How To Clean Your Chimney + Testing a Creosote Log

[@MagnificentMurphy]

You did a better job than the fireplace cleaning company I just paid to clean our fireplace!

[@MrKenstar2]

No way

[@kennethewertz9313]

You are definitely right about that. I paid a company a $185 to clean and inspect my fire place. They spent about a half hour working on the fire place. They did not remove the damper to do the work. They spent more time with the camera in the flue then they did brushing the chimney. Their brush wasn't big enough to fill the flue so they could not brush all sides of the flue when they did. Because they didn't remove the flue dampener they left behind a lot of brushed deposits behind the damper. I asked that they clean the chimney cap and they didn't do that. They didn't even try brushing from the top. They got maybe a half gallon of deposits. I decided even though I had them do that to go behind them and try my hand at it. Understand I am a 67 year old man with healing broken rids that I broke some months in the past. I ended up getting 2 1/2 gallons of deposits from the work I did. I removed the dampener which should be done on all cleanings so you can actually remove what you brushed off. I also used a brush that fits the flue. I haven't went on top yet because I can't get to the top in my condition. I was very unhappy with the work I got. It was as if they decided from the start that there was no reason to clean the flue because as they put it I had stag 4 creosote so it wouldn't matter if it was brushed or not. What I got from them is I had no hope of cleaning my flue and that I needed a steel liner. That would cost any where from $4000 to maybe $15000. These guys weren't dirty at all and this was at 11am when they started mine. What a rip off.

[@davidgagnon2849]

The before and after shots said it all. What a difference. I would not have expected that. Thanks for another great video.

[@guysolis5843]

I was cool watching you leap up there on your truck to gain access to your chimney. I'm not so acrobatic any more but yeah, the Creosote Log makes the sticky creosote dry up and easy to remove. My previous stove couldn't get hot enough to give me a fighting chance and I was on the roof every week with my brush. I forgot one week and we had a chimney fire. The sound was unforgettable but I was able to stick my fire extinguisher up there and put it out. We bought another stove, a fancy one and it's satisfies all the EPA doo doo and it burned hot. The stove stopped drawing and I went on the roof and the flu cap was a mess, it was 75% plugged and the pipe was just as bad...I was amazed. And this set up has no way to put a flu fire out with an extinguisher..It's been about a month later and now it's having trouble drawing. From the stove up it looks good...now to check the manual..stay safe..

[@galations22o]

Thank you for the suggestions. I wonder if I should wear a mask when I clean the fireplace?

[@adrianrog]

I used to burn in an insert with no liner, then I had a chimney fire. I lined the chimney and man what a difference. It drafted so much better and cleaning was super easy. I highly recommend installing a chimney liner

[@TheGuruStud]

Required by law, here.

[@joesanchez3646]

I lined mine with a 6 inch signal wall black stove pipe, liners are not smooth on the inside wall and will hold deposits even after cleaning 😎

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

How often were you cleaning your flue, Adrian? My setup is similar to the one you had.

[@andrewwomble2722]

It's an EPA Federal law to have a chimney liner now. Didn't know that until a couple different chimney sweeping companies wouldn't even touch my chimney until I had one installed. I assume the Feds are enforcing the law via the cleaning companies.

[@azurebapiaries6730]

Were you cleaning it seasonally at least from the top down? I've run an insert with no liner for years and only very dry hardwood fuel...

[@RyanIngram]

This was one of the most helpful videos I’ve ever seen. Thank you.

[@TaydahRaydah]

Great info! Made me realize I need a professional lol cause I’m not doing all of that! Bless you for explaining everything! I enjoyed the video!

[@CCWSig]

I don’t know why all the haters, I don’t know much about sweeping the chimney,but looks to me like you did fine. Thanks for posting.

[@moderater9426]

you don't know much about sweeping which is why you don't understand the countless negative comments, who are actually well-informed people, that doesn't make them "haters".... this is about safety in your home.

[@CCWSig]

@@moderater9426 I may not know chimney sweeping, but I can spot someone intentionally being a asshole for no good reason. Theres plenty of that in this comment section.

[@justinpentifallo4241]

I build chimneys for a living. You should most definitely install a stainless flue liner if it is even possible on that old stove. You would save yourself a TON of work every year by not having to remove the stove to clean. Also the NFPA strongly recommends installing stoves only with liners these days to the increase in chimney fire potential from the rapid cooling of the flue gases being in the oversized fireplace combustion chamber. Cheers thanks for the video!

[@sylviamaewilkerson4870]

I enjoyed the video n clean my chimney every year. I went to do it today n my cast iron clean out door fell out of chimney when I went to open it. Do you have any videos for replacing them even though I have a general idea what to do.

[@vjmacintyre]

totally agree.. i didn't like that shiny creosote in around the insert

[@DoubleDogDare54]

My understanding is the chemical in those logs is actually TSP, like you use to rough up paint before you repaint in your house. It eats away at the shiny creosote and makes what's left easier to remove. I have sweeps do the work (no way I'm getting up on the roof...too old) and I've had them comment they can tell I've been using the sweeper logs. I use the logs several times a season and also throw in a scoop of creosote remover powder every few days for good measure. I was told to use the log, burn two weeks of hot fires, then have the chimney swept. Let the chemicals really eat away at the shiny creosote and turn it to powder. Another thing I do beside burning bone dry wood is use 50% fuel blocks. They produce virtually zero creosote. I start with dry wood then use fuel blocks with the dry wood. A little pricey but they burn well once you get a fire started and lessen the build up of creosote significantly.

