This past weekend I completed my spring chimney cleaning of my FPX.
First I purchased a chimney cleaning kit online - with shipping less than $70
http://www.fireplaceessentials.com/c7/Metal-Chimney-Cleaning-Homeowner-Professional-c93.html
Well worth the price. The rods are sturdy, screw together easily and stay together. Being the first time, I wasnt quite sure what to expect but here is a quick recap for those in a similar postion - if I can do this so can you!
1) removed the Cat. This actually took me a few min's because the internal cat material had been pushed (probably by my vacumming techinque over the winter) back in the metal box. Made it a little tricky to get out but with a little maneuvering this was done. Took it outside and ran my leaf blower through it. Total time 5 min
2) took out the chimney kit and inspected it all on the ground. For self assurance I tied an old clothes line rope to the loop on the end of the brush (I didnt want to get it stuck in there and not be able to get it out....maybe overkill but I felt better having done it). Up the ladder with the cleaning kit.
3) on the roof - inspected the chimney and found there were 3 screws I needed to take out to remove the top piece. So far so good.
4) I look down the chimney, I can see most of the way down (approx 24') w/o a flash light. Build up doesnt look bad at all.
5) drop the "untied" end of the rope down the chimney and have the wife make sure its within reach before I start
6) start in with the brushing, start with 2 sections fastened together. I was a little fearfull of pulling an "oh crap" moment and dropping a rod down the chimney while fastening it. This didnt prove to be difficult as the rods are light and designed to fit well together to be able to fasten with one hand.
7) work my way to the bottom and before removing yell down to the wife to check how much has pushed out. She say hardly anything. I'm a little concerned because I have a slight bend right above the box. I push a little harder and then bring it all up and out.
8) put the top back on with the 3 screws
9) off the roof - total time on the roof, maybe 15 min and I was working slowly as it was my first attempt
10) into the house to see what it looks like in the fire box. Quickly realized that I had not removed the "baffle" that directs the air flow and on top of it was all the crap I brushed off. I estimate I had about 1 coffee can worth that came out of the chimeny.
11) Got the old shop vac out and sucked it all up , then brought it outside to be cleaned out.
Total time 30-45 min including putting everything away. Next time will be quicker.
Simple, cheap (there are even cheaper approaches) and fast.
First I purchased a chimney cleaning kit online - with shipping less than $70
http://www.fireplaceessentials.com/c7/Metal-Chimney-Cleaning-Homeowner-Professional-c93.html
Well worth the price. The rods are sturdy, screw together easily and stay together. Being the first time, I wasnt quite sure what to expect but here is a quick recap for those in a similar postion - if I can do this so can you!
1) removed the Cat. This actually took me a few min's because the internal cat material had been pushed (probably by my vacumming techinque over the winter) back in the metal box. Made it a little tricky to get out but with a little maneuvering this was done. Took it outside and ran my leaf blower through it. Total time 5 min
2) took out the chimney kit and inspected it all on the ground. For self assurance I tied an old clothes line rope to the loop on the end of the brush (I didnt want to get it stuck in there and not be able to get it out....maybe overkill but I felt better having done it). Up the ladder with the cleaning kit.
3) on the roof - inspected the chimney and found there were 3 screws I needed to take out to remove the top piece. So far so good.
4) I look down the chimney, I can see most of the way down (approx 24') w/o a flash light. Build up doesnt look bad at all.
5) drop the "untied" end of the rope down the chimney and have the wife make sure its within reach before I start
6) start in with the brushing, start with 2 sections fastened together. I was a little fearfull of pulling an "oh crap" moment and dropping a rod down the chimney while fastening it. This didnt prove to be difficult as the rods are light and designed to fit well together to be able to fasten with one hand.
7) work my way to the bottom and before removing yell down to the wife to check how much has pushed out. She say hardly anything. I'm a little concerned because I have a slight bend right above the box. I push a little harder and then bring it all up and out.
8) put the top back on with the 3 screws
9) off the roof - total time on the roof, maybe 15 min and I was working slowly as it was my first attempt
10) into the house to see what it looks like in the fire box. Quickly realized that I had not removed the "baffle" that directs the air flow and on top of it was all the crap I brushed off. I estimate I had about 1 coffee can worth that came out of the chimeny.
11) Got the old shop vac out and sucked it all up , then brought it outside to be cleaned out.
Total time 30-45 min including putting everything away. Next time will be quicker.
Simple, cheap (there are even cheaper approaches) and fast.
