A tale of two chimneys and how to sweep your own chimney
Comments(45)
Years ago when the cottage was being renovated I was advised by the foreman that my chimneys needed relining.
“Don’t worry Fiona. It won’t make a mess. You need to get it done though. A dodgy chimney could be dangerous. I happen to know a man that has a company that relines chimneys I’ll give him a ring.”
The Chimney Lining Friend came and examined the chimneys carefully. His face was grave.
“Both chimneys need relining. As there are two, I can do you a deal – both for £3,500.00.”
I trusted the foreman but I wavered.
The Chimney Lining Friend swept on, “The chimneys need to be swept before we start. We could do this for £100. Perhaps you’d like to use your own sweep?”
I decided to use my own guys. They arrived on the Friday before the relining was scheduled to begin.
They swept the kitchen chimney and examined it carefully.
“This chimney is old but we’ve seen much worse. It doesn’t need relining.”
I was surprised.
They discovered that the chimney in the sitting room was new. It had been built inside the old inglenook fireplace.
“No wonder the fire draws so well.”
They warned me that if The Chimney Lining Friend insisted on coming on Monday he would probably want to do a smoke test. Apparently teeny wafts of smoke can escape into the attic.
“If this happens, don’t be alarmed. It’s normal. Stick to your guns. Don’t have the chimneys relined!”
The foreman arrived before the friend. Despite my protestations, he insisted on waiting for TCLF. We sat in silence until the large deluxe car reversed into the drive.
They did the test. Twice. Not a waft of smoke drifted into the attic. The building company was one of the best in Cambridge. The gangs were good, arriving on time as scheduled and the quality of the work was excellent. But I’d never use the company again. Of course there are backhanders in the building industry but faking the need for a job is just not on. The relationship with the foreman was never quite the same again.
In fact the experience put me off having the chimneys touched for years.
When Danny arrived he mentioned in passing that he always swept the chimneys back home in rural West Cork. Since then we have swept our chimneys ourselves. If you have a standard, traditional brick built chimney it’s really easy. The fancy vacuum cleaners and screens are unnecessary. All you need are a set of drain rods
You can buy a good brush at a decent builder’s merchants. They are also available online and there you will find a lot of dire warnings about DIY chimney cleaning (they are generally written by chimney sweeps).
There is one golden rule for chimney sweeping and drain clearing. Keep turning the rods in a clockwise direction. This ensures that the rods do not become separated and get lost in the chimney or drain. The Penultimate Paramour turned the rods the wrong way once. A disaster that was averted by sheer determination and hours of patience.
I put a layer of newspaper in the fire basket and sling an old sheet across the outside of the fireplace (this protects the room from stray soot). I work from behind this screen. Then I screw the brush head to the first rod, stick it up the chimney and add another rod so that I can access the contraption easily.
Sweep up and down, and twist clockwise as you add the rods and push the brush up the chimney. This dislodges the soot and creosote. It’s worth spending a few minutes on each metre of chimney. Finally the brush bursts out of the chimney pot. Nip outside and check that it’s sticking out. On the downward path repeat the sweeping twisting action. As you pull the brush down, remove the rods as you go. Finally examine the chimney with a powerful flashlight to check that it is really clean.
If you want to clean your own chimney you need to be practical. If it’s an old chimney full of nooks and crannies you may need to use different brushes or a chimney vacuum. I have never cleaned a metal flue. It may be worth getting a professional sweep in once and watch carefully what he/she does. Then you will know exactly how a pro would tackle your chimney and perhaps you can take up the reins next time.
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HG
Can you do this with a wood burning stove? As my parents could save a fortune.
We got a set of drain rods nearly 2 years ago because we had a moat house, and the moat shouldn’t have been there. The drains in the roads get blocked with leaves swept down the road by the rain and we get a bit of rain here in Wales
Now we have put in 2 wood burners and at some stage we need to sweep them. How often do you sweep? One is metal and has a flue plate in it to aid a brush going up it. The other is an old fashioned chimney with a stove underneath it and no plate. I wonder how we clean this?? Any ideas??
