Chimney cleaning questions...Im trying it myself this spring...

[dtabor]

OK, so I have an 8" flue, it comes off the stove collar to a T then straight up to the roof and a spark screen cap. At the T there is the cap I can remove for cleanout......

First, Ive seen it on here but cant seem to find it, when buying my brush/rods etc, what is the best material?

If I clean from the roof down, how do I go about opening that bottom cap to empty whatever I brush off? Do you run some sort of shop vac as you open it to get the dust before it scatters about the room?

Any other tips or things I should know before I dig into it? I have awhile, we're back to winter apparently here so Im burning again!

Thanks all in advance!

D

 

[Henz]

lots of threads on this, I would search for one

 

[Shane]

If your chimney is stainless get a poly brush. The tee cap should be secured with a couple screws or a locking band depending on the brand of chimney. When I used to clean chimneys I would remove the tee cap prior to sweeping and duct tape a garbage bag over the opening and then the soot just falls in. Be careful not to push the brush too far or you'll perforate the bag and have a mess.

 

[Henz]

I have a SS chimney, called my dealer that installed it, asked if I should use a poly brush, he siad no and that he would recomend a steel one!

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I also asked a dealer (actually 3 of them) about the SS chimney and using the steel brush. Every one said the same. Those who used a regular steel brush would be replacing their chimney from 10-15 years down the road. Use a poly brush and you probably would never have to replace the chimney. I bought a poly brush. Still haven't used the thing as this stove just burns so clean that the chimney does not need cleaning after using it the whole winter. I was afraid of the cat. stove at first; now I love it.