Expert: James Ball - 9/25/2009

Question
How can I clean the ash pit located in the basement? To prevent getting dust spread throughout is there a way to use a vac pump with the hose and pump located outdoors???

Answer
Hello Jack, us a shop vac and metal or paper container and small shovel, slowly open the ash trap door and SLOWLY shovel the ashes out and use the vac to take care of the dust, do not dump the ashes in the container but place them there (no dust cloud) then dispose of them. (wear a breathing mask that will filter "organic and vapor" or I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James