Shocking, isn’t it, how much some people are prepared to overcharge (the swish car is always a bit of a giveaway)
We sweep our chimneys, too. And my husband installed the metal flue liners himself (easy, if you’ve got a long enough ladder and a piece of rope as long as the chimney to pull the monster coil of liner down) … he did one last month for our new woodburner
Joanna
We have a woodburner, and we sweep our own chimney (or rather stovepipe) ourselves, after the chimney cleaner quoted us 40 euros for 10 minutes’ work. Depending on design of the stove and pipe, getting the brush round the first corner can be a little awkward, but it’s plain sailing after that, and less messy than cleaning an open fireplace — we spread newspaper around but don’t bother with a sheet. We do it once a year, just before lighting the fire for ther first time, since birds like to sit on top of it during the summer
I don’t know if this applies in the UK, but you should check your insurance; in France you may not be covered for chimney fires if you can’t prove you’ve swept your chimney regularly!
There you are on a money saving challenge and this guy drives up and tries to whisk away a whopping £3,500.00 for no reason whatsoever. It makes me really angry.
(Do check your insurance, Fiona. That point was on my mind too as I was reading your post.)
Hi Fiona –
unfortunately in terms of insurance, Casalba & Veronica are correct: you may invalidate it if you attempt to clear your chimneys, yourselves. I know for a fact this is the case for business premises – as recently some friends almost lost their B&B as a result of this legislation.
So anyone who lives on a working farm, or smallholding with holiday cottages, a B&B, a ‘cottage industry’ or even simply working from home could find their policies null & void in the event of an accident – if they clean their own chimneys & the premises is damaged or worse still destroyed, by fire. And if guests died as a result….it doesn’t bear thinking about.
Incidentally, witnessing the appearance of the brush head from the chimney is said to bring the owner of the property good luck – the reason for said symbolism on wedding days.
Once upon a time when I lived in the Cotswolds & during the most miserable period of my life, the local sweep (fifth year running) yet again insisted I stand out in a miserably drizzling rain to witness this fortuitous event.
I shrewishly declined the offer…only to meet my husband-to-be, the very same year. And here we are still,now with our own little Ffarm & not one but three chimneys to sweep – & you’ve guessed it, these days I steadfastly refuse to witness the emergence of the brush…I value my marriage too highly!
On the insurance question, we do sweep our own chimney, so in theory we couldn’t prove we’d swept it in the event of a chimney fire. But given that a) we *do* sweep it every year, and b) the smoke from our woodburner is completely enclosed in a metal stovepipe all the way to the top of the chimney, the chances of a chimney fire destroying the house are extremely small!
The whole business of proof is pretty vague anyway. In France you can buy “logs” which purport to clean your chimney when you burn them in the grate. They come with a ready-made certificate saying that you’ve cleaned your chimney …
Jolly Good Ladies!!! Fabulous that you have the gumption to tackle a demanding job!!
First off, let me state that I am a Chimney Sweep. I have been doing it for over 20 years.
As regards to the CHIMNEY SWEEPING LOG, do NOT TRUST that to “Clean your Chimney”. It even says so on the package! There is NO SUBSTITUTE for an INSPECTION. Does the “LOG” have eyes to tell you your Flashing is lifting? Your MORTAR is cracked (and allowing water penetration)? Does your “LOG” tell you that the Birds have made nests in your Chimney? Those are only SOME of the aspects of a Professional Chimney Sweep’s responsibilities for checking.
These days, we also use VIDEO INSPECTION. And ROTO-BRUSHING too.
I have a feeling the “Ready Made Certificate” would be viewed as highly as toilet paper.
On the off chance that they need proof of maintenance,…..take before and after pictures, or video tape the whole procedure.(Again…..know what you are looking for,…and at.
It is my opinion that a chimney should be professionally cared for, not some lackluster attempt by someone who only values saving money over the need to protect their family’s life, their pet’s life,…and quite possibly the lives of their neighbours.
Why else would you think the INSURANCE companies mandate Chimney care?
Hi S.O.L.,
It depends on whether a flue had been fitted. A poorly fitted flue can cause chimney fires as the debris can settle between the old chimney and the new flue.
As you will see from the comments below a chimney flue can be cleaned with the right brushes quite easily.
Hello Samantha
We cleaned out the chimney of our wood burning stove today. It has a plate above the wood burning stove and metal plate to ease cleaning but it’s a bit of a palaver as you need to hoover the plate and the nooks and crannies in the chimney after sweeping. Our house dates from the seventeenth century but it is easy to see if you have swept the chimney clean with a decent torch or flashlight.
