Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Gas Fireplace Trouble
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smile1017
08-15-06, 10:37 AM
I am new to the DIY forum because my husband is not very handy and I don't like calling a repair person everytime something goes wrong. The fireplace trouble actually started relatively soon after we moved into our home built in 1997 about five years ago.
When we tried to uncap the gas pipe to hook up the gas log set that I purchased, the entire pipe came untreaded from the source pipe. It is inside the fireplace and I think we need to break into the tile facade to get to that source pipe so that we can figure out what it wrong. We have tried just pushing the pipe up against the source pipe, but it won't tread either because it is out of alignment or the treading is bad.
So since then, we have been using the duraflame logs for the fireplace. We live in SoCal and only use the fireplace as a centerpiece when we have guests over in the winter. We would like to use it for heat, but the logs don't seem to do the job. I was curious whether it has anything to do with the design of the fireplace. The last thing is that the tiles above the fireplace are getting a black tinge on them and I have tried scrubbing it off and it doesn't seem to be working. I am assuming that this is because we were not supposed to use the logs even though the fireplace is rated for woodburning as well as gas.
The ultimate question, are there better fireplaces now that are relatively easy to install in replace this one or is it better to fix the issues. It looks like we're going to have to replace the facade anyway. Any input would help.
When we tried to uncap the gas pipe to hook up the gas log set that I purchased, the entire pipe came untreaded from the source pipe. It is inside the fireplace and I think we need to break into the tile facade to get to that source pipe so that we can figure out what it wrong. We have tried just pushing the pipe up against the source pipe, but it won't tread either because it is out of alignment or the treading is bad.
So since then, we have been using the duraflame logs for the fireplace. We live in SoCal and only use the fireplace as a centerpiece when we have guests over in the winter. We would like to use it for heat, but the logs don't seem to do the job. I was curious whether it has anything to do with the design of the fireplace. The last thing is that the tiles above the fireplace are getting a black tinge on them and I have tried scrubbing it off and it doesn't seem to be working. I am assuming that this is because we were not supposed to use the logs even though the fireplace is rated for woodburning as well as gas.
The ultimate question, are there better fireplaces now that are relatively easy to install in replace this one or is it better to fix the issues. It looks like we're going to have to replace the facade anyway. Any input would help.
hankhill6018
08-22-06, 05:32 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong. You are saying that the pipe supplying the fireplace came unthreaded from inside the wall.
If this is the case you may be able to thread it back on. It usually takes alot of finese and patience but it can be done. The only reason you wouldn't be able to do it is if the pipe inside the wall shifted or dropped. A worst case senario is having to remove a few pieces of tile to reach in the void.
As for the Duraflame. Is the chimney damper open when you're burning it? If it's not, it should be. That will avoid any sooting.
Just as a point of information, you are not going to get much more heat off the gas fire logs than you will off the duraflame. Gas logs are about 75% esthetic and 25% functional for heat.
If this is the case you may be able to thread it back on. It usually takes alot of finese and patience but it can be done. The only reason you wouldn't be able to do it is if the pipe inside the wall shifted or dropped. A worst case senario is having to remove a few pieces of tile to reach in the void.
As for the Duraflame. Is the chimney damper open when you're burning it? If it's not, it should be. That will avoid any sooting.
Just as a point of information, you are not going to get much more heat off the gas fire logs than you will off the duraflame. Gas logs are about 75% esthetic and 25% functional for heat.
smile1017
08-22-06, 09:39 AM
Thanks for the information. The chimney damper is open when I'm burning the Duraflame log.
I think that the pipe inside the wall did shift of dropped. Do you know if replacing it with a new fireplace would add to efficiency? Since we will have to take off some tile, we may as well visit this option as this time.
I think that the pipe inside the wall did shift of dropped. Do you know if replacing it with a new fireplace would add to efficiency? Since we will have to take off some tile, we may as well visit this option as this time.
hankhill6018
08-24-06, 04:50 PM
It seems you have two separate issues.
1) piping problem. Once you get the pipe stub back where it belongs, put a shut off with an approved gas flex connector on the end of it and you should be set for most options.
2) Gas log output. Free standing gas logs don't heat up the living space that well. In my opinion, they are 75% decorative and 25% functional for heating.
If you are looking for something that will heat up the living space I recommend a fire place insert with blower. You can get an insert should fit (with alterations) into your brick and morter fireplace, covering the whole opening. You will need to bring the shut off into the opening at the bottom of the insert and connect from there with an approved flex connector. (Providing Local codes allow).
The down side with the insert is more work is involved installing it. You will need to shim where nessesary to make level and install an exhaust duct (and intake duct for direct vent) up the length of the chimney. This is not something that is DIY for everyone.
1) piping problem. Once you get the pipe stub back where it belongs, put a shut off with an approved gas flex connector on the end of it and you should be set for most options.
2) Gas log output. Free standing gas logs don't heat up the living space that well. In my opinion, they are 75% decorative and 25% functional for heating.
If you are looking for something that will heat up the living space I recommend a fire place insert with blower. You can get an insert should fit (with alterations) into your brick and morter fireplace, covering the whole opening. You will need to bring the shut off into the opening at the bottom of the insert and connect from there with an approved flex connector. (Providing Local codes allow).
The down side with the insert is more work is involved installing it. You will need to shim where nessesary to make level and install an exhaust duct (and intake duct for direct vent) up the length of the chimney. This is not something that is DIY for everyone.