Black pipe inside wood fireplace chamber
Our wood burning fireplace has a ‘black pipe’ gas line inside the firebox. This was used at one time for a gas log. Can I leave this gas pipe in the firebox and use it for a ‘log lighter’ for wood burning? I would bring the shutoff valve to the front side of the firebox….
Our wood burning fireplace has a ‘black pipe’ gas line inside the firebox. This was used at one time for a gas log. Can I leave this gas pipe in the firebox and use it for a ‘log lighter’ for wood burning? I would bring the shutoff valve to the front side of the firebox. There is an emergency shutoff valve outside the house. Can it withstand the heat from burning wood? My local plumbing company says yes, but I would like a second opinion.
Hi. I just moved into a Brownstone on State St. and I love it. It’s my first time in a brownstone. I am living on the garden level so needless to say it gets drafty in the winter. The apartment has a gas log that, my landlord has informed me, does work but I don’t think he has a clue how to use it. I don’t know when it was installed, the manufacturer etc. It looks as though it was installed in what used to be a wood fireplace, so it is sitting on a raised brick hearth which juts out into the room. It’s an eyesore since it is not functioning so I would like to restore it.
A have a few questions:
1. How does it work? I had never heard of a gaslog before now. I can see a gasline leading into the logs but nothing else like an ignition or thermostat etc. It doesn’t have a vent so I have ascertained that it is ventless (I hope).
2. Is there some way of getting it checked out or inspected to see if it really is operational? Could someone maybe recommend someone in the area.
3. It doesn’t have a hood or any covering. Where could I get one?
4. Most important, is it safe in general? Carbon monoxide is one fear along with explosions and fire..making it a trifecta.
Two Brownstones exploded on my block a few years ago so I am very wary of gas. Any halp would be greatly appreciated.
in a lot of states you can’t even vent out gas fumes in the same chimmney as a wood fireplace. the reason being that an amber might ignite a fire down the gas flue. no way can you have a gas pipe, in a wood fire place and not expect an explosion
what are you nuts? The fireplace was obviously originally gas. Have you used it as a wood fireplace already? If was gas originally be careful. That firebox is not designed for wood. The lintel over the opening on the inside is probably wood and can catch fire. Make sure that it is designed for wood. The flue would be too small if it is for gas. You are going to get smoked out. Restore it to gas or rebuild it for wood. Those are your options.
The plumbing industry has always been advised against mixing gas and wood. The byproduct of which is creosote, a highly toxic substance.
It is certainly conceivable that the heat of a wood fire can bring a gas-filled steel pipe to point of combustion.
It is my opinion that you choose either wood or gas for your fireplace pleasure…not both.
I’d be inclined to get rid of the line and light your fire some other way. Not the most comforting thought to have a roaring wood fire and glowing bed of embers where there’s a live gas line.