Blocked Chimney...need advice

That would make a good road runner/coyote scene.

 

Yup, I can totally envision it!

 

And the chimney sweep left that in there? If I pay money to a “professional” to get a job done I expect it to get done. 100%. Not half arsed. But that’s why I prefer to do things myself. I don’t even trust most “professionals”. My dad was right when he used to tell me, “If you want something done right you have to do it yourself.”

 

All I can do is offer a modification to the phone down the chimney idea. I attached a phone and led headlamps to my chimney sweep rods. Before sending the phone down I started a video call, FaceTime,...with my kids phone. Then I had a live feed and could turn, stop, move setup around for a better view.

The mirror and sunlight down the chimney, when it all lines up is awesome. My fat head looking down the chimney seems to block the sun a lot.

 

I use the mirror /sunlight method.

 

I hate having "professionals" come to my house. I don't need to hear their editorial comments about what is wrong with my house, what else I need to fix besides what they are there for, and how they are so busy they really don't have time to be here. Then I have to wonder if what they did actually fixed the problem. All this after their not showing up as planned. I will avoid having contractors come as much as possible.

 

X2
And then having to either fix their mistakes myself, or hire someone else to do it, again!
Unfortunately the last guy to fall in this category is family

 

This house came with a new hvac system and an extended warrany that requires us to have the installer's company do yearly maintenance. The fella stopped by yesterday and afterwards told us the ducts are leaking a little where they join the big sheetmetal distribution box. They can seal them with duct mastic. Ten connections for $399 per connection. $4000. For $20 of mastic and maybe 2hrs of work? Excuse me? Yeah, I'll just do things for myself as long as I'm able.

 

but wait there’s more… will this void your warranty?

 

God forbid any warm air escape into the basement!
And yeah, $399 per is a total screw job!