[@fiorevitola880]

I have used them for years and found that they are working for me. Thanks for your post.

[@almonjacob3496]

Your supposed to wear black clothes and a top hat when you clean your chimney!

[@falllineridge]

Almon Jacob Sorry, top hat was at the cleaners this year.

[@oldbatwit5102]

Actually you are meant to shove a small orphan up there to clean it. I would.

[@barrybaker924]

That's right

[@crazycoyote1738]

As they mentioned- dust mask will keep you playing with your loved ones for many more years to come!! Thanks for a very good and down to earth video!! And if I may- you can get another decade of good roof, if you’ll scrub it and spay two coats of a good paint. And a stainless flex insert will draft better and burn less wood for the same or more BTU.

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

That’s kind info, love it bruH

[@Leonardokite]

Your video about chimney sweeping was pretty good, but your videography was beyond awesome. Videography is definitely your specially! Many kudos to you 👍👍👍👍👍

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I agree good video

[@gregmislick1117]

Nice cleaning job - If you (or anyone) use a wood stove - consider replacing with a newer one which has the "new" EPA design to the firebox. They run with a hotter flue temp ( 400 - 600 F is not uncommon - and after 40 years of "old style" wood stoves I was freaked out over this let me tell you...kept trying to find the chimney fire) and arguably more heat is lost up the stack than older stoves - BUT - I was up there this spring to clean the pipe out after far too long, and discovered that after about 35 cords of wood burned ( since a brush went down the pipe ) my pipe was almost as clean as JD's AFTER he cleaned it. I keep checking but keep finding nothing that I can brush out. I have a slight advantage, in my flue there was a 7" round stainless liner inserted in the flu, and at the top end the gap around the pipe is sealed in with mortar, so I have a trapped air blanket around the flue liner, so it warms up quickly, and once it warms up it tends to stay warm ( I guess). Anyway, the "new' design fire boxes, which have both a secondary combustion chamber and introduce fresh "cold" air to the top of the primary firebox so that there is enough oxygen for a good burn of the gasses in the secondary section run very clean. I happen to have a long length of pipe between the stove and the chimney so I get a bunch of this heat back coming off the pipe, but the brick on of the chimney on the 2nd floor will still get warm to the touch, so there is a lot of heat going up the stack. I'm still able to keep a pre 1840 uninsulated house of 2700 sq feet livable without the gas furnace most of the time here in the snow belt on about 5 cords of wood / year, so they don't really suck down more wood

[@ronsmith6233]

New stoves suck! fire boxes are too small and wast lots of heat. Dam the EPA

[@tribulation138]

Fuck epa stoves.

[@benholler1389]

Have either of you ever actually used a modern stove? Clearly not if you think they waste more heat. They give you much more heat into your house from each piece of wood you load. I have used old stoves as well as several new ones and there is no way I would ever consider going back to an old POS.

[@ronsmith6233]

@@benholler1389 I have been heating a 1600sqft house, in northern Illinois, with a Buck fireplace insert, for 40 years. This year I put in a US Stoves model rated for 1800sqft. With the Buck, The furnace never came on. On occasion we would have to open doors to cool off. In the morning the Buck would still be putting out heat, I could throw in another stick and have a blazing fire in no time. I could go two or three days without removing ashes. With the new stove and a comparable amount of wood ,I have to run the furnace half the time. the fire starves for air even with the draft full open. Most times I keep the door cracked just to keep the fire going. I have to remove Ash every day and that’s easy because the fire is stone cold by 0600. I’ll not change boats in midstream, but I guarantee by next winter I’ll have a new old stove.

[@benholler1389]

@@ronsmith6233 you do realize us stove company sell cheap poorly made Chinese import stoves. You bought a bottom of the barrel stove and are surprised it doesn't work well. The symptoms you are describing sounds like wet wood Also a modern stove rated for 1800 sqft is pretty small you are comparing it to an old monster of a stove. Why would you think one of the smaller stoves available would do the same job as a monster stove like an old buck insert. If you want a fair comparison buy a new big buck or something of similar size

[@adosha78]

Hey here's something I saw a professional do , cordless drill an a extension rod type brush and he went to town and did a superb job

[@jeffselchow5719]

LOL, "make sure you put picking your nose in there, oh I'm still on camera" Love That.

[@oldbatwit5102]

I don't know about those logs but I have heard that the first fire of the year should be a really hot one using the driest wood. When the chimney has cooled down it cleans well and easily.