The stove that just is attached to an old fashioned chimney I would take professional advise about this. You do need to be able to check that the chimney is squeaky clean (there is usually a plate set in the chimney for access). In your case I’d employ a recommended chimney sweep and watch what he does.
Hello Joanna,
If you know how to do it, why not?
Hi Veronica
Good on you! In England insurance policies usually only require chimney sweep receipts for thatched houses and buildings that rent out rooms (B&B, conferences etc.)
We seep our main chimney regularly. Our kitchen one has been ignored for years as we didn’t use it. Just been spring cleaned today. Chimney cleaning for a straightforward, relatively straight chimney isn’t rocket science. Fires tend to start in chimneys that haven’t been maintained.
Hello Casalba
It was a rotten trick that the builders tried to pull. But this was years ago.
We will always sweep our chimney. I feel much more confident that it is really clean if I clean them. Our insurance isn’t effected.
Hi Jo
If you are running a commercial enterprise from your home that involves other people working/staying in your premises you have different rules applied to you and that is right. A dirty chimney could easily cause a fire.
But we are not in the same boat as you. We don’t want chimney fires either, that’s why we clean our main chimney regularly! We have just started using our wood burning stove again and this will be cleaned every six months along with the main one.
Hello Veronica
If you clean your chimney regularly and your flue has been installed properly, it’s highly unlikely that you will have a chimney fire.
Hi Dan
Good to hear from a Chimney Sweep at last.
You make some pertinent points but I think that you are missing the point here. Self sufficiency isn’t just about saving money.
I’m a decorator and loads of people that I know do their own decorating. I don’t chastise them. Why not do it yourself? Sweeping your own chimney doesn’t mean sticking a brush on some rods and pushing it up the chimney, hoping for the best. Any one with any sense would take the time to read up on the subject. Research the best way to clean their own particular chimney and so on. There is loads of information out there on the internet.
I don’t have a video camera that can film how clean my chimney is but I’m pretty confident that my chimney is clean. It’s a straightforward chimney. If it was an ancient chimney with loads of stopping off points and plates I wouldn’t attempt to clean it and would call in a professional. Even then I’d still want to learn how to clean it myself. I enjoy maintaining my home.
You make a good point with your before and after photographs and videos.
Your point about neighbours and family and pets is hugely emotive. Only a madman would put anyone at risk. Most people that I know, who clean there own chimneys, have assessed the risks and still prefer to sweep their chimneys themselves.
Insurance companies mandate chimney care because lighting fires beneath an unswept chimney is a huge potential fire risk.
Thanks for leaving a comment.
Hi, we’ve just finished cleaning out chimney. We’ve recently discovered that there used to be a second chimney pot next to the existing one but now there is just a hole. Our fire doesn’t draw very well so we wondered if a second pot would help or if we would be better off just having it capped? Does any one know?
Francesca
if you have a chimney that potentially opens out into 2 pots you probably need to get a builder or sweep to look at it properly. most chimneys terminate at only 1 pot.Could be that the leaves seperating the 2 chimneys have crumbled away. this will need professional attention.
Thankyou – you have just saved me a fortune on the “professional” advice I received last week. I investigated further and turned out I didn’t need my chimney re-lined at all! Best regards, Graham (Norfolk UK)
can anyone tell me if I can puchase a hoover that I can clean my log burner out with and suck up the ashes as I am disable and find it difficult to clean
is there a tin hoover that will take the hot ash would be gratful for any news of a hoover that copes with hat ashes
You can get an attachment that is said to be suitable for most hoovers from any branch of Machine Mart: http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/ash-can-filter-for-vacuum-cleaners/path/flus-and-accessories
I’ve not used it so don’t know how good it is, though it does point out it is only suitable once the ashes have cooled.
Hope that helps.
Hi Francesca
I think that Chris has answered your comment.
Hi Chris
Thanks for your input.
Hello Graham
It’s great when this happens!
Hi Angela
I don’t think that you will find anything on the domestic market that will deal with hot ashes. Bar has given you an answer for cold ashes.
Incidentally if you have access to logs you don’t need to clean out the ashes for months. You can use the warm ashes to light your fire in the morning.
