Sweep chimney/flue after 1 season?

[Hunter8282]

So last winter was my first season with my BK stove. Everything was brand new, new house, etc.

I only burned very dry beech, oak, maple. Do I need to sweep the chimney/flue before this season?

 

[kborndale]

Yes, you have no idea how clean the new setup was burning.

 

[Max W]

Probably best just to clean it and start the new season with a good clean chimney but look to see what it looks like. How much wood did you burn?

 

[Hunter8282]

Probably best just to clean it and start the new season with a good clean chimney but look to see what it looks like. How much wood did you burn?

Approximately 1.5 cord.

 

[Max W]

If your wood was dry you may expect to to find very little buildup but but I would do a look see anyway.

 

[Jeff in Maine]

My chimney has a brush and cable setup inside the flue you hand crank the brush up and down from ground level. I too burn very well-seasoned wood, but I brush the chimney every month from December to March.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

Yup, you only know what the baseline is…..when you know the baseline.
Once you see what you have in the chimney, then you will know how long to go between sweeps.
Over time I’ve learned that I can go a year between sweeps, probably closer to 1.5 years. I only know that after I’ve swept it myself a few times. If possible, sweep it yourself to save money and better know your maintenance needs. The Sooteater rotary tool is popular on this forum and reasonable priced.

 

[Tron]

My baseline is about a cup or two of creosote a year for a 20' flue, so I technically wouldn't need to sweep it every year.
I still do in October, mostly for the peace of mind, but also to make sure that there's no bird's nest or similar obstruction in the flue.

The sooteater works great even when inserted through the stove, you'll just have to take off the top of the flue afterward to vacuum behind the cat and around the bypass flap.

 

[sixer]

I sweep at least once a year, usually twice: Summer/fall, and if we get a warm spell in mid-winter. I use one of these and have had good results:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085GCN5KP?th=1
I use it from the stove side, put the drill on slow speed, and work it up and down on each length, then add another rod, etc. Same thing on the way down. It's a little messy, but not too bad. You can have your shop vac hose inside the stove with the door only open as much as needed and it keeps the dust down to a minimum. You might be surprised how much junk comes out and you'll definitely feel better about it afterwards!

I assume you have a baffle so you'll need to remove it and make sure you cover the air pipe/manifold in the back of the stove with duct tape or something to prevent crap from getting in there. There's also probably a gasket there. Inspect/replace it if needed.

 

[Highbeam]

I sweep at least once a year, usually twice: Summer/fall, and if we get a warm spell in mid-winter. I use one of these and have had good results:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085GCN5KP?th=1
I use it from the stove side, put the drill on slow speed, and work it up and down on each length, then add another rod, etc. Same thing on the way down. It's a little messy, but not too bad. You can have your shop vac hose inside the stove with the door only open as much as needed and it keeps the dust down to a minimum. You might be surprised how much junk comes out and you'll definitely feel better about it afterwards!

I assume you have a baffle so you'll need to remove it and make sure you cover the air pipe/manifold in the back of the stove with duct tape or something to prevent crap from getting in there. There's also probably a gasket there. Inspect/replace it if needed.

This is the BK section and the OP stated he has a BK stove so no baffle or air pipe to deal with.

 

[sixer]

This is the BK section and the OP stated he has a BK stove so no baffle or air pipe to deal with.

Thanks for the correction - I'm not well-versed in all the different stove designs. Maybe someone else reading the thread will find some value.

 

[Highbeam]

Thanks for the correction - I'm not well-versed in all the different stove designs. Maybe someone else reading the thread will find some value.

You're very right to be concerned about this with the rare but cool design of the PE firebox. And sooteaters are awesome and compatible with the BK design.