How to Clean a Dura-Vent Chimney
Slow-burning wood expels tar and other organic wastes that accumulate on the inside walls of all chimneys. The tar and wastes create a highly flammable substance called creosote. Left unchecked, the accumulation of creosote will ignite and burn at extremely high temperatures. Prevention of chimney fires is a priority for any household that burns wood. Dura-Vent recommends that its chimneys be inspected and cleaned on a monthly basis. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Old clothing
- Screwdriver
- Steel wire brush
- Plastic, wood, or steel chimney brush
- Brush extension poles
Instructions
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1
Remove all forms of fire from the wood stove before cleaning the chimney. It may take several hours before the chimney cools down for cleaning.
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2
Gain access to the roof or to the top cap of the chimney assembly. Wear gloves, because creosote will stain hands and clothing. You will want to wear old clothes for the cleaning process.
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3
Remove the four screws that hold the top spark arrestor screen onto the Dura-Vent metal chimney.
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4
Clean the screen with a steel wire brush. Scrub until all creosote debris is removed.
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5
Place the first extension pole on the end of the brush. Insert the brush into the metal chimney. Push the pole down into the chimney.
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6
Add another extension pole. Push the brush farther down. Continue to add extension poles until the brush reaches the bottom of the chimney.
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7
Scrub up and down inside the chimney with the brush. Repeat the up-and-down movements until the interior of the chimney is clean of creosote.
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8
Remove the brush and poles from the chimney. Clean the accumulated creosote from the lower portion of the chimney pipe. This will entail removing a lower elbow or the lower "T" adapter from the chimney assembly.
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9
Replace all lower portions of the chimney. Reattach the top spark arrestor screen.
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Tips & Warnings
Dura-Vent recommends cleaning the top spark arrestor screen every two weeks with a wire brush.
If you feel uncomfortable cleaning your own chimney, hire a certified chimney sweep to perform the service for you.
Chemical cleaners must be used only as a last resort. The chemicals will damage the interior lining of the steel chimney. This may void the Dura-Vent warranty.
