How much does a chimney sweep cost?

There’s nothing like a warm, cosy winter evening hanging out by the fireplace with the family. Still, it’s essential to ensure that the fireplace and the chimney are clean and get rid of soot buildup. 

Chimney sweeping service costs range from £50 to £160. The price depends on whether you have an open fire, lined stove, or unlined chimney. If you want to know more about the cost of a chimney sweep in the UK, this guide will help you set a budget for the service. 

Chimney sweeping price list

What factors affect the average cost of chimney sweeping?

Several variables influence the price estimate for chimney sweeping services. Below are the factors determining the fee: 

1. Chimney type

Chimney sweeping costs depend on the type of chimney you have in your home. An open fire chimney costs around £40 to £100 to sweep, while a lined stove chimney has a cleaning fee of £80 to £120. An unlined stove chimney is the most expensive to clean, costing £90 to £150. Of course, chimney sweep prices vary if you have more than one chimney in your home. 

2. Chimney condition

The current condition of your chimney will affect how much it costs to clean it. Before starting the job, an inspection might be required to check the level of sweeping needed. Expect costs to go up in case the chimney hasn’t been cleaned in the past two years.

Besides cleaning frequency and usage, the material used to fire the chimney can affect its cleaning costs. For example, coal and wood burning leaves a residue that forms creosote, which is combustible. The Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS), a government-approved organisation that gives accreditation to chimney sweepers, recommends having wood-burning chimneys swept more than twice a year to prevent this.

3. Job complexity

Task difficulty can also influence the cost of cleaning a chimney. Often, things like roof type, chimney height, and bird nests or chemical buildup make the task more challenging. Bird or animal rescue and nest removal cost £100 to £250. Chimney repairs and material replacement will also increase costs.

4. Labour

Labour costs, which also cover call-out and consultation fees, add up to chimney sweep prices. For a standard open-fire chimney sweep, the labour costs roughly £40-£70. For unlined chimneys, the rate can go up to £150. Make sure to discuss this with your Tasker before they start the job to avoid surprises.

5. Tools and accessories

At times, ladder usage and access to lofts can also incur an additional charge of £20. Aside from this, the replacement and installation of other accessories can increase the price. For instance, flue collar resealing costs around £25, and the installation of a new chimney lining costs £150 to £250. Bird guards to prevent nest blockage start at £160. 

Reasons to hire a pro for chimney sweeping

Although chimney sweeping looks like a simple job, it takes skills, knowledge, and experience to do it correctly. Here are some of the benefits of professional chimney sweeping:

1. It helps prevent chimney fires that cause property damage.
2. It keeps your family safe and healthy by preventing the buildup of harmful toxins and chemicals that lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and other health issues.
3. It generates energy-efficient heating through better air circulation from your fireplace.
4. It prevents blockages that affect the overall performance of your fireplace.
5. Regular chimney sweeping (once or twice a year) helps keep your chimney in its best condition, preventing costly repairs.

Post a task for chimney sweeping

Now that you're familiar with chimney cleaning costs, the next step is to hire a professional chimney sweeper. Simply post a task on our platform, then connect with several chimney sweepers near you. Make sure to provide pertinent details for a more accurate quotation. Here are some things Taskers would like to see in your request form: 

1. Your location
2. Your budget
3. Number of chimneys to sweep
4. Preferred schedule

Once done, wait for offers to pour in and assess which Tasker is the best person for the job. You can skip the hassle of DIY chimney sweeping and leave it to a professional!