Booking a visit in Manchester
Booking a visit in Manchester starts with a call or the estimate form. Manchester has about 59,773 residents (2025 estimate). A short description of the system and the problem is enough to plan the visit. There's no charge for the estimate. When the schedule allows, a visit can happen the same day.
What happens during the visit
Buildup narrows the flue, so smoke drafts poorly and can spill into the room. Creosote is flammable: a thick layer is the usual fuel for a chimney fire.
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.
Signs to watch for
- Soot marks on the face of the fireplace above the opening
- Black, flaky or shiny glazed deposits inside the firebox or flue
- A full burning season since the last cleaning
- Fires that are hard to start or keep going
What gets checked
- Firebox brick or panels and mortar joints
- Cap and screen condition, where it can be seen safely
- Damper opening, closing and seal
- Signs of animals or nesting material
- Draft — how readily smoke moves up the flue
- Creosote level and type in the flue
Getting ready for the visit
- Let the fireplace or stove cool completely — ideally no fire for 24 hours before the visit.
- Clear a few feet of space in front of the hearth or appliance.
- Move rugs, photos and anything fragile away from the work area.
- Write down what you've noticed and when it happens — smells, smoke, sounds or stains.
If smoke comes into the room
Stop adding fuel, open a window and don't relight the fire until the chimney has been checked. If the smoke is heavy, an alarm sounds or you suspect a chimney fire, get everyone outside and call 911.
Where to go next
For more detail, see chimney sweep in detail, everything we do in Manchester, sweep in East Hartford and fireplace repair in Manchester.
Sources (2)
Figures for Manchester and the references used on this page.
