Thru the Wall Stove Pipe Venting Done Right

Installing a thru the wall stove pipe to properly vent your wood stove or fireplace insert can be a complicated process, but it's critically important for safety and performance. Improper venting can lead to smoke, odors, and dangerous carbon monoxide leaks in the home.

We'll cover the different types of venting systems, prep work needed, details on installing a wall pass-through, maintenance tips, troubleshooting common problems, and up-to-date building codes. With the right materials, safety precautions, and know-how, you can have your thru the wall stove pipe set up correctly.

Understanding Thru the Wall Stove Pipe Options

For venting a wood stove or fireplace insert through an exterior wall, you'll need a durable and properly insulated thru the wall stove pipe system. The main choices are:

• Single wall thru the wall stove pipe - Basic and affordable option, but less insulation. Requires an insulated wall thimble.
• Double wall thru the wall stove pipe - Better insulation with an air gap between inner and outer layer. Recommended for cold climates.
• Insulated thru the wall stove pipe - Single wall pipe wrapped with insulation material. Provides added heat retention.

A properly insulated thru the wall stove pipe system is critical for maintaining the exhaust heat and creating an effective draft. It also reduces the fire risk of combustible walls overheating. Double wall, insulated pipe is the best choice for most homes.

Benefits of proper thru the wall stove pipe venting include:

• Prevents smoke, fumes, and carbon monoxide from leaking indoors.
• Eliminates risks of creosote buildup fires in stove pipe.
• Creates strong draft for efficient stove and fireplace performance.
• Reduces risk of walls or roof overheating.

Because thru the wall stove pipe venting handles hot exhaust gases, proper installation by an experienced professional is strongly advised. But first, let's go over the prep work involved.

Preparing for Thru the Wall Stove Pipe Installation

Careful planning and preparation are needed before cutting into exterior walls to install a thru the wall stove pipe. Key steps include:

• Measuring pipe size and length - Determine the chimney size required by your stove/insert (often 6" or 8"). Measure straight-line distance from stove collar to exterior wall.
• Selecting materials - Choose double wall insulated stove pipe, wall thimble/pass-through, termination cap, and other components.
• Gather tools - Tape measure, level, reciprocating saw, drill, screws, ladder, and personal safety gear.
• Check clearances - Verify required clearances from pipe to ceilings, walls, windows, and air inlets.

Use a thru the wall stove pipe kit for easiest installation. For example, DuraVent's 8" DuraPlus Thru-The-Wall Kit contains all components except chimney sections and black stove pipe. Measure the exterior wall thickness to size the thimble correctly.

How to Install a Thru the Wall Stove Pipe

Once materials are gathered, you're ready to install the thru the wall stove pipe following these key steps:

1. Cut hole in exterior wall for thimble/pass-through - Remember combustible clearance requirements.
2. Attach thimble sections to interior and exterior walls.
3. Secure stove pipe sections together and to pipe adapter.
4. Slide stove pipe through thimble and attach termination cap.
5. Seal joints and thimble exterior with waterproof silicone.
6. Connect stove pipe to stove collar.
7. Test draft by starting fire and checking for leaks.

Take photographs along the way to document the clearances and your thru the wall stove pipe assembly. Getting each joint tight and properly aligned keeps exhaust from leaking into the home.

Maintaining Proper Thru the Wall Stove Pipe Venting

To keep your thru the wall stove pipe system working safely for years to come, annual maintenance is recommended:

• Inspect pipe sections and joints for any leakage or deterioration.
• Check for creosote buildup and clean as needed.
• Confirm all screws, supports and seals are tight.
• Watch for any staining or moisture around joints.

A key maintenance task is cleaning the thru the wall stove pipe to remove creosote, a tar-like byproduct of wood burning. Allowing it to build up increases the risk of a chimney fire. Use plastic or steel bristle brushes to scrub the entire length of pipe interior.

Also check the exterior termination cap and clear away any bird nests or debris blocking it. Proper maintenance ensures your thru the wall stove pipe system remains in good working order for safety and efficiency.

Building Codes for Thru the Wall Stove Pipe

All thru the wall stove pipe installations must comply with local building codes and the manufacturer's instructions. Key guidelines include:

• Maintaining required clearances to combustibles.
• Using only approved materials like stainless steel for durability.
• Proper assembly and sealing of pipe sections.
• Securely attaching the thimble/pass-through.

Different clearance requirements apply depending on pipe location near ceilings, walls, and air inlets. For example, double wall pipe needs just 6" clearance to combustible walls, while single wall requires 18".

Consult your certified installer and local building codes to ensure your thru the wall stove pipe installation meets all regulations. Failing to do so risks fire hazards or release of deadly carbon monoxide gas.

Troubleshooting Thru the Wall Stove Pipe Problems

If any issues arise with your thru the wall stove pipe system, address them right away. Common problems include:

• Leaks - Can allow smoke or carbon monoxide indoors. Reseal joints with silicone.
• Poor draft - Caused by leaks or blockage. Check entire system.
• Corrosion - Replace rusted sections immediately.
• Odors/staining - Indicates combustion gases escaping. May require pipe replacement.

Also watch for soot buildup around joints or the termination cap. Any observed leaking, blockage, corrosion, or deterioration issues with the thru the wall stove pipe should be fixed ASAP.

Your thru the wall stove pipe system not only needs to meet code, but also be used and maintained properly for safety. Tips include:

• Never leave fires unattended and burn only recommended fuels.
• Keep stove doors shut tight when not loading.
• Ensure sufficient air supply for combustion.
• Install CO detectors near stove and sleeping areas.
• Watch for corrosion problems over time.

Also educate everyone in the home on the signs of improper venting, like odors or stains on walls. Catching and fixing any issues early is critical. With proper installation, maintenance, and use, a thru the wall stove pipe lets you enjoy the warmth of a fireplace or stove safely.