pellet insert question

[ashtree]

was out servicing a pellet insert today, as I took out the combustion fan to
clean and brush off the blades and clean interior.

I hit the flue pipe and soot started spilling around the outside of the flue pipe inbetween the insulation that was stuffed in the damper area.

Being the newbie I intially thought there was a crack in the flue pipe or a connection came loose after closer inspection and then verification. I noticed that those assumptions weren't the case.

After speaking with my boss and asking about this situation, it was explained that sometimes when technicians put in inserts that they do not sweep or clean the flue before installing an insert.

Of course my company doesn't do this, my boss explained to me when I first got the job that doing something right is only right and the only way.

Another company did the install couple years ago but just wanted to know how often you guys run across this and how often do you take the pipe out to sweep the flue right then reinstall the pipe?

Thanks and have a nice one

[hearthman]

Is this a full length liner or a direct connect that extends only up through the damper area discharging into the smoke chamber?

FYI, whenever you make a change to a fireplace or chimney it should be swept one last time and have a Level II inspection which would guide the installation choices.

Pellet inserts that do not use a full length liner can and do discharge fly ash and soot back into the home.

If you pull a direct connect, sweep it and the chimney then re-install it then you become the new installer of record.

[ashtree]

Full length to the top of cap, had to go up and see if it was connected to make sure it wasn't disconnected. Going back to put the exhaust motor gasket in later tomorrow or sometime this week.

Hearthman, was also going to ask again (appreciate the info on the certifications another post)

Most of these certifications, training, and or additional training is offered online or on the East coast, I live on the left coast and was wondering if you know of any california based training?, I know your not from this area and the certs you referred are national but was just wondering if there was a org/trade org/or something in the west.

Most people I run into don't know even know gas/pellet/chimneys have technicians/specialists, and most the people I know have HVAC/R backgrounds

from reading old posts I often read about dealer based training?? so if your company sells a certain brand then they offer tech support/ training correct??

My company is a travis industries dealer and haven't gone too deep with my boss (because I am a newbie still) but probably will tomorrow, just trying to find ways to learn more on my own time etc..

Well thanks for the reply have a nice one.

[darthvader]

Alot of manufacturers provide training, hands on, online or both. Check with you manufacturer

[ashtree]

Thanks DV,

This field is getting really interesting, I want to run with it.

But understand that I have to learn how to crawl first, so trying to soak it all in with a smile and let sweat and hard work help me find my way. Have a cool one