question about cleaning a chimney

[big g]

hey guys is it worth it to clean my chimney myself or should i pay the hunrerd dollars for somebody to do it. what tools would i need to do it myself. thanks for any feedback.

 

[husky455rancher]

just need a brush square or round. depends what shape lining you have. it helps if you 2 man it but its not necessary. my dad usually comes down and we do it in the fall. i wouldnt pay someone a c note to do it but maybe thats just me. it really only takes a few minutes.

 

[big g]

thanks for the reply. i burn about four cords a year and about tired of paying people i want to do it myself just not sure yet. thank you for your help long time looker on this site but this is my first question again thanks rancher.

 

[asb151]

I use to hired a person every year. After watching what they did and the equipment they used I just went out and bought my own. Its simple and I save $125 a year going on 3 years now. I also burn about 4 cords.

 

[big g]

where can ibuy the rods and brushes you need i have a steel pipe thats boxed in.thanks for any info and your reply

 

[BIG JAKE]

where can ibuy the rods and brushes you need i have a steel pipe thats boxed in.thanks for any info and your reply

Measure the dimensions of your chimney. For metal chimneys I like poly brushes and clay/masonry I like the steel brushes. Local stove specialty dealer will usually be able to order rods/brushes for you with his cut or you can look it up on line. If you have a masonry chimney don't forget to vacuum out the smoke shelf above the damper when you're done to eliminate the creosote pile/fuel source.

 

[big g]

thanks jake for the info i have e few local dealers around that i will check in with thanks again for the help

 

[A. Stanton]

Big G,
I went through the same thing you are going through. I decided to buy the bush and rods and do it myself. The cost is roughly $100; and you'll save that with one cleaning. My chimney, however, is the chimney from hell. I need to rent an aerial lift to clean it. It's best to clean from the top down, keeping the stove shut and allowing all the crap to fall into it. I figure doing it myself, I won't have to worry about some stranger coming over to case my house.

 

[big g]

yea those are great points i like no strangers over either and my chimney is pretty easy to get at and with all this feedback i think im gonna try this myself thanks A.Stanton

 

[husky455rancher]

ive never used any rods we use a rope on top and a chain on bottom. i know thats how my dads been doing it since way before i was born lol. my chimney dont get real dirty i just gotta remedy my flex pipe problem. ill have to drag the stopvve outta the fireplace soon to see what i can come up with.

 

[woodbooga]

where can ibuy the rods and brushes you need i have a steel pipe thats boxed in.thanks for any info and your reply

Make a point to hit the yard/barn/moving/garage sales on Sat. mornings. I see at least one brush for sale each month.

 

[Jkebxjunke]

i found my brush and rods at one of the big box stores

 

[danrclem]

I bought my brush and rods at Lowes. It's been a few years ago and I don't remember what they cost but I'm sure the cost of them would be cheaper than one hired chimney cleaning.

 

[hickslawns]

I know our local ACE hardware had them in the past. Might check Tractor Supply or Northern Tool. Heck just do a google search and they will probably list hundreds.

 

[woodfarmer]

you guys from CT must have collective bumps on the head, rent an aerial lift to clean a chimney when a pro will do it for $100

 

[A. Stanton]

you guys from CT must have collective bumps on the head, rent an aerial lift to clean a chimney when a pro will do it for $100

I guess I could use a ladder. But somehow a broken back to me isn't worth saving $175.

 

[woodfarmer]

thats kind of what i was getting at

 

[big g]

guye thanks forallthe replies i went to lowes today and they had everything i i needed illbe doing it myself again thanks for the help again

 

[Wood Doctor]

I guess I could use a ladder. But somehow a broken back to me isn't worth saving $175.

QFT! Especially if your chimney is like mine--a full 35' tall flue on a steep roof covered with cedar shake shingles. Give me a break--not a broken back.

Also, good sweeps don't just sweep chimeys. They are men trying to help you (1) prevent a chimney fire that can burn your house down and (2) make sure that your wood stove delivers heat to the house when you need it.

 

[AngelofDarkness]

Mine is ridiculously easy to access and clean, its on a small flat roof and the top is only 6 feet above the roof, its only about a 14' chimney total and all insulated supervent. It stays pretty clean because I burn hot, I try to clean it twice a season, I dont want to take any chances.