How to Clean Stainless Steel Flue Pipe

How to Clean Stainless Steel Flue Pipe
Written By
G.K. Bayne
G.K. Bayne
Published: Jan 14, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read
  1. Ensure the fire is out and the flue is cold before attempting to clean the chimney.

  2. Access the top of the chimney. Remove the chimney screen cap by pulling the screws with a screwdriver. This will open the chimney cavity for cleaning.

  3. Attach the chimney brush to the first extension rod. Push the brush down into the flue from the top. Secure a second extension rod to the first. Push the brush deeper. Continue to add extension rods until the brush reaches the bottom of the flue.

  4. Pull the brush up and out of the flue opening. Push the brush back into the chimney flue to the bottom. Continue to scrub the stainless steel flue in this manner several times until the sides of the flue are clear of creosote and soot.

  5. Shine a powerful flashlight down inside flue to inspect the sides for leftover debris. Scrub the flue again if required.

  6. Remove the collected debris from the lower clean-out door at the base of the flue. Replace the screen cap to the top of the stainless steel flue pipe.

Tips

Flexible stainless steel flue pipe, when installed correctly, expands and contracts to remove built up creosote that collects on the inside of the flue. Consult the manufacturer's specifications for any type of periodic cleaning.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

G.K. Bayne

G.K. Bayne is a freelance writer for various websites, specializing in back-to-basics instructional articles on computers and electrical equipment. Bayne began her writing career in 1975 and studied history at the University of Tennessee.

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