Expert: James Ball - 5/26/2009

Question
I have a new firebox that I purchased from a private owner, and along with it they sent some vent pipe with it.  The firebox has an 8 inch flu opening, and the pipe that came with it is 6 inches. Is that safe to install by reducing the pipe size?

Answer
Hello Steve, hard to tell from what you describe "firebox"? is that a wood stove? you can never down size a solid fuel unit wood or coal stove's. If the smoke pipe collar coming off the back/top of the stove is 8" it has to stay 8" (or a bit larger) all the way to the top.
I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
James