How to Remove a Fireplace Insert

Co-authored by Agustin Renoj and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: October 1, 2024 References

Whether you want to update the look of your fireplace or you need to get it up to code before you sell your house, chances are you’ll need to remove your fireplace insert. A fireplace insert is made to sit inside of a traditional masonry fireplace in order to help it heat more efficiently.^{[1]
X
Research source} Although this is a job best done by professionals, especially if you have a gas insert, it is possible to remove your fireplace insert yourself. To start, turn off any gas or electricity to the insert, then pry off the wood trim and frame. Disconnect all pipes and vents to the insert, then pop it out of place with a crowbar.

Fireplace Insert Removal at a Glance

Turn off the electricity or gas supplying the fireplace, if necessary.
Remove the trim and any wood framing around the insert.
Disassemble any vents, gas pipes, or wiring connecting to your insert.
Place a thick blanket or rug in front of the insert.
Pry the insert out with a crowbar and move it onto the blanket for transport.
Connect a new insert or seal off the fireplace if desired.

For popular FAQs on removing a fireplace insert, jump to more common questions.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Removing a Wood-Burning or Electrical Insert

Download Article

1
Remove all of the trim from around the fireplace insert. This may include removing some or all of the brick, rockwork, drywall, and even framing from around the fireplace. You may have to use a hammer or mallet to break apart the framing materials, then use a crowbar to pry them away.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- The insert may be considerably larger than it appears at first, since it is hidden behind this framing.
2
Remove any nails holding the insert flashing to the wood framing. Sometimes an insert will be surrounded by something called flashing, or flat pieces of metal which overlap the wood framing around the insert. The flashing is often nailed into the framing to hold the insert in place.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Grab the head of each nail with the hooked end of your hammer and pry it free.
Advertisement
3
Disassemble any pipes, vents, or other pieces of the insert. Since fireplace inserts are very heavy, it will help if you can take off as much weight as possible. If you see anything that you can dismantle, take it off before trying to move the insert. Look for screws you can take off with a wrench to help loosen the various pieces.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- If you're planning on discarding the insert, you can also remove pieces by breaking them off with your hammer or prying them apart with your crowbar.
4
Pry the insert out of place with a crowbar. A fireplace insert can be 250 lb (110 kg) or more. The insert has probably settled into place, so a crowbar will help you start to loosen it from its surroundings.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Remember to use your legs to bear most of the weight when you're lifting something heavy. Maintain the natural curve of your back and try not to twist your torso to avoid injuring your back.^{[6]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
  Go to source}
- You will probably need to have someone help you move the insert if you're not used to lifting heavy objects on your own.
5
Place thick carpet on the floor in front of the hearth. Before you remove the insert, lay down a thick rug, a piece of spare carpet, or any other cushion you can find. A thick piece of carpet will help you slide the insert across your floor more easily as you move it, and it will also protect your floor from being damaged.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- The carpet should be at least 5 foot (1.5 m) longer and wider than the insert so you can easily grab the edges when you're moving the insert. To ensure it protects the floor, it should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
- If you don't have an old scrap of carpet handy, try piling up some old pillows or thick blankets on the floor. Keep in mind that whatever you use may get dirty or torn.
6
Wiggle the insert down onto the carpet. If you’re not used to heavy lifting, or if the insert is too heavy for you to move yourself, you might want to ask a friend to help you with this part so you don’t get injured. Using a push-pull technique, slowly work the insert out of its place and let it drop onto the piece of carpet you laid down.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Try to keep the insert upright so it doesn’t spill coal and ash everywhere.
7
Move the insert by sliding the carpet across the floor. This method is going to work best with a hardwood floor, but you still might need someone to help you move it, especially if you have to lift it over a raised sill to get it out the door.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If your fireplace is on a second floor, you’ll probably need the help of professional movers to get the insert down the stairs.
Use screws to attach a piece of plywood or sheet metal cut to the size of your vent to seal it. You can also purchase a chimney cap to place on top of your chimney to make sure the seal is air-tight.^{[10]
X
Research source}
Moving a fireplace insert can be messy, so you'll want to thoroughly sweep or vacuum the area to clean it after your project is finished.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Disconnecting a Gas Insert

