How to Remove a Fireplace Insert?

How to Remove a Fireplace Insert (And What to Do With It After)

Fireplace inserts don’t last forever. Whether yours is outdated, damaged, or you’re switching from wood-burning to gas, there comes a point where the insert needs to come out. The good news: removal is straightforward if you know what type you have and take the right precautions.

This guide covers preparation, step-by-step removal for all three types (wood, gas, and electric), disposal options, costs, and when to call a pro instead of doing it yourself.

Before You Start: Preparation

Safety First

If you’ve used the fireplace recently, wait at least 24 hours for everything to cool completely. For gas inserts, shut off the gas supply at the valve. For electric inserts, unplug them and verify no power is flowing to the unit.

Tools You’ll Need

• Screwdrivers — flathead and Phillips for removing trim and mounting hardware
• Wrench set — for gas line connections and bolts
• Crowbar — to pry the insert loose if it’s stuck or sealed in place
• Gloves and safety goggles — soot, ash, and debris are guaranteed
• Drop cloth — protect your flooring from soot and scratches

Clear the Area

Move furniture, rugs, and decorations away from the fireplace. You need room to work and a clear path to carry the insert out. Fireplace inserts weigh 200-500 lbs depending on the type — you don’t want to be navigating around an ottoman with one.

Check Your Manual

If you still have the insert’s manual, review it. Some models have specific removal steps or hidden mounting points that aren’t obvious. No manual? Search the manufacturer and model number online — most are available as PDFs.

Step-by-Step Removal by Type

Wood-Burning Insert

1. Confirm the firebox is completely cool — no embers, no residual heat.
2. Disconnect the flue pipe from the insert. Unscrew clamps or bolts holding it in place.
3. Remove the trim and surround pieces. A screwdriver or crowbar handles most of these.
4. Slide the insert out. Wood-burning inserts are heavy (300-500 lbs). Get a second person or use a furniture dolly.

Gas Insert

1. Turn off the gas supply at the shutoff valve.
2. Disconnect the gas line using a wrench. Go slowly — you don’t want to crack a fitting.
3. Unplug any electrical connections (many gas inserts have electric igniters or blowers).
4. Remove mounting screws and brackets.
5. Slide the insert out with a helper.
6. After removal, check the gas line for leaks. If you smell gas or aren’t sure, call a plumber.

Electric Insert

1. Unplug the insert from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove trim and surround pieces.
3. Unscrew mounting brackets.
4. Slide the insert out. Electric inserts are the lightest of the three types — usually under 200 lbs.

How to Dispose of a Fireplace Insert

You can’t put a fireplace insert out with the regular trash. Here are your options:

• Recycling: Metal and glass components can be recycled. Check with local recycling centers — not all accept large items, so call ahead.
• Bulk pickup: Some municipal waste services offer bulk pickup for large items. There’s usually a fee and a scheduling window.
• Junk removal service: A company like Junk B Gone will come to your home, carry the insert out, and handle disposal. We recycle the metal components and dispose of the rest responsibly.
• Donate: If the insert still works, organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore may accept it. A working insert has real value to someone upgrading their fireplace on a budget.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Bottom line: If it’s an electric insert on the ground floor and you have a helper, DIY makes sense. If it’s a 400-pound wood stove on the second floor or involves a gas line, hire someone.

Real Job: 400-Pound Wood Stove Removal

A recent client needed a 400-pound wood-burning insert hauled out of their garage and taken to a recycling facility for a wood stove recycling program. They’d already called three other companies — one didn’t offer the service, another ghosted after initial emails, and the third never responded.

They called us. Sara handled the scheduling — clear communication, a narrow arrival window, no runaround. Josh called 20 minutes before arriving. Josh and Lee handled the removal: polite, professional, and fast.

Here’s what the client said:

“Junk B Gone is really wonderful. Right from the start, Sara is prompt, efficient, clear with questions and information and gave me confidence that the team would be able to get this heavy insert moving. They gave me a really narrow window of when they will arrive and 20 minutes before they would reach me, Josh gave me a call. Love that they did not make me wait unnecessarily and service was so prompt. Josh and Lee were both polite, professional and awesome. I felt safe with them and also had the confidence that they knew what they were doing. Amazing service and in the future, if I need junk removal/hauling service, I would definitely reach out and tap Junk B Gone again. Thank you!”