Testing Woodstove

[Rob30]

I started the stove up finally this year. I replaced the black stove pipe. The problem is it keeps setting off the fire alarm. The alarm is very close to the stove, in an area that traps the heat. However it has only gone off a few times in previous years.
I have visually checked all the seams in the new pipe. I don't see any way it could leak. I have noticed a little wear on the rope gasket.
The other thing I have noticed is the stove is getting really hot. Usually the hottest it gets on top will just simmer a kettle. Now it gets to a rolling boil easily.
Any ideas on how to check for air leaks in, or exhaust leaks out?

[Ross]

Probably just the new pipes gassing off the paint or preservative oil somewhat. Could be time for a new gasket, but I'd just keep an eye on it for now and see if the detector doesn't settle down as the pipes stop being "new".

[stanb999]

Is it warm out yet? Did you clean the chimney? With proper draft a stove should always be under negative pressure. So you should never see or smell smoke in the house. Leaky stove pipe is a problem with the chimney. Not the stove pipe.

It could also be as above mentioned above. Just the new pipes seasoning the paint. But do check the gasket. They are cheap usually just a few dollars.
To check the gasket take a dollar bill and close the door on it and see if it pulls out easily. It should be tight but it doesn't have to be so tight you can't pull it out. Check it all around. If the gasket is bad. Replace it. Also while at the store get the hightemp stove silicone to stick the gasket on with. You use it like glue. Checking and replacing the gasket if needed should be part of your regular maintance.

[Cabin Fever]

Originally Posted by Ross

Probably just the new pipes gassing off the paint or preservative oil somewhat. Could be time for a new gasket, but I'd just keep an eye on it for now and see if the detector doesn't settle down as the pipes stop being "new".

ditto
If not the new pipes, it may just be accumulated dust accumulated over the summer burning off the outside of the stove.

[tamsam]

Our one Smoke alarm in the kitchen will go off when the temp changes fast. Almost every time the oven is on and the oven door is opened it goes off even when the oven is empty. With the heater getting hotter it may have something to do with it. Hope you figure it out. Sam
PS Our oven is electric

[strawhouse]

Some smoke alarms actually detect heat as well. If your stove is getting super hot, it's not the smoke, it's the heat. Ours did this as well. It means you have a good smoke alarm!