When a sweep can't wait
Most sweeping is planned maintenance. A few situations change that, and they're the reason we take calls 24 hours a day, Sunday through Friday.
- Smoke backing into the room with a fire already going, especially if it started suddenly.
- A blocked flue from a fallen nest, debris from above or buildup heavy enough to choke the draft.
- A strong smell of smoke, tar or something dead coming from the fireplace.
- Animals trapped inside, heard scratching or crying behind the damper.
- Signs of a past chimney fire, such as puffy, honeycombed flakes of creosote on the hearth or roof, or a loud roaring during a recent fire.
Fire in the chimney right now?
If you hear a loud roar, see flames or heavy sparks from the top of the chimney, or feel intense heat from the chimney walls, get everyone out and call 911 before calling us.
What happens during the visit
Debris and nests can block the flue completely and trap carbon monoxide. Buildup narrows the flue, so smoke drafts poorly and can spill into the room.
Protect the room
Drop cloths go down around the hearth and the opening is sealed so soot stays out of the house.
Look first
The firebox, damper and visible flue are checked before cleaning, so you know the condition things were in.
Brush the flue
Rods and brushes sized to the flue clear soot and loose creosote from top to bottom.
Clean the smoke chamber and firebox
The areas just above the fire, where buildup collects fastest, are cleaned and vacuumed.
Explain what was found
You hear what was cleaned and anything that needs watching or repair, before anything else is suggested.
Before the technician arrives
- Keep pets in another room while the work area is open.
- Move rugs, photos and anything fragile away from the work area.
- Note the make and model of any insert, stove or gas unit if you have it.
- Clear a few feet of space in front of the hearth or appliance.
What we look at
- Signs of animals or nesting material
- Visible liner sections for cracks or gaps
- Cap and screen condition, where it can be seen safely
- Damper opening, closing and seal
- Firebox brick or panels and mortar joints
- Creosote level and type in the flue
- Smoke shelf and smoke chamber
Signs to watch for
- Scratching or chirping sounds, or debris falling into the firebox
- Smoke rolling into the room instead of drawing up
- A campfire or tar smell from the fireplace, especially on warm or damp days
- Black, flaky or shiny glazed deposits inside the firebox or flue
Planned sweeping versus an urgent visit
| Feature | Planned sweep | Urgent call |
|---|---|---|
| When to call | Before or after the heating season | As soon as smoke, odor or a blockage appears |
| Scheduling | Pick a time that suits you | Same-day where the schedule allows; emergency calls accepted 24 hours, Sunday through Friday |
| Main goal | Routine cleaning and a look at the flue | Clear the immediate problem and explain what caused it |
| Estimate | Free | Free |
When to call
- Planned sweep
- Before or after the heating season
- Urgent call
- As soon as smoke, odor or a blockage appears
Scheduling
- Planned sweep
- Pick a time that suits you
- Urgent call
- Same-day where the schedule allows; emergency calls accepted 24 hours, Sunday through Friday
Main goal
- Planned sweep
- Routine cleaning and a look at the flue
- Urgent call
- Clear the immediate problem and explain what caused it
Estimate
- Planned sweep
- Free
- Urgent call
- Free
Keeping up with planned sweeping is the best way to avoid the urgent kind. A flue cleaned on a regular schedule is far less likely to clog or start smelling at an inconvenient moment.
Sweeping in East Hartford
East Hartford sits about four miles from Hartford and had 50,968 residents in 2025 Census estimates. We do the sweeping, from open masonry fireplaces and inserts to wood stoves, and we explain what we found before suggesting anything further.
If cleaning turns up worn firebox brick, a broken damper or cracked refractory panels, see fireplace repair in East Hartford. The town page lists all of our service in East Hartford, and the main sweep service page walks through the job in full. Homeowners in other towns can turn to sweep in Newington or sweep for homes in West Hartford.
Sources (2)
Every East Hartford figure above, with its source.
