Chimney Sweep Cost: 2026 Prices UK
There is something special about a real fire on a cold evening. But open fires and wood burners produce soot and tar that build up inside the chimney. Left alone, that build up can block the flue, push dangerous gases back into the room, or catch fire. A regular sweep is a small cost that keeps your fire safe and working well.
On Checkatrade's figures, a chimney sweep costs about £90 on average in the UK, with most prices between £75 and £250. In London, the average is about £110, with a range of around £90 to £270.
This guide covers prices by type of fire, how often to sweep, what a sweep certificate is for, and extras you might be offered.
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Prices
| Location | Average | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £90 | £75 to £250 |
| London | £110 | £90 to £270 |
By type of fire
| Type of fire or appliance | Average price |
|---|---|
| Open fire | £90 |
| Inglenook fireplace | £200 |
| Wood burning stove with a lined chimney | £90 |
| Wood burning stove with an unlined chimney | £105 |
| Gas fire | £85 |
Checked October 2026: Checkatrade chimney sweep cost guide (2026).
What affects the price
- Type of fireplace. Large inglenooks take much longer to sweep and protect.
- Lined or unlined chimney. Unlined chimneys used with a stove often need more work.
- Condition. A chimney that has not been swept for years, or has a bird's nest, takes longer.
- Number of flues. Sweeping several chimneys on one visit usually costs less per flue.
- Location. London and the South East cost more.
- Time of year. Autumn is the busiest season, so booking early can help.
Frequency
HETAS, the official body for solid fuel and biomass heating, recommends having your chimney swept:
- At least twice a year when burning wood
- At least once a year when burning smokeless fuels
Checked October 2026: HETAS, "When should I get my chimney swept?"
HETAS suggests the best times are just before the heating season starts, and after a stove has not been used for a long period. If you sweep twice a year, the second sweep should come after the peak of the main heating season.
Signs you need a sweep sooner
- Smoke coming back into the room
- A strong smell of soot or tar, especially in warm or damp weather
- The fire is hard to light or does not draw well
- Black flakes or debris falling into the grate
- Birds nesting in or on the chimney
- You have just moved into a house and do not know when it was last swept
Using seasoned or dry wood
Burning wet wood creates much more smoke and tar, which builds up in the chimney faster. Use dry, seasoned wood or wood sold as "Ready to Burn". It burns hotter and cleaner, gives more heat and reduces the amount of sweeping needed.
Chimney fires
Chimney fires happen when soot and tar inside the flue catch light. They can burn very hot, damage the chimney lining and brickwork, and spread to the roof space. HETAS reports that there were 2,608 chimney fires in England between April 2021 and March 2022, a 16% fall on the previous year. Regular sweeping, burning dry fuel and not overloading the fire are the best ways to avoid one.
Checked October 2026: HETAS.
Warning signs of a chimney fire
- A loud roaring or rumbling noise from the chimney
- Dense smoke or flames coming from the top of the chimney
- The chimney breast feeling very hot
- Burning debris falling into the fireplace
If you think your chimney is on fire, get everyone out of the house and call 999. Do not try to put it out yourself.
Best time to book
Autumn is the busiest time of year for chimney sweeps, as people get ready for the heating season. Booking in late summer or early autumn usually means shorter waits. If you burn wood and follow the twice a year advice, book your second sweep in spring, after the coldest months.
Certificates
After sweeping, a professional chimney sweep should give you a certificate. This records:
- The date of the sweep
- The address and the chimney swept
- The type of appliance or fire
- The condition of the chimney and any problems found
- The sweep's name and membership details
Why the certificate matters
Home insurance. Many home insurance policies require chimneys to be swept regularly. If you have a chimney fire and cannot show it was swept, your insurer may refuse or reduce a claim. Check your policy for the exact wording.
Landlords. Landlords have duties to keep the property and its heating safe for tenants. A sweep certificate is useful evidence.
Selling a house. Buyers may ask when the chimney was last swept.
Keep your certificates somewhere safe.
Choosing a qualified sweep
HETAS recommends using a HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep and is associated with professional bodies including the Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps (APICS), the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps (GoMCS), the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) and Sweep Safe. Approved sweeps carry an identity card. Ask to see it before work starts.
Extras
A sweep may offer extra services, either at the same visit or as a separate job.
Smoke test
A smoke test checks whether the chimney is drawing properly and has no leaks. It is often done after a sweep, and is important if you are about to start using an old chimney.
CCTV inspection
A camera is passed up the flue to check its condition, looking for cracks, gaps and blockages.
Bird nest removal
Jackdaws and other birds often nest in chimneys. Nests are usually removed outside the nesting season, since active nests of wild birds are protected by law.
Chimney cowl or bird guard
A cowl or mesh guard on top of the chimney stops birds getting in and keeps rain out. Fitting usually requires access to the roof.
Chimney liner
If your chimney is old, cracked or unlined, a liner can make it safer and more efficient, especially with a stove. See our chimney liner cost guide.
Carbon monoxide alarm
Any room with a solid fuel appliance should have a working carbon monoxide alarm. Test it regularly.
What happens during a sweep
A professional sweep usually takes about an hour for a standard fireplace or stove.
- The sweep covers the fireplace and floor with dust sheets
- They seal the opening and use a vacuum to control dust
- They push brushes up the chimney using rods, or use a rotary brush system
- Soot and debris are collected and removed
- They check the chimney draws properly, often with a smoke test
- You receive a certificate
A good sweep leaves very little mess. Clear the area around the fireplace and move ornaments and rugs before they arrive.
Gas fires and other appliances
Gas fires with a flue also need regular checks. A sweep may clean the flue, but the appliance itself should be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Oil fired appliances also need regular servicing.
Sweeping your own chimney
DIY chimney sweeping kits are available, but there are good reasons to use a professional. A sweep spots problems you might miss, has equipment to control dust, and gives you a certificate for your insurer. HETAS recommends using a HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep.
Thinking about a wood burner?
If you are planning to install a stove, see our wood burner cost guide. Installation should be carried out by a HETAS registered installer or signed off by Building Control.
FAQs
How much does a chimney sweep cost?
About £90 on average in the UK, with most prices between £75 and £250, according to Checkatrade. In London, the average is about £110.
How often should a chimney be swept?
HETAS recommends at least twice a year when burning wood and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels.
How long does a chimney sweep take?
Usually around an hour for a standard fireplace or stove.
Is a chimney sweep messy?
Not with a professional who uses dust sheets and a vacuum.
Do I need a chimney sweep certificate for insurance?
Many insurers require regular sweeping. A certificate is the best evidence. Check your policy.
Can a sweep remove a bird's nest?
Yes, but nests are usually removed outside the nesting season, since active nests of wild birds are protected.
Do I need to sweep a chimney I do not use?
If a chimney is not in use, it does not build up soot, but it can still collect bird nests and debris. Have it swept and checked before you start using it again, especially after a long break or when you move into a new home.
Can I sweep a chimney in summer?
Yes. Summer is a good time to book, since sweeps are less busy and you will be ready for the first cold evening of autumn.
Should my sweep check my carbon monoxide alarm?
Some sweeps will remind you, but it is your job to test it. Press the test button regularly and replace the alarm when it reaches the end of its life.
Get quotes
Tell sweeps what type of fire or stove you have, how many chimneys need sweeping, and when they were last swept.
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