Overheard a homeowner say they clean their own flue with a shop vac

I was at a hardware store last Saturday picking up a new brush head and I heard a guy telling the clerk he just sticks a shop vac hose up his flue every spring. Said he's been doing it for 5 years and never had a problem. I wanted to say something but I kept my mouth shut because I didn't want to be that guy. But honestly that's a terrible idea. A shop vac can't get creosote buildup off the walls and it definitely can't spot cracks or damaged liners. I've pulled out birds nests and chunks of glaze that would choke any vacuum. Plus you got no idea if there's a blockage above the bend. Has anyone else run into homeowners who think they can DIY their chimney cleaning with regular tools?

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2 Comments

stone.simon5mo ago

I mean I get why you'd think it's sketchy but honestly a shop vac can catch a lot of the loose stuff if you're just doing a light cleaning between professional sweeps. Not saying it's a replacement but some folks just stay on top of it with smaller bits of soot and ash.

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anna_carter535mo ago

Did he mention if he's checked for creosote glaze buildup or just assuming the vac gets it all?

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