[@benholler1389]

That would be called lighting your chimney on fire. Bad idea

[@tonypowers123]

Great video! 🙏 Honest review of the sweeping log and the overall cleaning procedure of a chimney! Dear Lord, not an easy job! And I see some knuckle head comments that were suppose to be- Smart A%& and "insulting", some spoiled bratz that have never even got on their kneesmto pick up a lint from the floor! Great job and presentation on an otherwise very dirty work, and thank you for posting and helping a lot of people out with this video! Cheers, to burning! 🪵🍷🙂

[@tonandmarc]

Good Job..!!! A lot better than any chimney sweep i have ever paid for..

[@lisamanning8334]

THE ONLY THING I WOULD DO IS WEAR MASK . THAT DUST CAUSES SO MANY ISSUES ON YOUR HEALTH. OTHER THEN THAT GREAT JOB

[@roflstomps324]

@redneckwormfarm Nose hair doesn't stop coal miner's lung.

[@roflstomps324]

@@ulrichthedragonslyer3408 haha, for sure.

[@jqzIII]

Yup. I smoke unfiltered (w/ "recycled" "butts" btw) roll you own cigarettes. Maybe a "pack" a day. Swept some chimney the other day and wore old mask for most of it. Might not have been the best mask (old filters?) or might have been the smokes. But breathing in just a bit of that chimney dust. Damn I felt it after.

[@louiefuerst374]

ENJOY watching another doing his work, still do mine yearly only because seasoned wood, when I put my new incert in my paperwork telling to put at least 6 ft. pipe to stove for proper draw on draft, there was no shinny black below top of pipe. Can see how that made a difference big time on my drafting ,it changed incert to be completely different for the good ,stay safe n happy burning

[@gingerninja7187]

Hi your very thorough and did an great job , yes your spot on about keeping the chimney clean , I to have had a chimney fire and yes you are right it sure makes you realise the danger Great video :)

[@ehRalph]

Good video. February here and this year’s firewood is heavy on creosote. Never been as bad as this black shiny scales, just bought some creosote buster. The game isn’t over yet, but at least I have a plan. Btw, really nice, fire in the chimney camera work!!

[@eagle1510]

You say you are not a professional, and maybe you are not, but your photography when looking down the chimney certainly looks professional. Good job.

[@heidirogers7642]

Thank You for working and cleaning your fireplace. You have taught my family something very important. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Be Safe. You also have taught my family to be safe with fireplace.

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

U2 Heidi and all, grateful

[@BackwoodsGourmetChannel]

Wes @Fall Line ridge is the ONLY MILLENNIAL that has ever performed this task!

[@mw3gamer23]

That creosote makes damn good wood treatment when burned the right way old timers used that on them old black looking barns that have been around for over 50 or 100 years

[@JustinMF11]

I think they still use it for telephone poles.

[@89Ayten]

The cleaning logs don't replace a real cleaning, but with occasional use they make a cleaning quicker and easier.

[@sylc6688]

You're burning wet wood that's why you have creosote, 9:30 to 9:45 you can hear all that moisture evaporating

[@nickguthrie9309]

My maple and D. Fir wood has 6-14% moisture before burning and still gives shiny creosote

[@jonnyd8399]

Creosote happens. Wet wood, pine or heavy sap filled wood, bark, excessive amounts of paper or card board - these things all cause it to happen faster in my opinion. Creosote is condensed wood gas basically. Newer stoves have a re-burn design that burns the wood gas again like a turbo in a vehicle.

[@sylc6688]

Card board is a big no, it's the best way to start a fire in a flue. You're not supposed to burn wet wood or pine either.

[@74jojo]

Plus one looses a lot of energy if the wood is too wet.

[@Leonardokite]

Most effective deterrent, run your woodstove fullbore. Instead of trying to make it a 24 seven machine, start it up and heat the place up to tropical. Then shut down until the next day.

[@ulfdanielsen6009]

Came across your channel tonight,- been checking out various homesteading / off grid living videos to inspire and motivate me for the coming firewood production and preparing for winter maintenance work at my cabin ( I live in southern Scandinavia btw) - been checking out some five or six videos by you by now,- must say,- I really really really like your collection of machinery. :) Will be checking back soon. :)

[@notus2607]

Li

[@hardymarshfarm7843]

good clean fun right there! we have a wood stove in the house that we use a good bit in the winter, in SC so not much of winter, but it does get cold over night. i do try to run a brush up the pipe once a year. thanks for sharing

[@carle5538]

This is s nice video. You did a great job there with the clean up. I think the creosote log helped you a lot. I am going to do the same thing. Thank you.

[@alextilson5809]

I have had a coal fire in my living room and I burn coal and logs on it, and I've never had it swept, it's been like this for the past 30 years, my grandfather was a coal miner and I occasionally set the stack on fire to clean it, and it works well. However iam from England and our houses are built from bricks so they are stronger

[@tom240uksmoker6]

What part of England in my area/ estate our council won't let you burn coal only wood fire

[@alextilson5809]

@@tom240uksmoker6 west Yorkshire not far from holmfirth, I burn traditional coal

[@benholler1389]

Are your floor joists and floors made of brick as well? Purposely setting a chimney fire is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible

[@alextilson5809]

@@benholler1389 it was commonly done by miners and I've done this for decades and never had any problems my property is over 100 years old

[@benholler1389]

@@alextilson5809 lots of people have done stupid stuff for many years. Some got away with it some didn't. Just because you have so far doesn't mean you always will. Or make setting your chimney on fire any less stupid

[@tonycash8544]

The fact your flue liners have come loose is your biggest concern. That creosote is also building up between the brickwork and the outside of the flues. They should act as a solid one unit liner in the chimney.

