We started by removing the parts we could - the flue, the doors.. then we had to start removing bricks. We hit a snag when we realised there were water pipes going into the oven! You know, we've always wondered what these were doing in the cupboard next to the oven:
Now we know! The rusty old stove has what is known as a wetback. It's a system that takes water from hot water storage and heats it up when the fire is going. Hmm. We weren't sure if it was still holding water or not, either. I took this shot of the wetback system while Marty vacuums up the mess: (We were careful not to get everything too dusty and dirty this time!)
Thankfully the wetback wasn't holding water - as it was very rusty and would have leaked for sure - so we cleaned-up the nuts and forced the pipes free. The bricks were easy enough to remove from the side of the stove. A hammer and chisel (and some elbow grease) was all that was required. Here's a progress shot:
Marty wanted to try and get the stove out after we'd removed one side, so we put down a piece of carpet, using that to drag it out the back door. It was a heavy beast, but it did eventually budge. As you can see from the picture below, the bricks at the front were all that needed removal. Behind those was just loose bricks and lots of soot and dirt: (So much for keeping clean!)
We cleaned it all up, removed the rest of the bricks and rubble and now there's a rather large hole:
Hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to even out the floor. We were thinking of putting in some tiles or something to liven up the spot before putting in the new oven. Of course, we're open to suggestion! :)
Until then!
You could use bricks to pave the area under the stove. It looks like a great space for the kind of wood stove you are going to install.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a lovely idea -I hope you have one of those kettles that can just sit on the hob and be ready for that all important cuppa when it is raining outside.
Good on you for all the research and thought you are putting into your projects. I admire your energy!
Hi earthmotherwithin - with all the bricks we've pulled out from under the concrete floor we ripped-up, and all the bricks buried in the back yard that we're finding every time we put shovel to dirt - I think we'll be happy if we never see another brick again. ;)
ReplyDeleteWe've got both kinds of kettle. We've been using one that goes on the gas stove for years, but just recently got given an electric one from my Nanna which is a little luxury!
I think blogging makes it seem as though we are constantly busy and working hard. ;) I assure everyone, we have those lazy days too! (Occasionally far too many.) haha