Is this bad?

[mattjm1017]

So its getting closer and closer to that glorious time to start burning again and Im making sure everything is ready to go. Today i was sitting on the couch and I heard a rattling sound coming from the hearth area I got up and went to inspect it and saw nothing but dust and cobwebs. I then looked inside the fireplace and tapped on the T going up to the liner it rattled. I took off the cleanout cap and it was full of what I assume is creosote along with some bugs and a little lizard. The last time I cleaned the liner was towards the end of the winter I did have a couple more weeks of off and on burning after that and havent really messed with it since then. Im planning on having a sweep come out in a week or two to clean it for me. My biggest concern is whats up with all this stuff falling down out of the liner? Is it a bad sign should I be concerned about the integrity of my liner? I know I had less than stellar burning practices last year but it was my first year burning and I didnt know what I know now about getting the wood properly seasoned. Ive included some pictures of what was in the cap and also a shot up the liner.

 

[begreen]

I don't see anything to get too concerned about, especially if you know the wood was poorly seasoned. With well seasoned wood this should become just a memory. The sote that you found in the tee cap was probably loosened up by the expansion and contraction of the liner as it heated and cooled during the summer.

 

[Heatsource]

the lizard already swept the chimney- no need to hire a sweep now

 

[begreen]

LOL Your insurance company wouldn't be Geico by any chance?

 

[mattjm1017]

Thanks it was a little weird finding that this morning so naturally I was concerned. Not with geico they wouldnt like me anyway since the lizard was dead.