[@RustyCarnahan]

I wonder if regular use of a CSL would help to keep buildup down? Like, one a month or so on a wood stove that runs 24/7.

[@TheOnlySgtRock]

We run one once a month during the stove season. We had massive buildup of creosote. I'm talking black glass type. I started using that and also the creosote powder a few times a week and the next season when I went to clean the chimney was I shocked. It improved so much. Those logs definitely do work but they aren't cheap ($18). We have an older type stove without the catalytic converter.

[@jacklowe3788]

I almost is tall insert in Colonial 150 yr. farm house but after research decided to run open the old fashioned fireplace & glad I did -The hearth & chimney was restored to original about 20yr ago w/ addition of new ratchet style vent grate - Addition if fresh air supply line - It really heat well & I addition easy to cook over coals in a variety of cast iron & steel pots & pans, dutch oven for baking - The old Colonial -18, 19 century way of cooking is far superior to back yard barbecuing & can do year round - Really is a lost art - Use the old style andirons / dogs instead of cast log baskets & the Colonial style way of stacking & burning wood - Never would consider install of inser or woodstove of any type - Love my open fireplace - Thanks for video!

[@ultrametric9317]

Good job! Chimney fires are dangerous.

[@EvaHaberlova]

Thank you for share guy ! I used fireplace for 22 years and never think about it. Recently I bought it cleaning for chimney . I will see if chimney works ! I will make pic before and after ! Again Thanks !

[@thepovertypatriot9578]

The first cancer discovered was called chimney sweeps disease. Granted we have better hygiene practices now but I would ALWAYS recommend a dust mask at a very minimum. Also you should pick up a Rotary Chimney sweeping kit. It is the industry standard for professional sweeps and they make kits for home owners as well.

[@markthorpe6847]

i use those logs often in my woodburner as i dont want a chimney fire.although it says burn them on their own not on logs.good to see they actually work though..with the before and after chimney swept that creosote did clear...good video thankyou

[@johnreynolds6291]

You did a Fine Job there Very Clean

[@seekerbee4494]

Nice job...a dirty one but very valuable task. Was that buildup from just one season, or was that from several years of buildup?

[@falllineridge]

Just from last year's season.

[@rwel9118]

That's one way to get on the roof! Your videos are the best!

[@mishagermanovich]

If you just listen without watching while he talks, it’s EXACTLY like Lt. Jim Dangle from Reno 911!

[@wakilorokunle9650]

😂😂😂

[@gilbertjaramillo8735]

Very impressive video. I will try the creosote buster in my chimney and then sweep it. Thanks!

[@peterhall5110]

Sweet vid. But you should sweep it while the flue is hot from a fire. Asked the firebrigade here in sweden if incase of a chimneyfire, it was a good idea to blow of a fire extinguisher inside and up the chimney , and they said that it was a really good idea, if access is granted from inside the house. Powder-extinguisher

[@TreedogNation]

If you can get the powder from an extinguisher. Put it in a ziploc bag. If need be toss the bag in and it will do the same job without the pressure from the gas from an extinguisher.

[@davidkilbourne2711]

That really cleaned up nice. Good advice about chimney cleaning. I also had a chimney fire about 5 years ago but thankfully no damage! always clean a chimney every year!

[@bertfalsettiiii5414]

You may be the only person I’ve ever seen sweep and look directly into a hot chimney. 😱

[@louf7178]

LOL. That is dedication to an informative video (and is what every person would like to know at the time).

[@moderater9426]

@@louf7178 >informative ... i giggled

[@louf7178]

@@moderater9426 I remember seeing you're an expert, but this includes very helpful video shots for the novice. Question: if the cresote seeped through that clay liner joints, what is the danger, if any, since the chimney has brick around the liner?

[@moderater9426]

@@louf7178 you never know what's back there and how the house was built. Some builders unfortunately discard material in to the chimney chase knowing it is never going to be opened up. That aside, embers from the fire you're burning only need to make it up and through those openings, and ignite with creosote and/or dust from previous fires that seeped through the mortar joints in between the flue tiles. Creosote is the fuel in chimney fires.

[@louf7178]

@@moderater9426 Thank you. I presumed the chimney was virtually packed solid.

[@danielleterry2331]

Do they make a chimney sweep that can fit on a drill? If not that would be a good idea . Thank you for showing this I am definitely going to get a chimney sweep co this isn’t something I can take on myself since my legs are messed up

[@ChrisOgle210]

Really enjoy your content. I just bought a house with two chimneys. New to having them. Good advice here.

[@harryharry3193]

Been 1 year.......what is your feeling--thought on that creosote log?

[@theoneyoucanttrust7316]

I have a wood burning fire place and there is nothing I like more then the cracking of the fire on a nice cold night.😌

[@CHarris73]

Question, my fireplace has small gap on the very corners that are supposed to connect the rear wall and the side brick wall inside. Like there should've been mortar mix.

