How to Hook Pipe to a Wood Stove

A wood stove's pipe may need to be replaced if it is rusted.

Hook a stove pipe to a wood stove during initial installation or when the pipe has rusted and needs to be replaced. For a new stove installation, make sure that the stove clearances on the sides, back and bottom meet local building codes and reduce risk of fire. The wood stove should be located as close as possible, within building code measurements, to the chimney for the shortest lateral length of stovepipe to provide the best draft.

Things You'll Need

• Stovepipe
• Scrub brush
• Water
• Drill
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• Drill bit with screwdriver head for the sheet metal screws or a screwdriver
• 1/8-inch sheet metal screws
• Furnace cement
• Small trowel
• Fabric or leather gloves
• Safety glasses or goggles

Instructions

1. Select stovepipe that is 24 gauge. Twenty-four gauge is the thinnest allowable by most local building codes. A gauge number that is lower than 24 indicates a heavier grade of metal.

2. Choose the proper sized pipe for your wood stove by measuring the exhaust opening, the large round hole that opens to the firebox, on the top, back or sides of the wood stove. The opening will be either 6 or 8 inches across at the widest point. All stove pipe must be installed horizontal or vertical so the smoke will rise away from the stove to the chimney in the shortest span possible.

3. Clean the exhaust hole on the stove with a scrub brush and water for secure adherence of the furnace cement.

4. Align the pipe to the exhaust hole in the wood stove. This may be on the top, back or side depending on the wood stove. The exhaust hole is 6 to 8 inches across at the widest point and opens into the firebox.

5. Push the crimped end of the pipe into the opening on the wood stove.

6. Locate the collar on the wood stove exhaust opening. It has three to four predrilled holes. Insert the 1/8-inch drill bit into the drill. Place the drill bit into each of the holes in the collar with the stove pipe in place to drill the holes for the sheet metal screws through the stove pipe. Do not allow the pipe to shift between drilling each hole.

7. Screw the sheet metal screws into the holes in both the collar on the wood stove and the stovepipe until they are tight using a drill with the appropriate bit or a screwdriver.

8. Push furnace cement into the joint with a small trowel. Scrape off excess with a trowel and discard.

Tips & Warnings

• Male ends always face the stove. This is done so creosote and moisture will run into the stove and burn off. Smoke will not escape the connections if there is proper drafting. If there is smoke released while the stove is cold, such as when starting the stove, use additional furnace cement between the pipes to prevent this initial release of smoke into the room.

• Stove pipe should never be more than 10 feet in total length from the stove to the chimney according to most building codes.

• Wear gloves when handling stove pipe. The edges are very sharp and can cut skin easily.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles while working with power tools.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Wood Stoves and Their Installations
• Woodstock Soapstone Company: Guide to Installing Stove Connector Pipe
• Hearth: The Basics on Installing a Wood Burning Stove