I need to clean 15 feet of 6 inch diameter stainless chimney for the first time. What cleaning system(s) do you recommend? Conversely, are there systems you would avoid?
chimney cleaning system?
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What is the setup like? Will you be cleaning from inside the stove, from the roof, or through a clean out tee? We use all sorts of cleaning systems depending on the application..
It's a straight shot thru the roof. I don't like being on the roof, but to avoid a mess I figure the best way is to clean from the top down. I would tape a plastic bag to the stovepipe adapter.
Why not just clean into the stove? What stove is it?
For top down cleaning I prefer simple rods and brush
If the baffle is temporarily removable then for bottom up cleaning several use the Gardus Sooteater to clean the chimney.
http://www.gardusinc.com/sooteater.html
http://www.gardusinc.com/sooteater.html
So it's OK for whatever's in the pipe to fall in the stove?
It's an Englander 17-VL.
Make and model?
It looks like it would work just as well from the top down. I have their LintEater and like it fine. But would a 6" diameter brush work better than a whip?
The manual implies that the vermiculite baffle is removable, but doesn't say how to remove it.
yes
For that stove I would just pull the baffle and clean it letting all of the dirt fall into the stove. Or bottom up with a soot eater like bg said
Just some fiberglass rods and a poly brush. You are not going to want to buy the stuff we use it will cost way to much for what you need. For you just some cheap fiberglass homeowner grade rods will do just fine.
No rotary cleaning from the top is quite a bit harder than from the bottom But it can work ok. For top down cleaning i prefer rods and a brush bottom up i prefer a rotary cleaner. as far as which works better as long as you don't have much crusty buildup they will be about the same. If you do the rotary cleaner will be a little better but a brush can work fine for that as well.
SteveKG
Minister of Fire
Make, model and source?
Why? Seems like from the top, gravity is not working against you.
Any other online sources?
Another question: On a system like mine, where you do expect to see the most buildup?
I bought our Sooteater via Amazon and would suspect that a basic rod and brush set is available there too. FWIW, gravity works whether top or bottom up cleaning.
SteveKG
Minister of Fire
I have no clue I have never bought or even payed much attention to lighter duty rods that you would be buying they just would not hold up to the volume of cleaning we do. You just need either a basic rod and poly brush set or go with the soot eater.
I just find it awkward running a power cleaner from the top. You need to arch the rods down so you can run the drill then hold the rods in the chimney while you unhook it from the drill hook another on then hook the drill back up. We made a holder that supports them while we add or remove rods but it is still a bit of a pain. It absolutely can be done but i think a simple brush is easier from the top.
if at all possible, would it be best to take the chimney apart? I have an encore 2n1, so i was going to pull the cat out, and was going to go top-down. I picked up a rutland poly brush and 18' of rod. I don't mind getting on the roof, but wasn't sure if I would get it cleaner if I disassembled the whole thing?
i've never cleaned a chimney before....
i've never cleaned a chimney before....
no you should not take the chimney apart unless it is totally necessary. Yes you should pull the cat out and clean it. As far as top down or bottom up it doesnt matter it is which ever is easier for you. But going on the roof always carries some risk which is why I avoid it when possible.
more people are seriously hurt falling off of flat roofs than pitched ones you get a false sense of security. And usually just up and down is fine.
being a former roofer, I am familiar with people falling off of flat roofs!I have plenty of clearance, but will make sure to be careful.
And there is nothing wrong with doing it from the roof but every time you go up there you are at risk. Which is why when I can avoid it I can. But as long as you are carefull and aware of the dangers you will be fine. Especially since you have allot of experience on a roof
lml999
Minister of Fire
They say:
Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience, of course, comes from bad judgement.
Highbeam
Minister of Fire
I don't like being up on the roof because I don't want roof leaks. Stepping on a shingle that has a bent over nail under it, kicking stuff, etc. I use a sooteater from the bottom and the junk all falls right into the stove for cleanup.
Benchwrench
Feeling the Heat
Just cleaned my insert and 26' of rigid chimney pipe today.
Using the Gardus Sooteater system because
I have no intentions of going on the roof.
Using the Gardus Sooteater system because
I have no intentions of going on the roof.
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