[@deonnatomlinson5762]

Back home grow’n up the Ol timers would always use aspen for the first few 🔥 of the yr to burn the stuff out of the chimneys… just share’n some of the old folks wisdom of course Id use their wisdom & still sweep 👍… but know that aspen burns extremely hot… so maybe sweeping after it cools would get ya some pretty good results if you can’t find one of those chemical treated logs 🪵…. I did enjoy your video thank you for sharing your experience & all the hard work involved 😇👍🙏😎

[@thegratefulbrad3072]

I'm a chimney sweep. NFPA 211 is the code book. That stove is supposed to have the liner too, and we don't use wire brushes in metal liners. That being said, you're absolutely correct to get persnickety with it, and getting the crap off the roof is a major improvement.

[@GunsNBudder]

So do these creosote logs work, or are they hogwash? If they do work, how do they work? Is it a chemical reaction of some kind?

[@BoojumFed]

@@GunsNBudder Not a professional, but the chemistry makes sense. Basically the smoke that comes off of those logs is the equivalent of those 'Scrubbing Bubbles' bathroom cleansers, but particularly for creosote. Don't use them _instead_ of cleaning your chimney, though; that'd be like running your dishes under the tap for a few seconds and expecting to get the same result as soapy water and a dishcloth. The smoke they give off can only react with what it physically touches, it can't penetrate past the surface of anything; so for best results you'd want to do a quick sweep between each of those 2-3 future fires that the ashes are still giving off their smoke for so that the next burn can access any gunk that the previous one couldn't get to.

[@moderater9426]

Agreed. Wisconsin chimney sweep here.

[@benholler1389]

Agreed pa sweep here. The logs do help convert creosote to a form that is easier to clean. But they are no substitute for mechanical cleaning. And don't make an install like this safe

[@benholler1389]

@Flatus Antiquitous I agree with 1 2 and 4. But number 3 is wrong you want to get the flue up to temp as fast as possible every time you add wood. That means run the pipe surface temp up to 400 to 450. You hold it there for about 10 mins then you can shut the air back keeping it above 250. Igniting the creosote in your flue is called a chimney fire and is never a good idea.

[@TheGarBrett]

Wow! I always thought getting a fire that big was dangerous. Good job, looks clean to me.

[@ryandavis5475]

I'm glad you are cognizant in chimney care and keeping things clean, however there are far more effective methods to use than removing the insert to clean from the bottom. There are powders you put directly on hot coals. Do this in the very last fire of the year. This causes the creosote to dry out and flake away, and any air movement causes it to fall away. Much better than those expensive logs. Just before I start a new season's fire, I sweep from above and it assures me I am ready to go. I also do another quick sweep in the mid winter warm up to keep up on things. At least once a month I put them powder on to keep up maintenance. Supposed to be every two weeks.

[@a2jgrammy]

Good video..important info , we all need safety rules and measures to follow.

[@chrisjohnson4666]

The curve area at the bottom is called the smoke shelf i believe...

[@tonycash8544]

Smoke chamber is the area above the metal damper but below the first clay flue liner.

[@operator0017]

Awesome camera work! Ty for the information, well done 👍🏽

[@pirataboricua]

How many times do you use the chimney before needing to clean it? My bitter half is driving me crazy about cleaning the chimney. We have used it at a max 10 times, so I doubt we need to clean it.

[@gordonrhodes6082]

Nice video, whats brand name of insert is that ?

[@Francois_Dupont]

in my chimney i had 3inch thick of hard puffy creosote foam. it wouldn't come up at all and even a smaller metal bristle brush slided on it. i had to remove all the pipe. also i didnt know before i had a chimney fire...

[@peterhall5110]

You need to sweep it when the flue is still hot from a fire. The creosote softens when its heated up, and its easier on the flue.

[@okerac8344]

And CUT!!!!! Ahhhh can we get the leaves back on the roof for the over head and go pro in the leaves shot. Thank you!!!!!! Camara 2 I need a more shallower depth of field.

[@jeffburnham6611]

why he didnt blow off the higher part of the roof first is a mystery since everything he cleaned off the lower half he just had to do all over again.

[@terryshrives8322]

Time for a new brush lol. Great video!

[@izzzzzz6]

Laying under that thing brushing i would have 100% worn a decent dust mask. Did you get a sore throat after doing this?

[@izzzzzz6]

I was told to take few good handfuls of well dried potato peel then throw it on the embers left over from a good fire, then let it burn through for 10 hours or so or however long it takes. Apparent;y the starches from the potato do the same as these artificial cleaning products, io was also told to stay well away if burning those cleaning products.

[@crybabyclassic]

I love how effective those logs are for bi-monthly cleanups. I highly, HIGHLY, advise not being in the same room with a creosote log burning through though, unless you can close off the front of your fireplace. some burn with safer stuff but...most dont and you just don't want to be breathing it in my good lad

[@AllGrowing]

These logs must be toxic - what chemicals are in it?

