Expert: James Ball - 11/28/2010

Question
Hello James,
I recently bought a used home that has a woodburning fireplace with a long gas starter pipe; clearly wood has been burned in the past.  Question: Why can I not use the existing starter pipe (instead of the typical gas log burner) with just the ceramic gas firelogs (including vermiculite and volcanic rock for effects)?  I haven't bought or done anything yet.  I've done some searching and can't seem to find the answer to this question.  Your help is greatly appreciated.

Mike in Houston

Answer
Hello Mike, I would say you have to replace the "starter pipe" with gas logs completely the starter pipe is not meant for log periods of burning.
stop by your local wood stove store and see what they have, also check your local building department
James