Blackwater and Essex Chimney Sweeps Ltd.
Give us a call if you need any advice on sweeping your chimney or flue. We are based in Essex, and offer a professional, friendly and fast chimney sweeping service. Drop us a line using the form below.
07730 943045
Make a booking:
Our service area:
We cover all of Essex and Suffolk but please do get in touch if you are outside this area as all jobs are considered.
Essex Chimney Sweep Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to have my chimney / flue swept?
Chimneys need to allow free passage of dangerous combustion gasses. Regular cleaning will remove soot and creosote, helping prevent dangerous chimney fires. Cleaning will increase the efficiency of some appliances. Bird nests, cobwebs and other blockages will be removed.
How often does my chimney need sweeping?
The sweeping frequencies below are for guidance. Frequency will depend on a number of factors including: Type of fuel, appliance used, duration of use, moisture content of wood fuel, type of chimney. Give us a call and we will be able to advise on sweeping frequency during the appointment.
SMOKELESS FUEL: ~Once a year
BITUMINOUS COAL: ~Quarterly
WOOD: ~Quarterly
OIL: Once a year
GAS: Once a year
Does it make mess?
This is a very good question to ask when booking any sweep. The answer should be - very rarely. Guild sweeps are able to draw on the collective knowledge of the whole organisation and have a number of best practice techniques for preventing dust escapes. A rare exception may be when the chimney is blocked with a bird’s nest when it is sometimes difficult to contain all dust.
Why do I need to see the brush out the top of the chimney?
To demonstrate to you that the flue has been swept throughout its length, and that the sweep has done his work properly.
Why do I need to sweep a chimney before it is closed off?
If a chimney is closed off, it can get a bit damp. If there is and soot up there, then this soot can turn to a black acidic slurry that in an old chimney can soak into the internal walls causing severe problems. If bad enough this damp can penetrate through to the room where it will cause unpleasant stains on the walls.
Do I need to have my gas / oil flues swept?
Yes. Although burning these fuels does not normally deposit soot there are numerous other problems which can affect chimney function and sweeping can solve or identify these. In countries such as Germany, where sweeping all chimneys and flues is a legal requirement, the number of carbon monoxide poisonings and chimney fires are a fraction of the UK.
