Expert: Paul Karthaeuser - 12/16/2011

Question
Hello.  My husband just replaced the 8 inch pipe from our woodburner.  He also installed a magic heat.   He couldn't get the pipes to go on right, so put them on he oppisite way thy are supposed to go.  It has been leaking creasote when weeave it burning low because we are gone all day.   Is there any sealant that we can use or does the pipe have to be turned around????  

Also, does creosote produce carbon monoxide inside the house?

We have an 9 month old baby, and this is really scaring me.

Answer
Heather,

There is likely a good reason the pipes did not go together the first time and the leaking creosote issue is precisely why the pipe is supposed to go together with the male end facing downward.  This is to contain all of the creosote within the pipes.  There is no sealant that I would suggest to apply to stop the creosote from leaking out. The correct solution is to turn the pipes around and fit them properly.  Perhaps a set of crimpers would help your husband to get the pipes to fit properly?

The Magic Heat is a heat reclaiming device intended for installation within the connector pipe run.  Most of the wood stove manufacturers have forbidden the use of these as they are a real hazard and are creosote producing aids.  That is to say they restrict the proper flow of flue gases (smoke) and negatively effect draft.  Essentially they block the efficient flow of smoke in the connector pipes and this results in a longer residence time for the smoke in the connector pipes and chimney system allowing for the smoke to cool and condense as creosote in the pipes and chimney.  There is also no really effective way to clean the inside of this heat reclaimer and they often( read.. frequently)result in chimney fires which sometimes can lead to structure fires.  The benefit does not outweigh the potential cost of a possible fire, whether it be a chimney fire or structure fire nor is it worth the potential harm that may come to you or your loved ones.  My advice is to get rid of that Magic Heat from the system as it does much more harm than good.

Creosote does not produce carbon monoxide, however any combustion that takes place that is not perfect, 100% complete combustion will be partially incorporating carbon monoxide as a by-product of that incomplete combustion.  Anywhere the system is leaking could allow any of the components of that smoke to enter the home, carbon monoxide or other harmful by-products.

If your husband can't get the connector together correctly then have a professional come out to the house and do it for you. It's not going to be an expensive repair and the peace of mind will be priceless.  

I hope this has been helpful to you.  Please take a moment and rate my response to you on this website.  Don't hesitate if you have any follow up questions.  Thank you.

Paul