How to sweep a chimney bottom to top?

29th February 2020


	How to sweep a chimney bottom to top


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			There are two methods for sweeping your chimney using chimney rods: The top to bottom method and the bottom to the top method.

			Bottom to top method
			Step 1 – Measure your chimney Measuring your chimney will allow you to choose the correct sized brush needed to clean it. It is important to get an idea of what your chimney is like because there are many chimney brushes available, including round, square or rectangular in a variety of sizes from 50mm to around 300mm (2″ to 12″).

			Step 2 – Inspect chimney If it has been a while since the last time you used your chimney, or if you have just moved into the house, check for animals before you begin cleaning. Birds and squirrels have been known to make their homes in chimneys, so shine a bright torch up the chimney from the fireplace and if you find an animal, take the appropriate steps to have it removed.

			Whilst inspecting the chimney for animals, it is also a good idea to check to see how much creosote/tar has built up within the chimney. This will determine the type of brush that you will need and the amount of brushing required. The easiest way to do this is to scratch the inside of the chimney or chimney liner to be cleaned using a fire poker or something similar.

			Some chimneys can actually become reduced in places due to creosote buildup. When a chimney is blocked to this extent it will require the use of specialist tools and should be done by a professional chimney sweep.

			Step 3 – Prepare room Lay a tarpaulin or dust sheet over the hearth and spread it into the room to protect the carpet.Shop for Dust Sheets & Dust Covers

			Select the brush to use and connect it to a chimney rod, then cut a slit in the centre of a polythene sheet or tarpaulin and poke the rod through. Tape the sheet around the fireplace to make a screen, with the brush pushed slightly up the chimney. This will protect the room from any displaced soot and the rod protruding from the sheet held in place by the brush pushed slightly up the chimney makes it easy to add additional rods as you sweep up the chimney.

			Step 4 – Remove cowl from chimney Some chimneys and flues have a chimney cowl fitted, which helps to prevent wind blowing the smoke back down into the room below. They also have a secondary purpose of preventing birds or other animals from making nests in the chimney.

			If your chimney has a cowl fitted, it should be removed to ensure the whole of the chimney length is swept clean. Most cowls simply lift off or have a couple of bolts to loosen before removal.

			Step 5 – Choose right brush Always match the shape of the chimney lining to the shape of the brush. If the chimney has a round flue liner fitted, the brush should be round. The brush should be 15mm (0.5″) wider than the chimney.

			Step 6 – Begin sweeping upwards Working from behind the screen, push and pull the brush up and down the chimney vigorously, one metre at a time. If the chimney is round, ensure you twist the rods in a clockwise direction as you push and pull the rods up the chimney. This dislodges the soot and creosote. It’s worth spending a few minutes on each metre of chimney (approx 1 rod length).

			As the brush moves up the chimney, continue to add rods until the you are able to brush up the entire length of the chimney.

			Finally the brush should burst out of the chimney pot. Go outside and check that it’s sticking out; if it is then you have swept the whole chimney length.

			Step 7 – Sweep down towards fireplace Once you have seen the brush sticking from the top of the chimney it is time to start working your way back down. Follow the same procedure as before, only this time sweep down the chimney, removing the rods as you go (remember to continue to turn the rods clockwise to prevent them from disconnecting).

			Step 8 – Refit cowl to chimney Refit the cowl to the chimney, tightening any bolts that were loosened to remove it.

			Step 9 – Dislodged soot and creosote The soot and creosote from the chimney should have collected at the bottom of the fireplace.

			Step 10 – Finish job Use a brush and dustpan to clean up the debris from the fireplace. Finally, remove the dust sheets and vacuum around the fireplace.