Stovepipe reducer problem -- Rain getting in help!

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Cimmy777

New Member
Sep 9, 2015
6
Anchorage
[Hearth.com] Stovepipe reducer problem -- Rain getting in help!

Help! I paid a local Anchorage company (Alaska Chimney Sweep) to install my new fireplace insert because Allstate told me it had to be professionally done to be covered. After paying $900+, the installer told me she would get her "sheet metal guy" to fab a part to cover the old stove pipe hole. Long story short the company went out of business and I am being ignored. The old pipe is 16" and the new one is 6". I was hoping to find a reducer, but nobody makes one that size. Any ideas on what I could do to cover this hole? I would think it needs to be on an incline to shed water. Thanks for any help.
 
I have to ask if they used stainless steep pipe for the liner or black stove pipe?
 
You will need an additional piece of stainless sheet to cover the larger pipe completely.
Zip screws & a hand seamer (or a small bending brake) & some silicone & you should be all set...
No No No you absolutely need to maintain the airflow iin that outer layer. That is what keeps you chimney cool and there for safe. What was done inside? If they did not maintain airflow there also is could be extremely dangerous.
 
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Like was mentioned above, that's air cooled pipe. You must maintain air circulation to be safe. Do you have your old cap by chance? I hope?
The old cap can be modified in such a way that the cooling air can still function. The base of the old cap is exactly what you need, it's the reducer you are looking for.

It sure looks like plain old black stove pipe rather than an insulated liner in there to me. Can you post a pic of the inside work?
 
It sure looks like plain old black stove pipe rather than an insulated liner in there to me.
yes I agree it doesn't look right
 
please call the installer and get your money back, this is a total hack job, that black pipe will rot out in 5-7 years flat, you should have been quoted a total rip out of the existing metal chimney, then a new class a 6" all fuel install with a new through the roof kit, this is unacceptable.
Also, not trying to through sand in a wound, but I take it the fireplace is a zero clearance unit, is that zero clearance unit rated to hold an insert? *This could be a major safety issue.
 
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So here's the deal. Its an Osborn 2400 unit, and it fits inside the old zc fireplace. I was told by two local fireplace manufacturer's that's not a problem. The stove has a 6" port that routes directly into the middle pipe seen. The interior pipe is stainless single-wall pipe. Why would airflow be needed for the outer pipes when they are just a surround and not actually connected? Like I said the company is out of business so I could pursue a lawsuit but thays the only route sadly
 
Why would airflow be needed for the outer pipes when they are just a surround and not actually connected?
Because that air flow is needed to cool the chimney and keep the outside of that outer pipe's temperatures to a safe level. With out that air flow it could potentially get hot enough to ignite adjacent combustible materials. It is very dangerous to close off that air flow.

So here's the deal. Its an Osborn 2400 unit, and it fits inside the old zc fireplace. I was told by two local fireplace manufacturer's that's not a problem.
Well I just read through the osburn manual and it says it can only be installed in a masonry fireplace. And then there is the zc fireplace which probably does not allow for an insert to be installed in it either because very few do. So who ever told you it was fine didn't bother to read any of the instructions. It is not code compliant and is very possibly unsafe. Did they atleast leave the air vents in the old fireplace exposed to allow for air flow there? If not that is another huge safety risk.
 
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:(:mad:
Cimmy, first of all welcome. Sadly it sounds like you have dealt with a flakey dealer that sold you an insert that should not have gone into the ZC fireplace. I'm very sorry that you are having to go through this mess. The installer didn't know what he was doing. If this is who sold the stove to you also, then it seems like a claim against him may be warranted. Do you know what brand/model your fireplace is? Some can accept an insert of the same brand. Regardless, it seems like it may be necessary to start over.
 
I concur with all of the above. A real hack job and no wonder she is out of business. And that ain't stainless pipe sticking out of the top of that chimney. Plain old stove connector pipe.
 
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