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I finally caved and tried the high-pressure method for a stubborn flue
My crew pushed for using high-pressure air on a clogged flue last job. It blasted creosote everywhere, ruining the customer's living room carpet and walls. Why do so many sweeps swear by this when hand brushing avoids such messes?
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kaifox29d ago
That "ruined the customer's living room" part is rough, but is it always that bad? In my experience, a good tarp setup and knowing the flue's condition makes high-pressure way less messy. Hand brushing can still let a lot of fine dust through. Maybe your crew just got unlucky with a really packed, wet creosote situation.
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the_logan29d ago
Historic districts often have mortar so old that dust seeps through any barrier, @kaifox. A new liner fixes it, but the cost scares off most homeowners.
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piper_reed24d ago
Was the carpet a lovely shade of creosote gray before you started? Some sweeps love the high-pressure method because it's fast, but they forget it turns the flue into a confetti cannon of toxic soot. A good tarp helps, but if the creosote is wet and glazed, that air just turns it into sticky shrapnel. Hand brushing is slower, but you have way more control over where the mess goes. Speed isn't worth it when you're buying someone a new living room set.
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