Final step of first sweep

[brianbeech]

I believe I've done a "good enough" job of cleaning the chimney, but the stove pipe is my current concern.

I saw the most buildup in the stovepipe and it is a 6' run of 5" single-wall. I'm currently taking the pipe apart to brush it out with a grill brush. How clean must it be? There is some pretty significant creosote in there that is bonded quite well to the sides. Is it worth me buying a 5" round brush and cleaning it like a chimney, or should the grill brush be enough?

 

[Todd]

That's kind a strange, usually most of the crud is in the upper part of the chimney. How is your pipe joints sealed? Maybe it's sucking air and cooling the flue gases, I like to smear furnace cement between the joints for a tight seal. Occasionally I use a wire brush for my pipe but I don't see much creosote in my pipe, usually some fine powder or ash in the horizontal run.

 

[jimbom]

I think it is worth getting out. That is the last place you want a chimney fire. I am terminally lazy and have a power washer. I power wash mine. It is kind of exciting. The wife watches just for the yucs. She has a lot of stories that I don't like to listen to. I power wash everything. Must be some kind of disorder or something.

 

[brianbeech]

That's kind a strange, usually most of the crud is in the upper part of the chimney. How is your pipe joints sealed? Maybe it's sucking air and cooling the flue gases, I like to smear furnace cement between the joints for a tight seal. Occasionally I use a wire brush for my pipe but I don't see much creosote in my pipe, usually some fine powder or ash in the horizontal run.

In my last post, this was suggested (sealing joints) and I believe I will do this. Thanks.

 

[brianbeech]

I think it is worth getting out. That is the last place you want a chimney fire. I am terminally lazy and have a power washer. I power wash mine. It is kind of exciting. The wife watches just for the yucs. She has a lot of stories that I don't like to listen to. I power wash everything. Must be some kind of disorder or something.

That would be a good excuse to break out the pressure washer. Hmmmmm...