SS Direct Vent Pipe Pin Holes Advice Needed

traderfjp · Post by **traderfjp** » Sun. Jul. 06, 2008 6:49 pm

This is the 2nd year in a row that I have tiny pin holes on my direct vent pipe. This is the OEM pipe that comes with the direct vent setup for an Alaska Channing 3 stove. The pipe seems very thin. There are maybe 5 pin holes. Last year I had many more. I was thinking of just taping the whole pipe with a thick aluminum pipe. I can buy a doubled wall pipe but I'm not sure if I can bend it like the thinner pipe I have now. Am I getting pin holes because I didn't clean out the pipe as soon as I shut it off? Does anyone have a source for direct vent piping?

sparky 1186 · Post by **sparky 1186** » Tue. Jul. 08, 2008 8:19 pm

I would clean the pipe as soon as the heating season is over and store it in a dry place. Just wash it out with a strong stream of a garden hose, I generally get 3 years or more before I have to replace the flue pipe. Also I would double check to get the heavy wall galvanized pipe they sell. I have no idea why the ss pipe wouldn't last any longer unless its a cheap grade stainless. Good luck
Eric

traderfjp · Post by **traderfjp** » Tue. Jul. 08, 2008 11:00 pm

Thanks Sparky. There were several pin holes. I decided to wrap the entire pipe in aluminum tape. Next year I'll pull it off and see what the damage is but this will get me one more season for sure.

LsFarm · Post by **LsFarm** » Tue. Jul. 08, 2008 11:50 pm

Make sure your CO detector is working.. a DirectVent puts the pipes under pressure,, so any leak is a CO leak into your living space..

If you can find the pinholes from the inside I'd use Ultra Black RTV gasket maker/sealer to seal the holes on the iniside of the pipe as well as the tape on the outside..

Greg L

traderfjp · Post by **traderfjp** » Wed. Jul. 09, 2008 12:00 am

Good idea. I double taped the outside so I'm not too worried but yes I do have a CO detector.