Cleaning

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nicolaycbell

Member
Nov 18, 2014
11
North Carolina
Howdy! After an unseasonably warm winter here in NC I am wondering if I even need to have my chimney cleaned this summer. I've always heard and abided by the clean it before each season mantra. However this past burning season I didn't even burn through 1/2 cord compared to my usual 1 1/2. I always burn hard seasoned wood so I'm not worried about excess creosote buildup. So...can i save my self $150 this year or should I bite the bullet and play it safe? Also in response to the inevitable suggestions to clean it myself the answer is no! I've fallen off the roof twice and don't plan on setting myself up for a third!
 
Get a soot eater... Do it yourself if possible...
 
Last edited:
The only safe way to know is to check it. Can you see the screen in your cap with binoculars. Can you look up the chimney from the bottom?

Sporatic burning may yield more creosote due to constantly having to heat up from ambient temp.
 
As they mentioned above, the NEW white rods SootEater Rotary Chimney Cleaning System. Works well and it allows you to clean without getting on the roof.
(broken link removed to https://www.rockfordchimneysupply.com/blog-2/sooteater-product-overview-video/)