Handyman installing a wood stove

Q. We bought a small wood-burning stove and had it installed in our family room with pipes coming out the top and running up to the roof. This was more than 10 years ago. About five years ago, my husband thought the stove was not big enough and bought a larger one to replace it that had its own pipes. The old stove and the pipes have been sitting in our basement ever since. The other day, my son mentioned that maybe he could take the old stove and install it in his fireplace. Is this something that can be done by a DIYer? What does he have to do to prepare?

A. There are two important rules concerning wood-burning stoves, whether they are freestanding or in a fireplace: 1. They need stainless-steel chimneys, or when inside a fireplace, a stainless-steel flue liner. 2. When a chimney or flue liner goes through a ceiling into the attic, out through the roof, it must be fully insulated against fire.

Also, a freestanding stove should be at least 3 feet away from a standard exterior or interior wall. If the stove is closer, it must have an asbestos or other heat-proof barrier between it and the wall.

Your son can install such a stove in the house, but I suggest he consult a heating expert.

According to the state Department of Fire Services: A building permit must be obtained prior to the installation of fireplaces, wood, or coal burning stoves. They must be inspected by the local building inspector prior to their initial use as required by the Massachusetts State Building Code.

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Handyman installing a wood stove