Strange growth on my stove pipe

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NEPApotbelly
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Post by NEPApotbelly » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 11:26 am

Not sure if this is the right forum to post this topic in, but I've noticed a strange rusty growth on my stove pipe that happened at some point during the spring after I stopped using the stove at the end of the heating season. The pipe is the DuraVent brand, but I doubt that matters. The growth is dry in some areas and damp in others. See photos for more detail.

The concrete block chimney was in a bad state of disrepair. About a month ago, I removed what stucco remained and redid the stucco work on it, sealed up cracks around the flashing, etc.

My hypothesis is that the moisture build up came from the numerous cracks in the chimney block during our spring rains. Since I wasn't running the stove by mid-May, the lack of heat allowed moisture to build up in and around the pipe, allowing the rust to begin forming.

But let me know if I'm wrong or if you all have other theories.

One last note: I had the chimney inspected at the beginning of the heating season last fall. The inspector noted the bad shape of the block on the outside but said the flue inside was in good shape.
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Hoytman
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Post by Hoytman » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 3:00 pm

Weird, for sure. I'm sure moisture crept in through your old chimney as you stated and possibly even around or through the Stucco if there were cracks. Stucco's a little different from EIFS and they've had some issues with EIFS application causing moisture issues. Some places won't even use it anymore I am hearing. Likely from the method of application or lack of being applied correctly in many cases. I would think Stucco and Drivet systems are subject to the same correct/incorrect application methods...as all three are human applied. My guess is, it could have, but likely didn't start with the Stucco, but with the chimney.

I've never seen anything like that. Sort of odd that it would wipe off. Of course, surface rust would wipe off also, but that stuff is just strange. Good thing you've documented it with pictures. You may think about having it analyzed somewhere just to see what in the world it is...if you want to spend the money to do so.
Last edited by Hoytman on Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 3:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.

 
lincolnmania
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Post by lincolnmania » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 3:03 pm

flyash and moisture will do that.

 
CapeCoaler
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Post by CapeCoaler » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 3:04 pm

ash and water make acid...
Replace the pipe...
Disconnect and keep it dry next year...
Happens all the time on The Cape with high humidity...
Worse if it is hooked up in the basement...


 
Hoytman
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Post by Hoytman » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 3:06 pm

Hmmnnn….learn something everyday, I guess. I've always known of coal and pipe corrosion, but I've never seen that. Of course, I've been mostly around wood burners most of my life. Good catch gang!!

 
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NEPApotbelly
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Post by NEPApotbelly » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 3:38 pm

Ok, thanks for the info. It didn't look like ordinary rust to me. Bummer about replacing the pipe though. It's not even one year old. Thanks!

 
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coaledsweat
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Post by coaledsweat » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 4:33 pm

Mine does that if I don't pull it off and clean it. It is probably good for another year, maybe two. Pop a blister and see if there is any penetration. If not, use it another year.

 
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freetown fred
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Post by freetown fred » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 7:09 pm

Same here C--depends on humidity, etc.


 
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CoalJockey
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Post by CoalJockey » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 8:15 pm

Sulphur deposits.

Sulphur comes in contact with moisture and that’s what is left when it dries.

 
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coaledsweat
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Post by coaledsweat » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 8:18 pm

Whatever you call them, they'll be holes in a year or two.

 
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Post by CapeCoaler » Tue. Aug. 13, 2019 10:37 pm

Pipe gets like tinfoil...

 
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Post by McGiever » Wed. Aug. 14, 2019 8:57 am

Happens even to SS Chimney Liners but isn't visible because it's out of sight...take note.

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