Hello Bar
Thank you for your input.
http://www.tamarbrushes.co.uk/
As a Chimney Sweep i understand the importance of using the right tool for the job – cheap one size fit all brushes etc are not up to the job – the correct rod – size brush – and stiffness of brush need to be discovered – the link at the top of this post will lead to a company that make the best in the UK. May i also point out that soot can cause cancer so a mask should be warn and if possible use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.Chimney fires are on the increase so any sweeping will help but there is a reason why i carry 5K worth of equiptment because i am a full time sweep and work to a high standard. Take care all.
Having been in the fire service for 20 years, I’ve lost count of the number of chimney fires I’ve been to.
It is essential to have chimneys cleaned thoroughly at least once a year, and more frequently if the chimney is used regularly.
Look out for hidden ledges that may accumulate soot and debris, birds nests, faulty liners (cracked) and flues from wood burners that stop just above the registry plate. The later is the cause of numerous fires, as soot will accumulate on top of the plate.
I’m not adverse to DIY cleaning, if you know the chimney and your confident to do so then you’ll know its been done properly. But, in anything other than a straight forward chimney and if you’re not confident, then get in an expert. A video of the chimney is probably the only way to be sure that its really clean when there are hidden recesses.
Hello James
Thanks for your advice and warnings. Our chimneys are fairly straightforward so I feel confident that we are sweeping them well. But you are right, everyone should be beware of the hazards and if there are any questions call the experts in. Even if it’s to ask whether it’s safe to sweep a particular chimney themselves.
Hello Jeremy
Chimney fires are a real hazard.
In the olden days country folk would light a fire in their chimney to clean it!
But seriously, I take your point and agree. Only clean your own chimney if you are confident about the state of the chimneys in your house. Never sweep your chimney if you are not confident about what you are doing. And even if you are confident, you could have missed something so beware.
Hello Jeremy
You said “and flues from wood burners that stop just above the registry plate. The later is the cause of numerous fires, as soot will accumulate on top of the plate”
Our chimney (external brick affair) is unlined – we hope to have this done this year. Currently are flue pipe only goes six inches above the register plate. I could easily add another 1 or 2 metre long lengths of flue pipe to take it further up the chimney.
Would this be a wise stop-gap until relining?
Thanks
Tom
I have a woodburner and this is the first winter, it is wonderful, but I am trying to work out how to sweep the chimney, I have the brushes etc, but actually getting the brush past the inside of the top of the fire, and up the chimney appears to be a big ask. Do I have to take anything off/out of the fire, undo any screws etc.
Chimney sweeping is no easy task, I can tell you that much.
So many peple with good advice, yet why do we as registered sweeps spend so much money on equipment and years of training (i carry over £6000 of tools) ???
The reason is that a chimney fire can KILL,, Kill AND KILL and if you wish to play games fine… I can build a wall but not about to build my own house??
A good sweep is not a lot of money, call more than one, BUT this is not a money saving game.. playing with fire is dangerous, and only a silly person would believe (or advise) so.
I have swept for many years and seen the results of a chimney fire and the death it can cause.
Do as you wish but PLEASE think..
tim
Hi Tim,
I find it hard to pick between chimney sweeps because of the unfortunate number of rouge traders about. Perhaps with your experience, and qualifications, could you please advise us what we should look for? What qualifications do you have?
Would it also be possible for you to tell me just how many chimney fires have killed anyone in the last year or so, I can’t recall one myself. Chimneys are generally pretty good (provided that they’ve not got structural defects) at directing hot gasses and flames out to open air and the atmosphere. Occasionally I admit roofs are vulnerable, but these tend not to affect peoples escape in case of fire. It is also true that chimneys were left to burn in the good ol days to clean them out! (not generally a good practice now I accept).
Fit smoke alarms if you’ve any concerns in relation to life safety, contact your local fire service and they’ll probably fit them for free (in the UK) or visit http://www.firekills.gov.uk for further advice.
It is quite conceivable that many people are sensible enough to sweep their own chimneys provided that they are capable and the chimney is understood, yes there are hazards, mainly to the property, but scare-mongering (quote: kill, kill and kill) is wrong.
Please don’t misunderstand me. There are risks if you don’t sweep a chimney properly and property can go up in smoke remarkably fast. If you don’t understand all the twists and turns in a chimney and if you don’t fully understand how a chimney works – please don’t try to sweep it without an expert (if you can find one)… and again I agree as I’m sure most of us will, playing with fire is very silly.
Jeremy
Advice to Households – copied from North Yorks FRS website due to a recent spate of chimney fires (which is likely a national issue):
Regular sweeping and maintenance of chimneys and flues eliminates the build up of soot from coal, wood, oil and gas fired systems. It also clears obstructions such as bird and animal nests, leaves and debris.
