Pro tip: Check the damper before you start sweeping a fireplace in an old house.

Last week in a 1920s colonial in Akron, I spent 20 minutes trying to push my brush past what I thought was a bad offset. The homeowner finally mentioned the damper handle was broken off years ago, and the plate was stuck shut. Has anyone else run into a hidden damper like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

benwilliams14d ago

Broken off years ago? I mean, what.

seanlewis13d ago

Seriously, just let it go. They're not worth the brain space after this long. Focus on what's in front of you now.