Cleaning A Flue Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cleaning a flue pan is a messy but necessary job. A flue that's lined with creosote—a flammable substance from unburned tar vapours—can lead to fire or carbon monoxide leakage. Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year, and more often if you use your fireplace frequently. You can hire a professional chimney sweep, or you can do it yourself. If you decide to clean your flue yourself, you'll need a wire brush with an attached extension, a ladder, a screwdriver or power drill, a dust mask, safety goggles, and a tarp or drop cloth to protect your floor. You'll also need to wear old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Prepare your cleaning tools

To prepare your cleaning tools for cleaning a flue pan, you will need a few different items. The specific tools you will need will depend on the type of flue liner you have. If your flue liner is made of metal, use a brush with plastic bristles. If your flue liner is made of clay, use a brush with metal bristles. You will also need a shop vacuum, a plastic or canvas tarp, a poly sheet, a dust mask, a safety harness, a flashlight, and a drop cloth.

In addition to these tools, you will also need to wear appropriate clothing. This includes old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, a bandana to cover your hair, work gloves, a dust mask, and goggles.

It is also important to have a plan for disposing of the soot and creosote that you will be removing from the flue pan. Creosote is a flammable substance, so it should not be thrown in the trash. Check your local laws to make sure you are disposing of it properly.

Secure your interior

To secure your interior, you must protect your home from the soot and creosote that will be removed or brushed away during the cleaning process. Place a plastic or canvas tarp from the hearth down to the floor in front of the fireplace. Line the top of the fireplace with poly sheeting and install a shop vacuum hose so that the dirt will be easily collected. Make sure to place the vacuum outside and seal everything with duct tape, especially the areas where you placed the poly sheeting, to prevent soot from escaping. Close the doors and windows on the same side of the house as the fireplace to prevent the soot from re-entering your home.

If you are cleaning the chimney from the bottom up, cover the carpet and furniture with tarps or sheets to protect them from soot and residue.

Brush the chimney flue from the top or bottom

Chimney cleaning is important to avoid creosote buildup, which can lead to fires and carbon monoxide leaks. It is recommended that chimneys be cleaned at least once a year, preferably before the burning season begins in the fall.

When cleaning a chimney, one option is to brush the chimney flue from the top or bottom. This can be done by removing the rain cap or animal guard and reaching into the chimney with a wire brush. Scrub the inner walls of the flue with an up-and-down motion, adding extensions to the brush as needed to reach the entire length of the flue. If you are uncomfortable with heights or have a large enough fireplace, you can also brush the chimney from the bottom up. This method can be messier, so it is important to wear safety gear and cover the surrounding area with tarps.

Before brushing the chimney flue, it is important to prepare the area by laying down a tarp or drop cloth to catch any falling soot or debris. You should also wear old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, as well as a dust mask and goggles to protect your eyes and lungs from soot and dust.

When brushing the chimney flue, it is important to use the correct type of brush for your flue liner. If your flue liner is made of metal, use a brush with plastic bristles. If it is made of clay, use a brush with metal bristles.

Remove dust and debris

To remove dust and debris from your flue pan, you will need to clean the bottom of the flue with a wire brush. This will help to remove any remaining dust and debris that has built up over time.

Next, sweep up the debris from inside the fireplace using a broom and dustpan. If you can access the smoke shelf, be sure to sweep that area as well.

Finally, reattach the damper if you had removed it during the cleaning process.

It is important to note that you should always dispose of creosote appropriately, following your local requirements. Creosote is a flammable substance that can build up inside your flue, so proper disposal is crucial to prevent fire hazards.

Clean the bottom of the flue

To clean the bottom of a flue, you will need to gather the right tools and materials, prepare the space, and then begin the cleaning process. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Gather the Right Tools and Materials:

• Small wire brush: This is essential for reaching and cleaning the bottom of the flue effectively.
• Chimney brush: Choose a chimney brush with an attached extension that suits your flue's material. Get a metal bristle brush for a clay flue liner and plastic bristles for a metal liner.
• Chimney brush extensions: You will need enough extensions to cover the entire height of your fireplace chimney.
• Tarps and drop cloths: Use plastic or canvas tarps to protect the area around the fireplace and prevent soot from spreading.
• Vacuum: A regular household vacuum may not effectively capture fine soot particles, so consider using a shop vacuum instead.
• Duct tape: This will be used to seal off areas and prevent soot from escaping.
• Safety gear: Wear eye protection, a dust mask, and a safety harness when working on the roof or in close proximity to soot and dust.

Prepare the Space:

• Clear the area: Move any furniture and accessories away from the fireplace to avoid getting them sooty during cleanup.
• Cover the surroundings: Place a tarp or drop cloth around the fireplace, extending it out into the room to catch any falling soot or debris.
• Seal off the fireplace: Cover the front of the fireplace with a plastic liner and seal the edges with duct tape to prevent dust from escaping into the room.
• Remove the damper: Locate and detach the damper handle inside the chimney to prevent obstruction when cleaning.
• Climb to the roof: If you feel comfortable doing so, set up a ladder and climb to the roof with your tools.
• Brush the flue from the top down: Attach the chimney brush to an extension and insert it into the chimney. Scrub the inner walls of the flue with up-and-down motions, adding more extensions as needed to reach the entire length.
• Clean the smoke chamber: Once you've brushed the flue, proceed to the smoke chamber and thoroughly brush it, along with the smoke shelf, from inside the house.
• Finish with the firebox: Clean and vacuum the firebox to achieve the best results and ensure a comprehensive cleanup.
• Reattach the damper: After cleaning, remember to put the damper handle back in place.

Remember to always prioritize your safety when working on the roof or handling soot and dust. If you feel uncomfortable with any part of the process, don't hesitate to call a professional chimney sweep for assistance.

Frequently asked questions