I asked an acquaintance of mine if I could borrow a scissor lift so I can sweep out my chimney. This will be about the 5th year that I have had a wood stove and haven't done it ever. So, I figured it was time. It was actually remarkably clean with very little soot coming out when I was sweeping. I think I'm burning right. Oh and I will have another post about a wood score that I'm hopefully getting this weekend. It will be my first OAK wood score ever. It's either White Oak or Bur Oak. Found it on Craigslist .
I hope that's not a pile a soot next to the RR tire! I take it your cleanout is at or below ground level?
Did mine a few weeks ago, before it got hot here. . Same results, but it was good to se how our wood burning habits effected the system. I wont skip a year of cleaning for anfew years yet.
Nope, thats a pile of dirt. Had to dig out the bottom of the chimney so we could get to the cap. I said it was clean......
Oh, and yes, the cap at the bottom is about 6 inches below ground level. I had it dug out, but over the last few years it had filled itself back in just a bit. Had to dig it out again to get the cap off. I want to dig it out more and buy one of those basement window wells that can prevent dirt from filling it back in.
That is quite a hole! Im not sure those window well thingies are very big. Maybe half a larger drainiage pipe. Or retaining wall stones or bricks?
thats exactly how mine is. Except instead of pre made window well it’s blocks glued. Been this way since 97 at least as the house was lifted for new basement then.
My chimney brush is only 15 ft long. The chimney is about 25 ft. So I have to clean it from both ends. Plus, when cleaning from the bottom any soot that falls out is falling right on your hands and arms. If I can avoid a bit of that when I clean the top...great!
My brush is a wee bit short too. I got 25', and the brush is just shy of. But its not worth buying another 3 or 4 sections to use only 1 or 2, so I reach in a few inches and hit bottom. I picked up the soot eater from recomendations here. Very happy with.
I understand what you're saying, but I would just buy another couple of attachments then that way at least you only have to clean from one end.