Chimneys using smokeless fuel should be swept at least once a year.
Chimneys using bituminous coal should be swept at least once a year.
Chimneys using wood should be swept quarterly, when in use.
Chimneys using oil should be swept at least once a year.
Chimneys using gas should be swept at least once a year.
Flues and the ventilation for flues and chimneys should be inspected at least once a year.
Check the roof space regularly, when a fire is lit, to ensure that smoke is not leaking into the roof space.
Carbon monoxide, known as the ‘silent killer’, is present when fuel is burnt on an open fire, or in a gas appliance. Tragically, every year, people lose their lives to Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Regular cleaning of chimneys and flues reduces the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home.
Chimneys should be swept by a competent contractor to BS6461. For details contact the National Association of Chimney Sweeps on freephone 0800 833464 or visit http://www.nacs.org.uk
Another good link is http://www.instituteofchimneysweeps.co.uk/
there are several chimney sweeping organisations out there.
The National association of chimney sweeps.
The guild of master sweeps
the institute of chimney sweeps
and the association of chimney sweeps.
as far as i can see only the NACS and GMS have any qualifications. the ICS and APICS only want a reference from a customer and you are in. this does not sound like a good idea. all companies have a training programm but again ICS and APICS do a one day coures. what the H£ll can someone learn in one day!!!!!. The NACS and GMS seem to run extensive courses where you end up with a recognised qualification although looking on NACS website it doesent seem to be compulsory as most are not qualified.
Hello Tomsk
You should have acess to clean the registry plate. This needs to be cleaned howere long the flue is.
Hello Ali
You need to have your chimney cleaned professionally. You clearly have a flue and no access.
Hi Chimney Sweep Los Angeles
Thanks for your input.
Hi Tim
Thanks for your advice. Much appreciated.
Hello Jeremy
Thanks for your input.
Our chimneys are very straightforward to clean and so I’m quite confident about doing that task. However some chimneys are not so straightforward and with these I would call in an expert – particularly chimneys with liners.
Hi James
Thank you!
Hi Kathryn
That’s very interesting and useful information. Thank you for dropping by.
Hello,
I am a full time chimney sweep of twenty five years experience and I feel that some people will always sweep their own flue and many of them will do a good job (sometimes a better one than a poor professional) others think that they are doing a good job and wont be and theres the danger, there are many types of flues and appliances and a good professional chimney sweep will carry all the correct equipment to leave your flue in a clean, safe condition and issue you with a certifcate. 90% of a chimney sweeps work is to feel his way up and down a flue and this comes with training and experience. Not all chimney sweeps are rouges.
Cheers,
Stephen Morris
HETAS APPROVED
NACS MASTER MEMBER
NVQ QUALIFIED IN CHIMNEY ENGINEERING
@Stephen, I couldn’t have put it better myself.
As regards the question about choosing a sweep from amongst the “rogue traders” I think it’s the same as if looking for a builder or other tradesman – I look for them being a member of a professional organisation, being insured (ask for proof! If someone is the type to not be insured then of course they are the very type will SAY they ARE. So what anyone says when trying to get your business/money from you proves nothing!) – Some traders web sites have a private direct web link to thier insurance company showing thier current policy & it’s expiry date – mine has for example(I’m not a sweep).) – and the most important two points of all – 1. ask people you know if they can reccomend someone they have used, and 2. trust your gut feeling every time if suspicious. I rang two sweeps a while ago from ads in my local paper, with one the phone was answered with a gruff chav-like “hellow” and the other was answered in a friendly manner – now this isn’t a fool-proof test by any means (!). Both were in yellow pages, but I went for number 2 and he was a member of a trade organisation, was clean in his work , friendly and charged me a reasonable amount, he did not try and sell me anything I did not need or claim my chimney was about to fall off! I got a certificate to prove my chimney was swept by a trade organisation member in case of insurance issues. I’ll use him again and reccomended him to others. Incidentaly, his was not the biggest flashest ad in the yellow pages either, which I know is how a lot of people choose between services. I do think personal reccomendation is the best way, but if you can’t get that, then I’d always look for a trade association member. Best of all, go to the trade association web site and look on thier directory for your nearest member – that way you KNOW they are a real member and are current.
