I live in a bungalow and paid a "reputable" sweep to clean my chimney last year. It seemed too easy so I bought a 6 inch poly brush and four rods.
I gave it a go last week. Problem was my liner is 5.5 inches. So I snipped it down with a pair of heavy duty snips. This seemed to work but left me with sore hands.
When I brushed the liner, it seemed snug. I was able to push it down and pull it up with moderate resistance. Pushing up and down like using a clean out tool or toilet brush was not possible. I was concerned that I may/or did dislodge my liner from the top of the insert. The chimney cap and collar were attached with a compression collar and a single screw, I thought it may have been secured similarly at the insert. I gave it two runs up and down then called it quits.
After inspecting from below with one of those extendable, circular inspection mirrors, I was satisfied that the liner was still fixed in place.
Sooooo, how much resistance should there be when sweeping? Am I insane for resizing my brush? Is it too tight given my description? I know it is 5.5 inches or smaller (my brush that is)?
Any other sweeping advice is welcome.
I gave it a go last week. Problem was my liner is 5.5 inches. So I snipped it down with a pair of heavy duty snips. This seemed to work but left me with sore hands.
When I brushed the liner, it seemed snug. I was able to push it down and pull it up with moderate resistance. Pushing up and down like using a clean out tool or toilet brush was not possible. I was concerned that I may/or did dislodge my liner from the top of the insert. The chimney cap and collar were attached with a compression collar and a single screw, I thought it may have been secured similarly at the insert. I gave it two runs up and down then called it quits.
After inspecting from below with one of those extendable, circular inspection mirrors, I was satisfied that the liner was still fixed in place.
Sooooo, how much resistance should there be when sweeping? Am I insane for resizing my brush? Is it too tight given my description? I know it is 5.5 inches or smaller (my brush that is)?
Any other sweeping advice is welcome.