Best time to sweep

[NortheastAl]

It's getting closer to the end of heating season and I realize I don't know when is the best time to get my flue swept? Should it be after the heating season is over, or right before fall and the first burn. Or, does it really matter what time of year it is cleaned?

I am figuring on doing an annual sweeping of my class A flue, but that may change when I see how much creosote is actually in there. I want to hire a professional for the first sweep, and may continue to do so. Any thoughts on that would be appreciated?

 

[mellow]

I try to do mine in the spring just so I know its done, but sometimes it gets behind schedule and I do it in the fall, I don't see any ill effects on mine either way as I usually have very little buildup.

 

[BrotherBart]

Get it done in the summer when sweeps don't have much business going on.

 

[PapaDave]

Best is when it needs it.
You'll not know that until you have it checked and cleaned.
If you notice the stove behaving poorly, it may need cleaning, especially the cap.

 

[corey21]

I don't really have a certain time i do it just when i notice the stove is running real sluggish. I last done my sweep In the middle of last fall but if i remember i was just checking but run the brush a few times.

 

[NortheastAl]

Thanks, all. Good suggestions. I'd be curious as to how much of a discount I'd get in the summer?

Do any of you think I should attempt doing a cleaning with a Sooteater for the first cleaning?

 

[KodiakII]

Sweep it when you are done ( I usually sweep at least once through the season DIY Via sooteater) and inspect it in the fall before you start up. I had a big honking Starling nest in mine last fall...this spring it is open season on the blastards!

 

[pen]

I like to sweep it in the spring right when I'm done. I'm always curious to see how it looks after the end of the shoulder season. Also, if I were to kick it over the summer, it'd be one less thing for the wife to worry about in the fall.

If you do clean it well in advance of burning season, it's wise to do a visual inspection before your first fire to make sure something didn't turn your flue into a home.

pen

 

[Hogwildz]

In always want to do it in the spring, but somehow always end up doing it in the fall.

 

[lopiliberty]

I usually clean mine in November that way I get the spring and fall shoulder seasons and each time usually get about a half cup of dust

 

[Dix]

I'd do it when the stove was cold, but what the hay

Usually some time between May & September. We do check both flues during the course of the winter.

Been good for 2 years on the PE (it will need it this year) and one on the 13.

I'm happy.

 

[etiger2007]

I do mine in the fall, that way if anything makes a nest or whatever I know its clean when Im ready to burn.

 

[Lumber-Jack]

I find the best time to sweep my chimney is between my second and third beer, but never after the forth. 5 is right out!

 

[Backwoods Savage]

We clean our chimney when it needs cleaning.

 

[NortheastAl]

We clean our chimney when it needs cleaning.

Gee thanks, Dennis. I never would have thought of that.

Seriously, is there an easy way to check during the season without having to take apart any pipe. I cannot do a check from the cap down as I can't get to the top of the flue with the pitch of the roof and height of the flue.

 

[remkel]

11:47 am on April 17th.

 

[lopiliberty]

Gee thanks, Dennis. I never would have thought of that.

Seriously, is there an easy way to check during the season without having to take apart any pipe. I cannot do a check from the cap down as I can't get to the top of the flue with the pitch of the roof and height of the flue.

Is your flue straight up? If so I just let the fire go out, open the bypass take a flashlight and a mirror and look up the flue.

 

[NortheastAl]

Is your flue straight up? If so I just let the fire go out, open the bypass take a flashlight and a mirror and look up the flue.

Yeah, it's straight. Thanks for the info. I could have done it this afternoon when I had the fire die out. I forgot about the bypass being a straight shot up the flue when it is opened. Glad you are a Lopi owner.

 

[NortheastAl]

11:47 am on April 17th.

And don't think I'm not gonna check that morning.

 

[lopiliberty]

Glad you are a Lopi owner​

Not as glad as I am

 

[NortheastAl]

Not as glad as I am

How true...

 

[Seanm]

I find the best time to sweep my chimney is between my second and third beer, but never after the forth. 5 is right out!

thats Canadian beer by the way!

 

[mellow]

I open my bypass and use my smartphone to take a picture or video of my pipe to check for build up, when the stove is cool.

 

[mellow]

Edit dbl post from my phone.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Gee thanks, Dennis. I never would have thought of that.

Seriously, is there an easy way to check during the season without having to take apart any pipe. I cannot do a check from the cap down as I can't get to the top of the flue with the pitch of the roof and height of the flue.

I see others have answered. Naturally a mirror and light helps. With ours it is super easy because we go through the wall and then up. Remove the bottom cap and look up is all there is to it.