, and some sort of special high temp tape. Otherwise if it isn't leaking don't worry about it.

(If I'm wrong, this will bump things back to the top and I hope someone will correct me... :coolhmm: )

Gooserider

 

[datgrl]

O.k, that makes sense. I would think that pipe for wood stoves and pellet stoves would be similar.
Thanks for your help!

 

[elkimmeg]

Your common HVAC tape adhesive will not do the job it will melt out an be useless The tape that should be used is 500 degree HVAC tape found in HVAC suppliers

the Caulking that also can be used is RTV which had a 500 degree heat range this can be found in many hardware stores

If your tpe is showing age it may be time to reseal the joints However isf the stove is running ok it is not a rush have to do it yesterday deal you may be able to get it past the heating season and do it in the spring

 

[datgrl]

O.k, thanks for the additional info. I appreciate your help.

 

[Gooserider]

O.k, that makes sense. I would think that pipe for wood stoves and pellet stoves would be similar.
Thanks for your help!

Your welcome, no problem at all... As a side note, wood stoves and pellet stoves are VERY different animals - what works on one mostly won't work on the other - Pellet stoves run much cooler, and have interlocks that prevent overfiring - the stuff you use for pellet stoves would melt on a wood stove pipe. Your clearances on the piping are also way less than ours. If you ran most pellet installs at the temps a wood stove can reach you'd be getting visited by a bunch of guys with big red trucks and rubber suits...

OTOH, a woodstove exhaust essentially runs on suction from the natural draft, while a pellet stove has a positve pressurized exhaust, so you have to work much harder on sealing all your pipes than the cordwood people do.

Lots of other differences, like pipe materials and construction, clearances etc. but this is some of the high points...

Gooserider