How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?
What a chimney sweep costs, what is included, and the five things that push the price up.
What a chimney sweep costs
A standard chimney sweep in Independence, Missouri starts at $199 with us. That covers one flue swept and a Level 1 inspection of the chimney. Across the United States, cleaning pros typically charge $200 to $400 for a residential cleaning and inspection, according to Housecall Pro’s price guide.
| Service | Our starting price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney sweep with Level 1 inspection | $199 | One flue swept and inspected |
| Level 1 inspection only | $119 | Visual inspection of one flue |
| Level 2 inspection | $279 | Adds a video scan of the flue |
| Chimney cap, fitted | $279 | Standard single-flue stainless cap |
What makes a chimney sweep cost more
Five things push the price above the starting figure: more flues, heavier creosote, blockages, access, and the type of appliance.
- Extra flues. A fireplace and a furnace often have separate flues in one chimney, and each is swept separately.
- Glazed creosote. Hard, tar-like creosote will not brush off and needs rotary tools or treatment.
- Blockages. Nests and fallen masonry have to come out first.
- Access. A tall chimney on a steep roof takes longer to work on safely.
- Stoves and inserts. The connector pipe and the appliance itself need cleaning as well as the flue.
What should be included in the price
A chimney sweep price should always include an inspection. NFPA 211, the national standard, calls for a yearly inspection and for cleaning when the inspection shows it is needed, so a sweep who brushes the flue without inspecting it has skipped the important part.
Expect the flue, smoke chamber, damper and firebox to be cleaned, the room to be protected, and a plain account of what was found. Ask to see photos of anything described as a problem.
When a low price is a warning sign
Be cautious of a price far below everyone else’s. Very cheap offers are often a way in the door, followed by a claim that the chimney is unsafe and needs an expensive repair on the spot. Our article on how to choose a chimney sweep lists the questions to ask.
Want the price for your chimney?
Call (816) 239-8989How to keep the cost down
The cheapest chimney to sweep is one that is swept regularly. Burn dry, seasoned hardwood, have the chimney inspected every year, and keep a cap on it. Stage one soot brushes out quickly; years of neglected, glazed creosote does not.
All our starting prices are on the pricing page, and the service itself is described on our chimney sweep and cleaning page.
Source
- Housecall Pro, Chimney Sweep Price Guide, for the national price range.
Common questions
Is a chimney inspection included in the cost of a sweep?
With Jake And Son Chimney Sweep, yes. A Level 1 inspection is part of every chimney sweep, which starts at $199. A Level 2 inspection, which adds a video scan of the flue and is needed for home sales or after a chimney fire, is priced separately and starts at $279.
Why do chimney sweep prices vary so much?
Because chimneys do. The number of flues, the height of the chimney, how steep the roof is, how much creosote has built up and whether there is a blockage all change the time the job takes. A starting price covers a standard single flue in normal condition.
Is it cheaper to have a chimney swept in summer?
Our starting prices are the same all year. What changes is availability. September and October are the busiest months for chimney sweeps, so booking in spring or summer means a shorter wait and time to complete any repairs before the burning season.
How much does it cost to sweep two flues?
The second flue adds to the price because it is swept and inspected separately, but it costs less than two separate visits. Tell us how many flues the chimney has when you call. If you are not sure, count the tiles or pipes visible at the top.
Do I pay if the inspection shows the chimney is clean?
You pay for the inspection only. NFPA 211 calls for cleaning when the inspection shows deposits that need removing, so if the flue is clean there is nothing to sweep that year and no sweeping charge. A Level 1 inspection starts at $119.