Download Article

1
Turn off the gas to the house at the main valve. Before you do anything else near a gas fireplace insert, locate the shutoff valve that controls the gas to your entire home. This is usually a valve located between the main gas pipe and the first appliance, and it’s known as a house-side shutoff valve. It should have a lever that you can close with a quarter of a turn.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- There is usually a valve located just before the meter that must be opened and closed with a wrench. This is known as a street-side valve, and should only be operated by someone from the gas company.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- Some homes, especially older ones, do not have a house-side valve. In this case, call the gas company and have them turn off your gas for you.
You may have to remove bricks, drywall, or framing from around the insert in order to expose the whole thing. A crowbar should help you pry the trim loose, although you may need to break it into pieces with a sledgehammer before you can remove it.^{[13]
X
Research source}
3
Disconnect the gas line from the insert after you have removed the trim. To dismantle the gas line, it’s best to call a professional plumber with a gas fitter’s license. However, if you are going to attempt this yourself, use an adjustable or crescent wrench to unscrew the gas line from the fireplace insert before you move the insert.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Since the gas should already be turned off, there's no need to cap the gas line until after you have removed the insert.
4
Lay a piece of carpet or a stack of old blankets in front of the fireplace. In addition to protecting your floor from becoming damaged, having carpet or blankets on the floor will help the insert slide easily across the floor when you move it.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Remember that whatever you use beneath the fireplace insert is likely to get stained or torn.
- Choose a piece of carpet that's at least 5 foot (1.5 m) longer and wider than the insert. You'll need the overlap so you'll have something to grab onto when you're moving the insert. For the best protection, it should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
5
Carefully wiggle the insert out of its place and onto the carpet. You may need a friend to help you move the fireplace insert, since they are usually very heavy. Remember to always lift with your knees, and avoid twisting or leaning backwards as you lift so you don't injure your back.^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- You may have to use a crowbar to loosen the insert enough to be able to move it by hand.
- Push or pull the insert so that it slides across the floor as you remove it from your house.
6
Wrap a brass gas line cap in Teflon tape. Teflon tape is rated for use on a gas line, and it’s used to seal the pipe to protect against gas leaks. Wrap the threads of your brass cap in 3-4 layers of the Teflon tape.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Teflon tape is usually yellow, as opposed to basic plumber’s tape, which is white.
- You can purchase a brass safety cap and Teflon tape from any home improvement store.
Even with the Teflon tape, you should still be able to fit the brass cap into the line easily. Hold the gas line with a pair of channel lock pliers, then use a wrench to tighten the cap as much as you can.^{[18]
X
Research source}
8
Check for gas leaks by spraying your cap with soapy water. Once you’ve turned on the gas to your home, generously squirt dish soap into a household spray bottle filled with water, then spray the mixture onto the gas cap you just installed. If you see any bubbles, it means there is a leak in the cap.
- If you have found a gas leak, close the shutoff valve again and call the gas company to help you with your repair.^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
Removing your gas fireplace insert can stir up a lot of dust, cobwebs, and other dirt. Vacuum or sweep the area after you get the fireplace removed to ensure you don't leave any of the dirt behind.

Common Questions: Removing Gas Fireplaces

Is it safe to remove a gas fireplace?

Removing a gas fireplace can be a complex and potentially dangerous job if you don’t have experience working with gas, so it’s best to hire a professional. In some locations, like the UK, it may even be a legal requirement to hire a gas-trained professional to handle the job.

How much does it cost to disconnect a gas fire?

The average cost of gas fireplace removal is $1,550. Depending on the size and complexity of the job, the cost may fall anywhere between $600 and $2,500.^{[20]
X
Research source}

Does removing a gas fireplace decrease home value?

Removing a fireplace of any kind may diminish your home value in climates that regularly experience cold weather, like the Midwest of the United States. In cold climates, many home buyers expect there to be one and may look elsewhere if it’s missing. However, in warm climates, a fireplace is usually not a dealbreaker.^{[21]
X
Research source}

Things You'll Need

Removing a Wood-Burning or Electrical Insert

Hammer or mallet
Crowbar
Wrench
Thick carpet, old pillows, or old blankets
Plywood or sheet metal

Disconnecting a Gas Insert

Sledgehammer
Adjustable or crescent wrench
Carpet, blankets, or pillows
Crowbar
Brass gas line cap
Teflon tape
Channel lock pliers
Spray bottle with water and dish soap

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Never bend or twist while you're lifting heavy objects, and lift using your legs to prevent a serious back injury.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Use extreme caution when you're working with gas. If you have any questions at all, call a licensed professional.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Wear a face mask to avoid breathing in a cloud of ash and soot when you remove the insert.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0