Swore off flexible rods until last week's tight flue

I saw flexible rods as too flimsy for serious buildup. But when I had to clean a narrow, twisted chimney, they were the key tool that worked without damaging the liner. Now I keep a set in the truck.

4 comments

4 Comments

nelson.mia1mo ago

Are flues really that tight often?

sarah_torres201mo ago

Feels like it lately. Mine always struggles with the draft.

abbyhall23d ago

Could be the flue, but what about the cap? A screen clogged with creosote or a bird's nest will kill draft fast. Caseywalker is right that install problems are common, but a tight flue usually shows up right away, not just "lately." Have you checked for blockages up top?

caseywalker1mo ago

Honestly, when you ask if flues are that tight often, I doubt it's as common as people say. Most issues I've come across are from poor venting or something blocking the chimney. In my time at the hardware store, I've seen more problems with installation than with the flue itself being too tight. What makes you think it's the flue and not something else?