Stove Problems and their solutions

Common problems with stoves

Smoking Stove - stoves smoke in two ways:

Smoke leaches out of the stove particularly when it is first lit, or when the stove doors are open

SOLUTIONS

• Have the chimney swept, and also sweep the flue connecting the stove to the chimney
• Check that there is not soot build up on the baffle plate inside the stove
• Check the joints in the stove and flue in case they need resealing with fire cement
• Check the rope seals around the doors and glass

Smoke puffs out of the stove during use, which is caused by downdraft

SOLUTIONS:

• Check that the chimney or flue terminal has a clear passage of air over it. If it doesn't terminate high enough, or has become sheltered by trees etc, this will cause downdraft
• Check the cowl on the chimney pot or flue, and if necessary fit an anti-downdraft cowl

The stove is slow to get going and doesn't put out a decent heat

SOLUTIONS:

• Have the chimney swept, and also the flue connecting the stove to the chimney
• Check that there is not a soot build up on the baffle plate inside the stove
• If the stove has an adjustable flue damper, check that it is operating properly
• If the stove goes into a big or uninsulated chimney, then have a chimney liner put in - see Lining a Chimney

The stove runs too fast and won't shut down

• Check the joints in the stove and flue in case they need resealing with fire cement
• Check the rope seals around the stove doors and glass
• Check for any cracks in the stove
• Fit a flue damper to the stove

Your stove is making a lot of tar in the chimney

SOLUTIONS:

• Burn dry, seasoned wood. Slow burn with coal if it is a multi-fuel stove.
• Use an anti-tar powder reguarly
• Have your chimney lined and insulated using either a flexible liner - see Lining a Chimney - or pummice liners - see Lining a chimney with pummice liners

The register plate (the plate that seals off the chimney throat) is cracked or ill-fitting

SOLUTION:

• Have a steel register plate made to fit your chimney - see Register Plates