Cleaning Chimney While the Heavens Weep

The temps got up rather warm today although it was wet outside with a misty drizzly type of rain. I decided to let the stove go out so I could clean ashes and do a quick clean of the chimney. I cleaned the chimney near the end of the burn season last year but not after the burn season. Before I started the burn season, I did take the flue pipe apart and cleaned it but didn't do the chimney at that time. I don't have good draft on my stove so I wanted to eliminate anything that might slow down the draft such as a dirty chimney. I got the poles out but decided to not use the drill. Just spinning by hand and banging around a bit got all the loose fluffy stuff off. It is a dirty job because I have to clean the chimney from the bottom up and all that soot comes down on me. After I was done I shined a torch up the chimney and it was fairly clean even though I didn't use the drill to power the chimney poles. I noticed that the closer I got to the top of the chimney, the warmer the ash/soot was that was falling down on my hands. I didn't take a photo as it was wet out and I just wanted to get the job done and back inside to build a fire.

 

So you used a rotary cleaners without a drill? Why?

 

Would you like help figuring out your draft problems?

 

One of the things is that I do have a through the wall chimney; I was told that 90s reduce the draft. To help I did replace the flue pipes with 45s; and I actually like the sleeker look of using the 45s. I was told on here that my chimney is high enough and it is to the specs for the stove. I also think the design of the stove has something to do with it as well as there is a channel that runs across the flue opening. See the photo.

 

What stove is it? How high is your chimney?

 

It was what I had to clean the chimney and it actually did a good job without the drill. The idea was to get rid of all the loose fluffy stuff. I just twisted it with my hands and raised it up and down and it was good enough.

 

The stove is a Madison 02. I would have to check the chimney height. I would have to check the manual to see if the required height is measured from the top of the stove or from the floor.

 

I cleaned bottom up for 14yrs at the last house.
I fit the brush just far enough in the pipe to hold it. Then punch a hole in the side
near the top of a plastic garbage bag and fish it over the first rod. Then tape the bag to
the top of the pipe. Run the rods up and clean.
All the mess goes in the bag.

 

good idea; and it keeps the crap out of the drill.

 

Don't forget to subtract for the 45s the horizontal run and the 90.

 

Why couldn't you use a drill like you are supposed to?

 

A good direct question...….!

 

There was a light rain falling and I did not want to use the electric corded drill in wet weather; especially while holding onto a metal ladder. It only takes 1/10 of an amp to kill you; especially if that current travels from one arm across the heart to the other arm. I didn't clean the chimney after the burning season last year; however, I did do one cleaning during the burning season. It was a relatively warm day so I could let the chimney cool down but unfortunately, there was a light drizzle falling as well. It is going to turn cold again; we may see mix freezing stuff this weekend, so I took the best opportunity. As I said, I shined a torch up the chimney and it was pretty clean. So now I can burn the rest of the season and not worry about the chimney. I think I mentioned this in the original post I made. Also, I will give the chimney a good cleaning in the spring and won't have to worry about it mid season or so. We all skip doing things at times so no big deal.

 

Yes, supposedly the 45s are not as bad as one 90 but replacing the 90 with the 45s did not seem to help much at all.

 

If you want to take shortcuts when it comes to your safety that's up to you. But proper cleaning is very important. And btw I use corded drills in the rain all the time I stood on top of a chimney for 2 hours in the rain with one today I have never had a problem.

 

How tall is your chimney?

 

I have a NC-30, rather than a Madison. But they are similar, and same builder. Mine requires 15 ft from the floor to the top of the chimney. I had about that, 14-15 feet, but wasn't satisfied with the draft. After adding another 3 ft section, I called it good.

The door still needs to be ajar for a cold start, but I think that is not real unusual.

 

Great another PINE hater....

Give the OP a break....!

1. At least he's cleaning his chimney. How many households throughout the country don't even bother cleaning there chimneys at all....

2. If he felt there was a safety concern with a corded drill, rain and electrocution respect that. Just because "it's never happened to one" does not mean everyone should do it.

3. No one except the OP knows his schedule, burn rate, wood choice yet we are quick to judge and criticize.

To put someone on blast for trying to do something to maintain there system in a safe manner is sad. Maybe not the most efficient way but at leit's getting done and the OP has safety in mind.

End of rant, and I love burning SEASONED pine...