Stove Pipe Corrosion

bbnx · By: **bbnx** On: Sat Sep 22, 2012 6:45 pm

I have used my Hyfire II for two years. It runs hard from November thru April with typically both burners in use. I've burned 14 tons of coal over the last two seasons. The stove pipe has started to rust/corrode internally. I'm just curious to know if this is common and if I so, how much is too much corrosion...? I knew that coal dust was relatively corrosive but didn't expect to see corrosion after the 2nd season. The stainless pipe that runs thru the exterior wall has rust as well but not to the extent of the black pipe.

Should I be replacing the black pipe....? Any input will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Poconoeagle · By: **Poconoeagle** On: Sat Sep 22, 2012 6:53 pm

run a brush thru it then vac out and shine a bright lite in it and inspect from outside at dark. if its perforated dont use it. replace it and after shut down this spring clean and wash it out with baking soda/water solution and dry and spray with LPS-3.

mutiple co detectors with new batteries are mandatory to read this 8-)

bbnx · By: **bbnx** On: Sun Sep 23, 2012 8:43 am

I will try the "flashlight test" to see if there are any perforations.

At least with the coal stove the ash is not flammable and the pipe is discharging heat and not red hot ash. I also own a wood stove and would be much more concerned if that pipe were corroded. My coal stove pipe does get hot though...

Lightning · By: **Lightning** On: Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:47 pm

Did someone say stove pipe corrosion? This is what one summer of warm humid air mixed with fly ash looks like hahaha.... I know, you guys told me so lol!! This year I rebuilt the top of my mason chimney that I will be using instead of the stove pipe chimney. Can't wait to take it for a test drive!!

titleist1 · By: **titleist1** On: Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:10 pm

Yes it is common for the black pipe to get corrosion after a couple years. I usually replace the black stove pipe every two to three years depending on how well I cleaned it at the end of the season. I still have the same double wall SS thimble & chimney that was installed in 1992. It is in good shape still. The only part that corroded away from the original install was the screen and straps on the chimney cap. I rigged up some 12gauge copper to hold it in place last year and the copper looked fine this spring. I'll be checking that to see how it fared over the summer before too long.

jeff216410 · By: **jeff216410** On: Tue Oct 02, 2012 2:51 pm

Stainless is the way to go with the coal. It is well worth the added expense to do it once. Everytime I clean my stove the inside of the pipe looks shiny new. Don't forget to use the stainless screws.

Wiz · By: **Wiz** On: Tue Oct 02, 2012 8:14 pm

What I would do? Knowing what coal ash combine with moisture does to black pipe & ss,I would do the cheaper of the two.

Poconoeagle wrote:clean and wash it out with baking soda/water solution and dry and spray with LPS-3

Then at end of season follow Poconoeagle instructions.

SMITTY · By: **SMITTY** On: Tue Oct 02, 2012 8:30 pm

Oh yeah - corrosion is real!

This was after sitting in my wet basement for just 4 short months ... and the second pic is 304 stainless in the same timeframe:

Berlin · By: **Berlin** On: Tue Oct 02, 2012 8:35 pm

I like 26gauge or heavier galv. pipe sprayed black; cheap & readily available. For some reason people on here think they're going to die of zinc fume poisoning if they use it with coal :roll:

No reason to go with stainless, if you're in such a humid environment that galv. or black won't last longer than two or so years, stainless won't last long either.

Rob R. · By: **Rob R.** On: Tue Oct 02, 2012 8:38 pm

So the black paint seals in the zinc?

Berlin · By: **Berlin** On: Wed Oct 03, 2012 1:27 am

Rob R. wrote:So the black paint seals in the zinc?

That's right... :roll:

(no, but it makes it look better in a living area)

Rob R. · By: **Rob R.** On: Wed Oct 03, 2012 6:31 am

I am going to use your idea at my brothers house. We are installing an EFM and Hitzer stove, and black painted galvanized seems like just the ticket.

I'm On Fire · By: **I'm On Fire** On: Wed Oct 03, 2012 9:12 am

I replace the black pipe pretty much every season. It's cheap and I'd rather have a new piece of pipe every season instead of wondering whether or not the pipe is going to fail a few weeks into the heating season.

Coal is cheap. But it's still more expensive than a piece of cheap metal.

whistlenut · By: **whistlenut** On: Wed Oct 03, 2012 9:35 am

It isn't just coal burning that is corrosive to black or galvie pipe. Plenty of oil burner pipes that won't last 5 years also.
Every year make damned sure of no problems.....either keep the new parts on hand or replace it. Cheap money to insure your family, and pets are protected. Brush the chimney just for kicks; could be a birds nest or squirrel nest in there.

:idea:

EarthWindandFire · By: **EarthWindandFire** On: Wed Oct 03, 2012 2:11 pm

What about applying a heat-tolerant epoxy coating?

You could also have the pipe electroplated with chrome? 8-)

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