Expert: James Ball - 2/8/2010

Question
James, We just built a new home in '08 with a pair of stainless flues rising through the roof. Both have a slight bend (6" at 45degrees) to clear some structural timbers but quickly return to verticle. Recently the wood stove in the basement has not been venting as well as it had been and more smoke is entering the home than when I first started using it 4 months ago. I cleaned it out from the bottom but can't get past the bend with the 6" brush. And I can't access it from the roof as it's a steep metal roof, winter, and I don't do heights (chickens@#t). Would it make sense to use a 5" brush to clear the bend or do I just suck it up and get a pro to clean from the top down? I should mention the entire chimney run is about 30' with the bend about 10' from the top. Thanks.

Answer
Hello Doug, did you try to put a slight bend on the brush/rod and give it a turn  at the bend? if you can make top to bottom from the bottom you don't need to do it from the top so long as the cap is clear. if after the cleaning it still smokes it might be negative pressure, try opening a door or window a crack to allow the house and stove to breath.
keep me posted
James