wood in a fireplace converted to gas logs

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clarkaim

New Member
Hearth Supporter
Nov 15, 2006
2
Ok, I have 2 masonry fireplaces, one of which had this gas log burning assembley installed over the ash pit lid (it's secured in some way, probably have to unbolt at some point. I removed the rock logs and there is this pipe like thing on the end of the gas line and is attached to this tray like thingy full of little rocks of some sort. Now I want to burn wood in this thing. (in fact, have a fire going in it now, used the gas to get the wood started then turned it off. Do I need to remove the line/pipe/grate thing to do this safely, or can I leave it in to start my fires? My other place is just a straight wood burning fireplace. Is my house going to blow up? Is the assembly something I can remove myself or do I need a professional?
 
Is there a T handle shut off outside of the fire box? I once had an old fireplace with gas logs and removed the logs and keep the burner, with a grate placed over it. Used it to start a fire but after awhile it became soclogged with ash it was worthless. If you want it out and you have the shut off turn it off, remove the burner and plug the end of the pipe anddont turn it back on.
 
yeah, has a T handle to turn off the gas. Is it safe to burn wood in it or can the heat from the wood coals conduct down the gas line past the valve and ignite the house up oranything? I probably will take it out pretty soon (time concerns, want to burn wood now) if for no other reason than to get to the ash pit. My family just bought this house in the late spring and now want to burn wood. Heck, that is a deal breaker on every house I've owned is whether it is capable of burning wood in the fireplace. I really want to know if it's safe in teh meantime? thanks for the reply by the way.
 
Turn the gas off ( T handle ) remove the pipe into the fireplace,Plug with black pipe, make sure ther is no leaks (soapy water in a spray bottle ) fill the hole with refactory cement or other hi temp sealant and fire away. Gas inside a pipe cant burn ( no oxygen ) so dont worry.
 
If your house hasn't exploded, remove the gas line. I had the same situation in my house when I bought it. Gas logs in fireplace. The ceramic logs had been removed and the gas line remained. It hadn't been burned but the previous owners swore it was fine to burn wood in there. The gas shutoff for mine was actually located IN the firebox. I had a plumber come in and remove the entire gas line and disconnect it on the other end of the house. Better safe than sorry is my thought on that one.
 
Personally, I would remove the gas line and have it capped as far away from the FP as possible.

Dito what craig said do not fool around with gas get it professionally removed completely and as far away from that fire box as possible. Patch that hole filling it completely, pushing in the cement/ mortat all the way in
 
I had the same case. Gas line through the ash dump, but in my case it was a ventless gas fireplace. The fireplace was probably never used for wood. It turned out the flue was blocked with tons of debris and racoon nests, was unlined and the mortar was bad in the attic. Thanks god I never tried to burn wood in there before I had it cleaned and a liner placed in there. You might want to check the flue.

B
 
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