@ Jeremy,
BS 6461 was withdrawn on 30th November 2008.
The standard is on the “Installation of chimneys and flues for domestic appliances burning solid fuel”. Not necessary for cleaning a chimney. I do not know if there is a british standard for cleaning a chimney, but a standard for installation of chimneys does not seem necessary.
http://www.jamesthesweep.co.uk
On my website it has some really good tips on fuel types and what not to burn.
By following the advice on my website your chimney will last longer and your appliance will operate better and hotter.
Just to say early this morning our chimney sweep removed a jackdaw from our chimney. I wouldn’t want to tackle that myself! (Chimney sweep sustained a wrenched elbow as a consequence). His fee was comparatively small and he left us the ash for our allotment.
Hi Sebbie
We have jackdaws nesting in our chimney again this year. Grrr. They make such a racket but D is soft and so they are here to stay for the summer.
In the autumn I’m going to put a bird proof cap on the chimney.
Hello all,
I should first introduce myself
I am the current Chairman of the Guild of master chimnney sweeps.
I am very happy to see this subject being discussed and as you would expect I would suggest that chimney sweeping is not a DIY job and I will explain why.
Firstly removing soot and flammable tar are not the only reasons to sweep your flue. The smoke and gasses produced by your solid fueled fire contain very high levels of carbon monoxide 30,000ppm is normal for a real fire while 400ppm is a lot for a gas fire. So smoke isnt just smelly it will gas you. (34% of all carbon monoxide incidents are solid fuel related)
It takes approximatley 2 years working everyday with a chimney sweep to become vaguely competent. Initial Guild training courses are three days theoretical and 8 weeks practical.
Equipment costs with a `H` Vacuum, proper chimney rods (not bendy drain rods) An assortment of brushes, sheets, sealing cloths, proper safety equipment p3 respirators coveralls,etc (creosote contains volatile organic compounds such as benzine which are highly carcinogenic ) will cost thousands.
Of course you can by a set of drain rods 1 B&Q brush and hope for the best.
I am a big a DIY enthusiast BUT chimney sweeping is not a DIY job. The chimney carries away the poisonous fumes from your solid,gas or oil appliance.
The way to find a sweep that is assured to have appropriate insurances, training and equipment is to search through one of the industry approved trade organisations such as the guild of master chimney sweeps http://www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps or the NACS the national association of chimney sweeps. http://www.chimneyworks.co.uk
Many insurance companies now insist that the any live chimney is swept by a competent person and that an approved certificate is issued.
Yours Faithfully
Daniel Hodgson
GMCS Chairman
I am a professional chimney sweep and my family have been sweeping chimneys for over 60 years. It does take years to become competent in sweeping any potential chimney, that as a sweep, you may come across, however, I believe that with common sense, good advice, guidance and clear instruction, it would not be impossible for a chimney owner to competently sweep their own chimney, if they were so inclined. I know many people that do, with varying results. If chimney owners are going to attempt their own sweepings, they could do far worse than obtaining clear advice on the subject. Coincidently, our site provides an abundance and ebooks for various chimney / appliance configurations, but remember, they are for assistance in deciding whether self sweeping should be attempted or not. Our site also provides an email channel for ongoing advice, guidance and resources.
To many Sweeps trying to scare people from DIY. Bet they all have luxury cars also,
Well Graham perhaps I should join them, my van has just about had it! Seriously though chimneys can be the most dangerous thing in a household if not afforded the proper respect, but fortunately, learning that respect can be done in a safe manner, if common sense, diligence to timely sought advice and guidance and a sense of humour prevails.
I have just suffered a spectacular chimney fire at my cottage. I was not there at the time but got a call and arrived very shortly after it started. A friend had been burning papers in the woodburner.
First response (mine) was to put a couple of decent shovels of sand on the fire, shut all the air vents on the wodburner then check the stack all the way up including the loft for smoke or hot spots. All was OK, so I decided to keep a watching brief and just let it go out. No air means no fire in my book.
All was well and it was starting to die down and then some jobsworth decided to call the fire brigade.
They arrived and for quite a while did nothing other than have a cup of tea. Then, becasue they were there and there was still smoke after half an hour decided to rod the chimney. I kid you not it was like an episode from dads army – drain rods with a hose attached and a guy on a stirrup pump with a bucket in my lounge!
And becasue they had opened the lot up to full air on a windy night the results outside were spectacular.