[@taylormchenry2712]

holy shit man, i am a chimney sweep and you should really change the way you burn. im sure you didnt make the video looking for criticism but im just genuiunly concerned of you one day burning your house down. you've absolutely had chimney fires in the past (also at 8:26 you can see where the flue tile has cracked). some people think creasote is just part of burning but it is not necessary if you burn correctly. (also finished the video and you did note youve had a fire, but i assure youve had more than one. its common for people to have them and not even know its happening.)

[@taylormchenry2712]

anyways, i applaud you for cleaning it yourself and if you do want some tips or suggestions i'll gladly help however i can. cheers.

[@moderater9426]

agreed 100%

[@kostasts2413]

I love the entrance of the video i am a a mature too but in this job you need a mask, with love from Greece

[@ryanravencaller]

You need a mask to go anywhere these days

[@qwatsdat]

Been burning pine for years. No real problems. You just have to run a fire hot.

[@harryharry3193]

mee too. HOT fire. i just worry what is too hot?

[@columbiariverdetailing1943]

Grandfather used use logging chains and rattle them from the top and knock it all off

[@sampowell8472]

Last time I cleaned my own flue, I used a Christmas tree and a rope.

[@shoechew]

@@sampowell8472 Ho ho ho

[@dna9656]

I am a retired asbestos worker... Marine Sand Blaster/Painter.... Where is your respirator!? Never deal with dusts without a respirator! Others here on KZbin recommend sealing the insert hole with old bed sheets/whatever to keep the crap in the hole, I think you should do that too. I would replace that tired wire brush, like every year or 2; it looked like it was missing a lot of area... I know we're not dealing with asbestos here but an ounce of prevention is worth at least a pound of cure. Lastly, the vacuum cleaner... didn't the fine dust just flow out the exhaust hence into your home? I know there are HEPA Shop Vacuum bags... that would catch most of that dust but why chance it? I would put a hose on that exhaust and have enough to make the exhaust go outside well away from the house.

[@firstgeer]

It's called a smoke shelf. I used to do this cleaning process every year until I found out the smoke was bad for my asthma. Good photography.

[@falllineridge]

Thank you sir!

[@ginoasci]

From what I heard you’re supposed to burn a fire, and the. Use that creosote log, but it seems to have worked for you. I think it’s because you have a solid terra cotta flute and it can handle it. My chimney on the other hand, like you, I’m not a pro but I don’t think it would be very dangerous considering there’s not flute and it’s 100 years old. Nice job.

[@petertomas3665]

I use similar to those creosote busters in my wood stove every winter. Always i use one on the very first use of the woodstove then 2 every month or so and one at the very last use when winter ends. I use the woodstove about 5 months every year so i use about 8-9 of those creosote logs. Never cleaned the chimney with brush cause its really dificult for diferent reasons in my case plus im lazy and never had problems. Also when i tap the metal chimney i can hear its clean enough. So all good. The creosot logs we have makes a ton of diferent colors when i throw them in fire. Its the chemicals they have i guess.

[@royhendershot]

I have a question. I understand your not a professional but. I am adding a wood stove insert into my existing fire place. I noticed you didn’t add a chimney liner off your stove. You just vented into the existing chimney. What do you do about opening and closing of the damper in the chimney? Is it okay to do that. The chimney liner is like another $600.00. I can afford the stove, but can I put the liner off until next year? Just your thoughts and or opinion. Or anybody’s opinion for that matter.

[@ronsmith6233]

You'll not find that kind of liner any more, unless you buy a used liner. No one will install a used, old stile liner. The new stile liners have to be EPA compliant and they suck They have small fire boxes so the wood has to be cut into tongue depressor sized pieces. Thank you government regulations.

[@royhendershot]

Ron Smith I have that same terra-cotta liner in my chimney. I was going to by a www.ruralking.com/escape-1800-i-large-wood-insert. But if will work with me existing flu it would be awesome.

[@David-fv7zg]

HHmmm... I have always been skeptical of these logs, seems like it works. If it weren’t the log, then one would assume that a hot fire would do the same, and that obviously isn’t true due tot he buildup. I would think that if you threw on one of these logs with the last fire of the year, it will cut your work in half. Thanks for showing this!!

[@falllineridge]

The buildup in this chimney is due to logs not seasoned well enough, and this insert that I have. It's a lot more efficient than an open fireplace, but it can create a smoldering, cool fire under the right conditions. That leads to increased creosote buildup. I don't know whether the cleaning was due to the hot fire I built or the creosote log, but I think I'll keep using these logs! Maybe a combination?

[@David-fv7zg]

Fall Line Ridge If the hot fire cut the creosote then how did it get built up in the first place, the last fire should have cut it. I’m guessing it wasn’t the fire itself, but the log. It use doesn’t make sense that the fire alone would have done that, otherwise it wouldn’t have built up in the first place?

[@falllineridge]

David Maybe...but I usually don’t run the fire very hot, plus my logs last year weren’t seasoned all the way. I think the log probably did help, though. I’ll keep using them.

