Find a chimney sweep near you
A chimney sweep cleans and inspects chimneys, fireplaces and venting for wood stoves, furnaces and water heaters. Regular sweeping removes creosote, a buildup that can catch fire, and inspection finds cracks and blockages that can let smoke or carbon monoxide into the home. People call one before burning season, after buying a home, or after a chimney fire.
Find chimney sweeps by city
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Philadelphia, PA
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Austin, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- Columbus, OH
- Charlotte, NC
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Nashville, TN
- El Paso, TX
- Washington, DC
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- Detroit, MI
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- Louisville, KY
- Baltimore, MD
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- Tucson, AZ
- Sacramento, CA
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- Atlanta, GA
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- Raleigh, NC
- Long Beach, CA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Miami, FL
- Oakland, CA
- Minneapolis, MN
- Tulsa, OK
- Bakersfield, CA
- Wichita, KS
- Arlington, TX
What do chimney sweeps do?
- Chimney sweeping
- Chimney inspections
- Video or camera inspections
- Creosote removal
- Chimney cap and crown repair
- Flue liner installation
- Damper repair
- Animal and nest removal
- Masonry and tuckpointing
- Wood stove and insert service
How do you choose a good chimney sweep?
- Look for certification from a recognized chimney safety group, such as CSIA.
- Ask which level of inspection they will do and why.
- Ask for photos or video of any damage they find.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Get a second opinion before a costly liner or rebuild.
- Ask how they keep soot out of your home.
Chimney sweeps are not licensed in most places, though some states and cities require contractor registration for repair work; ask about certification and insurance.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you certified, and by whom?
- What inspection level is included?
- Will you show me photos of problems?
- Are you insured?
- How do you protect the room from soot?
- Do you also do repairs, or just cleaning?
Red flags to watch for
- Very low sweep prices used to get in the door, then a big repair pitch.
- Claiming you need a new liner without showing evidence.
- No certification or insurance.
- Leaving soot and mess in the house.
What changes the price?
- Type of chimney and fuel
- Amount of creosote or blockage
- Inspection level
- Roof height and access
- Repairs or parts needed
- Number of flues
Questions people ask
How often should a chimney be swept?
Fire safety groups recommend a yearly inspection. Cleaning is needed when buildup is found, which depends on how often and what you burn.
What are signs of a chimney problem?
Watch for smoke coming into the room, a strong smell, falling debris, damp walls near the chimney, cracked masonry or loud popping sounds.
Do gas fireplaces need a chimney sweep?
Yes, they still need inspection. Gas vents can be blocked by nests or debris, and that can push carbon monoxide into the home.