okay to seal cleanout for working fireplace?

[hoover4]

Hello-

Ignorant question: is it okay to permanently brick up the opening to a basement ash pit cleanout and clean out the ash pit from the hearth in the future? My contractor recommends this so I can more fully finish my basement. FYI, we have installed a direct vent boiler, so the heating flue is being sealed and taken out of service. Thanks in advance!

 

[begreen]

If this is a good flue in nice condition, why not leave it accessible for the future?

 

[hoover4]

Hi--
Thanks for the fast reply. Just to be clear, we do intend to keep using the fireplace occasionally. The basement cleanout door finally came completely off its hinges, and I think the contractor was suggesting that it is just as effective to clean the ash pit from above. I am leaning in your direction on this, but are there problems/dangers with his suggestion? thanks, have a good night.

 

[begreen]

For the ash pit not as much is lost. I was referring to the other suggestion about sealing the heating flue. I'd do that with something that could be reversed later.

 

[hoover4]

Ah, I see. Okay, thanks, I'll make sure the work can be reversed later on.