[@franciestokes3195]

Fantastic thanks mate hello from Ireland thanks for the tips

[@tinovanderzwanphonocave544]

now, I don't own a fireplace but I have a friend with one he rebuild the early 17th-century fireplace in his 1590s house in the Netherlands I hang my hams, sausages, and pork belly in there at the start of winter high up near the top for a cooler smoking now, it is about 2 floors higher than your cabin so those chunks can be in there safely smoking for a long while about winter to spring in your cabin I think less than a month would do and the meat would be cooked so, cold-smoked high salted raw pork is no option here

[@joshuahughes106]

How come you dont have piping that goes from your insert to the top of the chimney, the kits arent that expensive and could increase you're draft and cut down on smoke smell and increase efficiency!

[@moderater9426]

agreed

[@moderater9426]

Flatus Antiquitous do you not see him pulling the 400 pound insert out to sweep the fireplace? You’re joking, right?

[@Mike-01234]

Cool video I just hire a guy come once a year we burn lot of soft woods it's really expensive to buy hardwoods down here in the south west we only burn for a few months when it's cooler then 50F out.

[@BigRigRich]

Do you know what wood you should avoid burning in a home fire place to avoid the most build up. In west Texas I have access to a lot of mesquite and cedar. Not sure if that’s good to burn in the house. Love my mesquite for cooking Bbq brisket though. Lol.

[@mydogoreo9681]

U can pretty much burn any would u want just make sure it’s nice and seasoned

[@kennyhoney21]

Hi there. What would you call that insert you pulled out of you Masonary fire box? Is that something you had made

[@vonheimlerstrudel]

It's called a fireplace insert. You can buy them at Lowes stores or wherever wood stoves are sold. Mine has a blower on it that blows the heat into the room rather than lose the heat up the chimney.

[@MarriageandtheSingleLady]

How long did it take you to clean the chimney?

[@jedidiah5131]

It takes me about 10 minutes, and my chimney is fairly clean anyway. I like to run my brush up and down at least 10x for every section of the cleaning rod.

[@wymershandymanservice9965]

Great content. Checking a chimney never fun. 👍

[@craigdonnelly]

Here in Australia all woodstoves have to be fitted with a stainless steel 6" flue fitted for safety and fire regulations. It eliminates the risk of a chimney fire and is a lot more efficient heat wise as against an insert into a fireplace. Saves having to clean out the chimney as well each year. The flue fits into all aussie heaters and has to run the entire length inside of the chimney and must be level with the highest point on your roof for draught reasons! Most people just run the 6" flue up through their existing chimneys. I might add that all flue's have to be installed by a licensed installer as the flue has to pass fire and insurance compliances too! By the way you guys must be in your Fall/Autumn season as we are in our Springtime until November here in Oz...……….Great video by the way......

[@moderater9426]

@quadrunner91 minimizes is a better word. but compared to burning with an insert in an unlined chimney, you can see the problems. the entire chimney is caked in third stage creosote, and it has vertical cracks up and down. It shouldn't look like that at ALL, especially not yearly. a liner would result in a bunch of coffee grounds looking creosote and a much safer burning system. shame on him for advertising a system that is against fireplace code. I do commend him admitting he is not a professional and it is not professional advice, but he is quite literally playing with fire by operating that system in his home as is.

[@moderater9426]

@quadrunner91 it's not though. he's already had a chimney fire, he said that in the video. it's pretty obvious what he's doing isn't working. this video should be titled anything but "how to clean your chimney". gaps and cracks make a chimney system unsafe.

[@hilaryboyd8594]

I was wondering if those logs worked. Thanks for the info!

[@barrybaker924]

I'm a certified certified and you always start at the top and work down.

[@jaquigreenlees]

I think it was the heat rather than the log. I have gotten a chimney clean with just a very hot fire in the fireplace. I used a piece of plywood that barely fit into the fireplace to force air movement to be high speed around it, that boosted the temperature and burned everything out of the chimney.

[@BoojumFed]

Those logs have a lot more effect than a lot of folk seem to think. While you went with removing chimney deposits with just pure heat (Which is not something I'd personally recommend for people online, since I have no idea what condition theirs is in and that may cause a chimney fire), those logs are actually chemical cleaners that bind to and neutralize the potentially hazardous creosote and other deposits (Well, the smoke coming off of them does the work, but you get my drift.). Much safer for everyone involved.

[@PatrickSwayzeOnDbol]

we had two chimney fires at my place over the years, one of them Christmas day , flames licking out the chimney pot lol

[@nixxonnor]

Well done. Is it normal that home owners in the US make such an effort cleaning the fireplace and chimney themselves?

[@jsimpson8018]

Great video. Great advice. Correct, not professional, but well done. Couple of tips. And YES these are expensive tips but so is your home. Get a quality insert or stove. One that is rated 75% efficient or higher. Drop a class rated insulated liner and connect it to the quality stove. The better stove will re-burn the gasses at a higher temp and not allow the creosote to form. Creosote forms because the flue gasses are too cold as they go up the chimney. With proper seasoned hard woods you will get MANY more BTU's out of a cord of wood, It will burn LONGER and thus use less wood for MORE heat. If you burn only soft woods like pine then you need that wood to burn as hot as possible to re-burn those gases. I brush my 6" stainless Steel insulated liner attached to my Bucket Stoves (I have 3 of them. two in my log home and one in my shop) once a year before the season starts and I only get grey ash and NO creosote. Yes all of this is expensive but it is all worth it. I actually had an insert like that one in this house when we purchased it. I junked it so fast it would make your head spin. My Buck stoves are stoked and wooded added before bed and there are hot coals in the morning to rekindle the fire. Safe, efficient and more frugal on wood and this pays for its self in the long run. We burn mostly White Ash, oak, cherry and maple up here in Central KY. I can give you links to a company who sells the liners VERY cost effectively if you like. I don't work for them.

