Can't use soot eater in my FPX large hybrid. Next best bet? Viper?

[begreen]

Has anyone used this REALFLO product? It has nylon rods.

 

[fire_man]

Funny how the seller of the REALFLO says they work down to an 8" flue pipe. You could always trim them smaller for a 6" pipe.

 

[clydesdale]

We ran the sooteater into two 45 degree elbow conduits to create a more gentle sweep to get into the flu. For some reason the rods still get scratched up a bit. But, I was able to make it up 30 feet. I need to go about 3 feet more. So, I purchased another kit. As I got near the top, that is when I started hitting some chunkier black stuff. That is creosote, I assume? The bottom 25 feet only had ash-like dust. In total, only about 1.5 cups of crud fell down. Any thoughts on that? Sooteater shows pictures of how you can bend the rods on the box. But, in the directions they say not to have sharp bends or they will snap. That is VERY misleading. But, with the conduit, I was able to get it done. Unfortunately, I have to do another quick cleaning, as I could not make it the last 3 feet and that is where the chunky black stuff was. Why is that? Is that the way it usually is? Thanks.

 

[fire_man]

The flue is coolest up top so soot accumules more.
Vapor condenses rather than escapes when its really cold.

 

[bholler]

Funny how the seller of the REALFLO says they work down to an 8" flue pipe. You could always trim them smaller for a 6" pipe.

Or just run it as is I never trim the lines on ours

 

[PaulOinMA]

I have a Sooteater and also ordered the following cleaning kit. The rods have good flexibility. Videos showing flexibility are online.

Round Bottom/Inside Flexible Chimney Cleaning Kits

www.fireplaceessentials.com

 

[clydesdale]

I finally had success using my Sooteater. I had to rig up some conduit to have it smoothly go through the insert and into the flue. I am using two full kits to reach the top.