What Tools Do Chimney Sweeps Use?

The primary tools used by professional chimney sweeps are brushes, vacuums, and chemical substances used to remove the shiny form of creosote.

What is a chimney sweep tool called?

1. Wire chimney brush . Every chimney sweep relies on the most faithful of chimney sweep brushes—a trusty wire brush to attack hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. These are especially effective for cleaning masonry chimneys with clay flues.

What is the best way to sweep a chimney?

1. Ram the cleaning brush up and down several times in a small section of the flue to remove chimney soot.
2. Use a bright flashlight to check your work before moving on to the next section.
3. Start the vacuum and begin fireplace cleaning at the top of the chimney.

Can I sweep chimney myself?

It is perfectly possible to sweep a fire place yourself and hopefully you will have the confidence to do so now. Hopefully you will also know when it is beyond you and time to get a professional Chimney Sweep in to help you.

Did chimney sweeps go inside the chimney?

They suffered many health problems because of their constant exposure to soot and because of the unnatural positions they were in so much of the time. ... The chimney sweeps also frequently suffocated inside the chimneys from breathing the soot . Sometimes they got stuck and died in the narrow chimneys.

Do chimney sweeps use chemicals?

In addition to the chemical treatment that you mentioned, professional-grade chemicals, usually in the form of a powder , can be applied by chimney sweeps to help change the nature of the glazed creosote to a form that can be removed by a professional with a brush Both forms of these products require some heat such as ...

What happens if you don’t sweep your chimney?

If you don’t clean your chimney, you are putting yourself at risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning . The build up of soot, creosote and tar can block fumes from escaping and ignite under heat.

How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?

1. Oily Spots on the Walls of Your Fireplace.
2. Poorly Burning Fires.
3. Odors Coming from the Fireplace.
4. Animals are Inside Your Chimney.
5. Smoke Doesn’t Rise Up the Chimney.
6. Fires are Difficult to Get Started.
7. Chimney Soot is Falling from the Chimney.

How often should you sweep a chimney?

You should get your chimney inspected or cleaned at least once a year for all types of fireplaces. If you regularly burn wood or coal in your fireplace, you should sweep your chimney every season.

Do chimney sweep logs work?

Do Chimney Sweep Logs Work. ... Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use. The short answer is no, they don’t work.

Is it illegal to deny a chimney sweep in Germany?

Yes, it’s actually illegal to refuse entry to a chimney sweep if he or she wants to come into your home . ... All Germans pay for this service, regardless if they have a chimney or not. This is an old law from the Middle Ages that was bolstered by the Third Reich.

What are the dangers of being a chimney sweep?

• Respiratory Hazards. Soot and smoke inhalation can cause respiratory distress, illnesses, and infection can be a result of soot inhalation.
• Skin Irritation. Physical contact with creosote can cause rash, other skin issues, and infection.
• Eye Damage.

How much did a child chimney sweep get paid?

From 1773, master chimney sweeps regularly kept anywhere from 2 to 20 children, depending on how many they could use for their business. For each child, the master sweep was paid 3-4 pounds by the government when the apprenticeship agreement was signed.

Does salt help clean a chimney?

Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, is a simple chemical that is easy to find. ... The salt combines with the water in the burning wood to create a weak acid that travels up the chimney and dissolves small amounts of creosote .