[@falllineridge]

Sure thing! Just post the link here for all to see. Appreciate it!

[@jsimpson8018]

@@falllineridge www.rockfordchimneysupply.com/chimney-liners/316ti-flexible-chimney-liners/316ti-flexible-chimney-liner-kits These people at Rockford have GREAT videos and very good product. On a single story home like you have I would STRONGLY suggest that you invest in a higher quality stove with the proper liner system so you can get the most BTU's out of the wood you burn. You also need to re-think the chimney cap. A proper system will incorporate the cap and protect the existing flue from water damage. You might not have as many freezing days as we do, but water is a big enemy of your chimney cap and flue. Like I said I do not have any affiliation with Rockford other than a satisfied customer. Besides a well insulated liner system along with a much better, hotter burning stove with proper seasoned wood will result in NO creosote and much eaiser and near effortless cleaning. I really don't clean mine. I scope it and look and as I have in recent years, seen only ash in the liner it means no need to sweep it.

[@moderater9426]

@@jsimpson8018 Great information. His chimney system as is is not only against the NFPA 211, but very very unsafe.

[@jsimpson8018]

@@moderater9426 I agree it is unsafe, BUT and this is a big BUT, it was safe and legal when it was built (providing it was built and inspected at the time under permits). Often people mistake "Not to code" for dangerous. I am no inspector but I do know that codes change over the year, most of the time for the better, but not always. When a Home Inspector says something is not legal the question to ask is "Not legal when it was built or not legal now?" in most cases a HUGE difference.

[@moderater9426]

@@jsimpson8018 the insert wasn't built there, it was put in. that was built as a open wood burning fireplace as you saw when he burned the creosote logs. the whole problem is because of the insert he put in there. in the industry we call those a "slammer" because they were quite literally slammed in there.

[@RicardoGomez-fh4nx]

Great video thanks for the time and help i appreciate it.

[@kevinerickson2595]

I noticed when I burn beach wood my wood stove cleaned up. Maybe the salt in the wood

[@christinearmington]

Very cool shot up the chimney. I gotta get a cap like that. Thanks.

[@Amconrod]

Love your video! Very informative and thorough. I’ve always used creosote logs only but now I know I must do a chimney cleaning in addition to the creosote logs to be 100% clean,safe and prevent a chimney fire! My husband installed a wood burning stove against my wishes and it did nothing but smoke the house up badly everytime we lit a fire...I had him remove it. If I can make a suggestion....I would remove that insert..it’s not safe and could cause monoxide poisoning. Thanks for sharing, be safe❗️👍🏾

[@ferguspowell6714]

sounds like Tommy Lee Jones great vid am thinking of using one of theses cleaning logs on a woodburner just 4 months old

[@michaelchadwick3497]

They don’t work

[@moderater9426]

and a part of a chimney that goes at an angle is called an offset.

[@brenbates1677]

No..its called a smoke shelf. A damper door and damper housing is located there. Behind the damper door is where all creosote will accumulate after a sweep. If left ignored , a hot fire in a fireplace will ignite that ignored creosote and cause a chimney fire. 1 of many reasons a chimney fire is caused.

[@moderater9426]

Bren Bates yes, there is no offset in this chimney. I should’ve said “a section of the liner that goes at an angle is called an offset”

[@slayer7694]

Would help if your insert was a positive connect .You just have that thing slammed in your firebox. Called a slammer. Just shove a insert in with no connect to a metal liner at least. cre-away works really good also the powder. Get you a inch in a half drill with a wizard whip and mechanical clean that flue .stop burning pine and wet wood. You got an offset in your chimney that's another reason you get creosote build up . Warm up your flue before a fire with some crumbled up paper help start a draft pre heat the flue

[@michaelledford4751]

I agree on that pine and wet wood , 1 of the best investments ive made was in buying a moisture meter, ive been buying 12 to 15 face every year for decades & when it arrived id do the age old " thunk " test to listen to the wood to judge moisture content , boy was i wrong , wood i was sure had ben properly seasoned & ready to burn was reading 30% & higher moisture which creates creasote like a son of a bitch , i had to brush my chimney every spring , now i deny any wood with more than 15% moisture and take delievery no later than the 2nd week in july , since starting that pratice i havent had to brush my chimney at all , i burn a creasote log once a week & all the creasote just flakes off my liner & falls into the fire.

[@slayer7694]

@@michaelledford4751 I never tried a moisture meter. Read about them in csia manual. You got any recommendations on them ? Type, or brand. I always stuck with oak that's what I suggest people to mainly use. Also ash , even apple. Smells good.