How often should it be swept?
Defra advises professional sweeping at least once a year. Your appliance manual, fuel, chimney type and frequency of use may justify more frequent sweeping; many regular wood-burner users arrange an additional sweep during the heating season. Ask a qualified sweep to set a schedule for your installation and keep the certificate or service record.
What good care includes
- Keep the chimney terminal clear and have cowls, pots and flashings checked for damage.
- Never block permanent ventilation or air bricks.
- Watch for damaged connector pipe, loose joints, staining, corrosion or cracked masonry.
- Have soot, tar, nests and debris removed with equipment suitable for the flue system.
- Arrange an annual stove service that includes seals, baffles, firebricks, controls and accessible flue components.
- After a long period without use, check for blockage before relighting.
Warning signs to act on
Smoke spilling into the room, a sluggish fire with the controls open, unusual smells, falling debris, heavy tar, recurring sooting, water ingress or a carbon-monoxide alarm all need attention. Stop using the appliance until the cause is identified. A flue liner does not remove the need for sweeping and inspection.
If you suspect a chimney fire
A roaring noise, sparks or flames from the chimney, rapidly rising heat or glowing connector pipe may indicate a chimney fire. Get everyone out, call 999 and tell the fire service it may be a chimney fire. Do not throw water into a hot stove and do not use the installation again until it has been inspected and declared safe by competent professionals.
Use qualified people and keep records
Choose a suitably qualified chimney sweep and service technician, follow the stove and flue manufacturers’ instructions, and record each sweep, service and repair. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms as their makers direct. This general guide cannot assess hidden defects or replace an on-site inspection.
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