Cleaning a Stovepipe

Clean stovepipes regularly to reduce fire hazards.

Wood-burning stoves add charm to a home and save on heating bills. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning, is a must. As wood burns, it produces soot and creosote deposits in the stovepipe. These deposits reduce the efficiency of the stove and create a fire hazard. Excessive creosote deposits can ignite. A fire in your stovepipe or chimney may reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat this intense can warp the metal of the stovepipe and the fire could spread to the rest of your home.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight
• Dropcloth
• Ladder
• Wire chimney brush

Instructions

1. Place a dropcloth over the area where the connecting pipe leads from the stove to the roof. This is the section of the stovepipe inside the house. Remove the connecting pipe. The procedure for disconnecting connecting stovepipes varies depending on design, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Climb the ladder and remove the stovepipe from the roof, again following the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect each section of the pipe for corrosion and cracks, using a flashlight. If you find cracks, have them repaired. Cracks can allow sparks to escape, creating a fire hazard.

3. Pull a wire chimney brush through each pipe section to scrape away the creosote deposits. Repeat this step several times until all the creosote buildup is removed.

4. Reinstall the stovepipe sections and reconnect the connecting pipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a dust mask and goggles when cleaning a stovepipe to keep soot and dust away from your eyes and lungs. Wear old clothes and gloves because cleaning stovepipes is a messy job.

• Whenever possible, use seasoned wood in your stove. This will produce less creosote so you will not have to clean the stovepipe as often.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Cleaning Stovepipes and Chimneys
• National Ag Safety Database: Proper Installation, Operation and Maintenance of a Wood Stove