All is well that ends well, apart from the mess and crud all over my roof, but I have a few puzzles and would be interested in the comments particularly of the sweeps who have been on here.
The stove is a good one, a Jotul, and I have had it for perhaps 15 years. The flue is unlined but the stove terminates in a 5″ flue pipe through a register plate. I can remove that plate at will to clean off behind it and do so frequently.
The brigade removed buckets of stuff, which they told me was tar, or burnt tar by then.
However, the chimney is regularly swept, and was last done by a professional 6 weeks ago. I will confess that I also sweep it once a year and only use the professionals once a year in the autumn.
So, how do I get rid of the tar build up? I did see some brushes in France made of wire. Would one of those help.
Be interested in your thoughts.
Hello John J
What wood have you been burning? I’ve heard that pine is very iffy as it builds up lots of residue. Also how does the flue meet the wood burning stove – it should be a complete journey from stove to chimney top without the need to clear the register plate. There is something wrong here. if there is a build up of residue/
Ours just opens into a chimney above the registration plate. This obviously need to be cleared and hoovered regularly.
I have heard about fires starting between the installed flue and the chimney – this shouldn’t happen but perhaps this happened with yours. If so you need to check if there are gaps, falling short of the end of the chimney etc.
I suppose I have become a bit complacent over the years. I used to burn almost 100% ash as I had felling rights on a large wood nearby. Now it is a mix of ‘can you fell this tree for me’ and a lot of scrap wood from my friendly builder. It is all dry and stored under cover. I do avoid the pine trees I am asked t fell, but most of the scrap wood is of course soft wood, but has a lot less resin in it than builders timer despite being the same species. I probably have around 3 tons stored at any one time.
The boiler has a 5″ SS flue pipe about 3′ long. That goes through the register plate and is then ‘free standing’ in the large cavity above the chimney brest and below the actual flue proper. Yes, stuff does collect on the register plate and I do clear it out on a regular basis.
This weekend to be absolutely sure I swept the chimney. Proper brushes and up and down motion together with multiple twisting of the rods with a windy handle. Most of what I got out was detritus from the chimney fire, and I guess there was about 1 cubic foot in total. Be good on the garden next year.
And if truth be told I think I am happier with my job than the recent professional job.
I meant to say that the scrap wood has a lot less resin in it than the odd pine tree (usually Leylandii) I am asked to fell.
The way I wrote it makes no sense. Too much of a rush….
I am a CSIA certified chimney sweep based out of Pennsylvania, USA. There are a couple very concerning comments that were made in this article that I would like to address.
-“This chimney is old but we’ve seen much worse. It doesn’t need relining.”. How do you know? The only way to properly inspect a chimney to find out if a liner is needed is to perform what is know as a LVL II inspection. This consists of sweeping the flue and running a video camera up the flue as well as inspecting visually all areas of the chimney that are accessible.
-”Apparently teeny wafts of smoke can escape into the attic.” This is NEVER the case….quite scary in fact that i saw you write this…Per current NFPA 211 (US) code and current IRC (International Residential Code) “Any flue that cannot contain the by-products of combustion MUST be replaced, repaired or relined.” End of discussion. No ifs ands or buts about it. Any little bit of smoke that gets into an attic space means that there is a hole somewhere in that flue and God forbid the homeowner ever had a chimney fire, that fire could escape into the living space. This could be possibly fatal.
In conclusion, have you chimney professionally serviced at least once a year. It’s required per current codes (NFPA 211 and IRC) and it could save your home or better yet you and your families lives.
Andrew is right, and I imagine the rules in the UK are similar to the US, which is where he writes from.
If the chimney is in effect leaking it is highly dangerous, and although I am not too fussy on all manner of ‘elf n safety’ rules I personally would never use a stove connected to a leaky chimney.
If smoke can get through, then so can fire, and it is no good saying it is very unlikely to happen. Too late when you are attending the funeral.
I am a Chimney Sweep coving Bedfordshire Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and i normally find complacency has often ended in disaster, more often than not, extreme tarring and creosote in the chimney, or on an uncleaned register plate, which if not cleaned regularly and properly, can ignite and cause a chimney fire.
Always burn seasoned wood, make sure its dry! and avoid resinous woods like conifer. and have it professionally swept regularly. you will find your liner and chimney will thank you for it, and so will your sweep, and your insurance company.