Equipment to clean a lined chimney

AndyD_OHD

Hi All,

We have a Stovax stove and today I had someone in to clean my lined chimney, and it seems there was a bird nest blockng the chimney. The cost to remove the nest was £150. I have my own drain rods and chimney brush (well a long tailed brush) which I used to use to clean our old open fire chimney bit have never cleaned a lined chimney beofe so was curious to see how it is perrformed. The sweep initially had a narrow bore flexible rod system which he attempted to clean the chimney with, but as it was blocked so he used rods. As a result ths was classed as a non-standard clean. I did mention that I used to clean my own chimney when it was an open fire. I was informed that rods are a last resort to clean a lined chimney, and that I should never use my rods for this purpose as it would likely damage the lining.
What I wondered was whether anyone knew the name for this flexible rod system as I will purchase and clean my own chimney in the future.

muckybutt

They are just that - flexible flue rods ..... im a sweep

Not cheap though, a good set will set you back between £85 - £125 depending how many you require.

adonis

There is some here , I don;t know what ones you will need though.

AndyD_OHD

I presume it is recommended to get the continuous system that our sweep used rather than individual attachable small bore rods? Our sweep's initial attempt was with a roll rather than individual rods.
I think a few friends will chip in, and share them between us... many thanks for the info folks. Greatly appreciated.

muckybutt

Down to preference really, I prefer the individual flexi rods as they are easier to store and replace if one breaks etc.

AndyD_OHD

Our sweep had a roll of the thin bored rods. Are these available or something he perhaps made himself? I was told that the joins in the rods would damage the liner, but I suppose he meant on my large drain rods rather than the finer type of rod.

What would you recommend for a DIYer like myself? I will have to check the home insurance as well to see whether it mentions anything relating to chimneys too.

muckybutt

The flexi rods are designed specifically for flue systems and wont damage liners, I think I know the thing you are talking about but have never seen anything like that advertised or on sale in any of the usual sweeps suppliers.

I had a similar thing made from steel but its a pain in the !!!!! to use.

Some insurers say you need it done by a registered sweep, but to be honest its only to say that it has been swept - it isn't an insurance or guarantee, swept one day and three days later a bird builds a nest in the chimney....about as much use as an mot !

There is a knack to sweeping though and I have come across many a melted brush and rods from diyers getting it wrong !

w50nky

I made my own set, bought flexi nylon rod and threaded each end. Then drilled and tapped a larger diameter piece.

Pic on here... http://s1239.beta.photobucket.com/user/W0nky/library/

Nylon rod from here, 3M lengths.

http://www.directplasticsonline.co.uk/Nylon66Rod/Natural/12mm/

Brush from flue systems I think.

AndyD_OHD

@mucky
I wondered whether you could recommend somewhere for the rods? I think we were a bit slow getting a birdcage onto the chimney as we are getting smoke into the living room.... we now have a "rain hat and birdbage" on the chimney now.

muckybutt

Pm'd you with the details

Chimney_Sweep_3

Be very careful stainless steel liners can be damaged very easily when sweeping even when using the correct rods and brushes, its not just the sweeping its knowing the feel of what is going on and the type soot falling