Expert: James Ball - 5/9/2010

Question
A double lined asbestos pipe was installed to my Hurricane woodburning stove a year ago. I have done regular cleaning. I have a black tarry ooze that runs down the pipe and stinks and smokes up the garage. Is this suppose to happen? I question the proper way the pipes were installed, I think they are upside down thanks Liz

Answer
Hello Liz, first I would have the Asbestos pipe removed by a professional asbestos remover. then a good Class "A" chimney installed (double walled wood stove rated) they pipes should have the male ends installed pointing down so the "black tarry oose" runs back down into the stove and you might want to run your stove hotter that "oose" is usually because it is not burning hot enough. Refer to your stoves owners manual.  
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.
Hope this helps
James