How do you sweep a chimney? And what do I need?

[flobadob]

We always get someone in to sweep our chimney but I was just wondering what is the main process involved. As far as I can make out you just cover the fireplace over and then go up to the chimney and put the brushes down. Am I right or is there more to it than that? I was thinking of getting the stuff and giving it a go myself. What equipment would I need?

[B00]

Ladders?

[flobadob]

I can get to the chimney no problem, it's the sweeping equipment and the process which I'm interested in.

[jomifl]

No Boo, no ladders required, just a small undernourished child that is thin enough to fit the flue, ..and a brush or an afro hairstyle

[ChuckFickens]

A cover for the front of the fireplace, a brush and a set of rods.... that's about it. used to do my grandmothers for her every year.

[B00]

Jomifl- <smacks forehead> of course! Why didn't i think if that? I'm actually disapointed I didn't, nice one!

[flobadob]

Chuck, can you buy them brushes and rods in any hardware shop?

[ChuckFickens]

They tend to be sold a drain rods now and then you buy the brush attachment for them

http://www.screwfix.c...iley-9m-Drain-Rod-Set

and

http://www.screwfix.c.../Bailey-Chimney-Brush

[Barmaid]

I found the easiest way was to pay the sweep about 30 quid to do it.

[Vagrant]

If you get on the roof, you don't need rods - fix a heavy weight to the brush, then lower it down with a rope.
But - some chimneys have too much of a kink for this method to work.

[ChuckFickens]

Think I'd rather spend £30 on a set of rods than climbing up on the roof every time!

[flobadob]

I always ask him to go up to the roof as I assume it gets cleaned better that way.

[gingejbee]

Equipment available from Clas Ohlson stores (unfortunately not too many of them yet - but well worth a visit).

[ttfn]

Have always done my own, from the fireplace up. Just remember to turn the brush in the same direction as you screw the handles together least the brush becomes detached from the rods. I usually soak an old army blanket to cover the fireplace with as this stops the soot dust from travelling into the room.

[mazie]

I really just can't imagine you as a chimney sweep ttfn...how on earth do you get your ar$e up there ( I love you reallyxxxx)

[New Judge]

Ideally, you need the free services of a small boy whose outside circumference, or girth, is very slightly smaller than the inside circumference of your chimney.

The procedure is that you arm the boy with a stiff hand brush and place him in the fireplace. You then instruct him to climb up the inside of the chimney, brushing the soot away from all the surfaces he encounters as he climbs.

He should be told that when he reaches the open air a the top of the chimney he is to return down the chimney, sweeping away any soot that he may have missed on his ascent.

Although hr should not be paid in cash, it is customary to reward the boy with a small bottle of “pop”.

[bibblebub]

she's got her own safety net mazie

[Count-A-Strong]

Balance a cooked sausage on top of the chimney. Introduce a friends whippet to the fireplace and let it go. That's how we do it in Yorkshire.

[buffymad]

We got a chimney sweeping kit from Ebay - very easy to use and the rods go UP the chimney so no need to climb up on the roof!! Even worked at dislodging a birds nest that was stuck up there (and which was making smoke come back into the room etc). Sure we paid about £30 and have used it time and time again!