Chimney Pipe-Stove Pipe

Q: I want to install my own chimney pipe but don’t know where to start.
A: The easiest way to start is to go to our Chimney Pipe Installation Guide. We'll answer several questions here though.

Start first by determining what type of chimney pipe your appliance requires. This information is in the instruction manual of your appliance and there are several types of chimney. For instance; Class A chimney pipe is for wood, coal, and most fuels however, it may not be required for your gas appliance or pellet appliance. Pellet vent is for pellet burning appliances or corn burners. B-Vent is for certain gas appliances but not all. Direct-vent chimney is for a direct-vent gas appliance. Bottom Line – Read your instruction manual to see what type of chimney is required for your appliance.

Determine the layout or installation type that is applicable for your home. For Class A chimney pipe, a straight up thru-the-ceiling installation is the most popular, the least expensive, and provides the best draft but is not always an option.

Next, determine the size of the chimney pipe needed. Never go smaller than what is required or you risk having smoke or gasses backing up or a poor draft in other words.

There are different requirements for the US or Canada in some cases which we point out based on the type of chimney pipe.

Once you determine the above 4 requirements you will need to choose a manufacturer and brand of chimney pipe (many manufacturers offer several brands within a type) . Although several brands are available, we recommend Dura-Vent DuraTech chimney pipe for most new installations due to their reputation, warranty, product offering, availability, and price. Visit our Class-A Chimney Pipe section for further recommendations.

Never substitute single wall wood stove pipe for class A chimney pipe. Wood stove pipe is for the interior part of your installation, then use class A chimney pipe once you penetrate a wall or ceiling.

Also see our article on Proper Chimney Venting.

Q: Should I install my chimney pipe vertically or horizontally through a wall and then up?
A: Run your chimney pipe vertically if you have that option, it will be considerably less expensive and will draft better since there typically would be no elbows restricting the draft. Chimney pipe that is mostly outside as is the case with a thru-the-wall installation will also run cooler and may have less draft or downdraft problems than a chimney that goes straight up.

Q: What if I get stuck and can’t figure it all out after I buy the chimney pipe? Can I return it?
A: If you get stuck please give us a call. We have several trained customer service representatives that are eager to help you. If you decide to return all or part of your purchase…no problem. Our philosophy is to help people get what they want or need or to take it back if it isn’t working out. There are no re-stocking fees but you’ll be responsible for shipping costs. We’re here to help you succeed in your chimney pipe installation.

Q: I’ve seen people use black pipe for the entire wood stove chimney pipe installation. I’d like to save money but is this safe?
A: Absolutely not! Black stove pipe is NOT chimney pipe and should only be used up to the point of penetrating the ceiling or wall. From that point on class A chimney pipe is required. Black single wall stove pipe has a clearance to combustibles of 18” (double-wall black pipe has a clearance of 6") whereas class A chimney pipe is generally 2”. Stove pipe used outside will run way cooler flue temperatures than class A chimney pipe and will potentially build up creosote quite rapidly increasing the chance of a chimney fire. There a no safe way to use black stove pipe for the entire chimney pipe system so ask yourself…Is saving some money worth me or my family’s life and home worth the risk?

Q: I need more class A chimney pipe brand XYZ. Can I use any other brand of chimney pipe instead?
A: No. Every manufacturer of class A chimney pipe uses their own methods to secure the pipe together so one brand most likely will not connect together correctly with another brand of chimney pipe and could be dangerous due to a poor fit as it could come apart or leak creosote, smoke, or gasses.

Q: Can I just run single wall black pipe all the way up?
A: No, you must transition to Class A chimney pipe at the ceiling or wall.

Q: What is the difference between stove pipe and chimney pipe?
A: Many confuse the terms. Stove pipe is usually painted black and is used in the interior on the home until you transition through a wall or ceiling then class A chimney pipe is used thereon. Stove pipe, black pipe, single wall pipe all refer to the same thing. Chimney pipe, class A pipe, triple-wall pipe, insulated pipe all refer to class A chimney pipe. Double-wall pipe could be associated with either double-wall black pipe like DVL or double-wall chimney pipe like DuraTech.

Q: Why should I buy from NorthlineExpress.com?
A: We're experts when it comes to chimney pipe installation and we have a full staff eager to help you solve your chimney system challenges. We have a large stock of chimney products from pipe to brushes to cleaners and everything imaginable for your fireplace, wood stove and pellet stove. Unlike many internet retailers who carry little or no inventory, we have a 23,000 sq. ft. warehouse stocked with product. The big advantage is we can generally process your order faster, provide better tracking information about your order and we understand the products since we see, feel, and handle them. NorthlineExpress has an A rating with the BBB and we have a policy to keep the customer happy even if we lose money, it just makes life easier. When you call our company you'll talk to an individual who is always looking out for your best interest. We are here to take your calls Monday –Friday from 9AM-6PM, also on Saturday from 10 am -3pm EST. We are always available 24/7 on the web. Also see Why Buy from Us and our Welcome pages. See More Chimney Pipe FAQs.