For many consumers, when they think of a chimney sweep, their imaginations take them to Dick Van Dyke and his role as the lovable and now iconic chimney sweep in the classic, Mary Poppins. And while the singing and dancing glamourized the role, the truth is that being a chimney sweep is hard work. Yet customers need chimney sweeps to help keep their home clean and safe.
Thankfully, there are tools that can help your chimney sweep business operate more effectively and efficiently, maybe even leaving you some time for some singing and dancing on rooftops—safely anchored in place, of course. From chimney sweep software to vacuums, brushes, and so much more, these tools make it easier to do your job. And, they result in improved customer satisfaction, too.
So, let’s get right to it and list those tools that we think will totally transform your chimney sweep contracting business.
Best Chimney Sweep Brushes
1. Wire Chimney Brush
Your wire chimney brush is the first tool you need in your chimney sweep bag of tricks. This sturdy brush tackles soot and creosote buildup in a chimney. It’s typically priced around $15 to $20 and is a must-have for every chimney sweep.
2. Polypropylene Chimney Brush
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer made from the polymerization of propylene gas. It’s super sturdy, lightweight, moisture-resistant, and flexible. So, brushes made from this material are perfect for metal chimneys. This brush offers a gentler clean than wire brushes. It usually costs between $20 and $25.
3. Flexible Chimney Brush
While we can all hope that cleaning the chimney requires a clear pass with no twists and turns, that isn’t often the case. A flexible brush is designed to meander through those bends and corners in your customer’s chimney, making it easier to clean those hard-to-reach spots. Prices typically range from $25 to $35.
4. Rotary Chimney Brush
This brush attaches to a drill for a power-assisted clean, perfect for stubborn creosote and grime that needs a bit more than just elbow grease to scrub it away. Prices range from $40 to $60.
Best Chimney Sweep Vacuums
5. High-Power Ash Vacuum
This vacuum is perfect for cleaning up the fine ash and dust that accumulates in chimneys. It’s equipped with a powerful motor that provides strong suction, ensuring that all debris is removed efficiently.
What sets this vacuum apart is its specialized filter system that traps even the smallest particles, preventing them from being released back into the air. It’s usually priced around $100 to $150, making it a great investment for your chimney cleaning business.
6. Wet/Dry Chimney Vacuum
This versatile vacuum can handle both wet and dry messes, making it ideal for a variety of cleaning situations. Whether you’re dealing with damp soot or dry ash, this vacuum can manage it all. It features a large capacity tank, so you don’t have to empty it frequently during big jobs.
Its robust design and powerful suction make it a reliable choice for professional chimney sweeps. Priced between $150 to $20 0 on average, chimney sweeps appreciate the versatility this vacuum has to offer.
7. HEPA Filter Chimney Vacuum
For those who prioritize air quality or when cleaning the chimney for a home with inhabitants who have severe allergies, a vacuum with a HEPA filter can come to the rescue. Plus, remember that chimneys are full of smoke-filled contaminants like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, sulfur, and hydrocarbons like creosote and soot.
This vacuum not only cleans up soot and ash but also ensures that no harmful particles are released into the air, protecting both the user and the client. It’s particularly useful in homes where air quality is a concern and where you want to protect your own health. This vacuum is easy to maneuver and features a sturdy design, making it a dependable tool for chimney sweeps. Expect to pay around $200 to $250.
Get In Touch: 858-842-5746
Let us earn your trust
On average, Pros increase monthly revenue generated through Housecall Pro by 50% after their first year.
See plan options and feature breakdown on our pricing page.
Best Chimney Sweep Electric Tools
8. Electric Chimney Cleaning Drill
This powerful tool attaches to your brush heads, making it perfect for thorough chimney cleaning. Its adjustable speed settings allow for customized cleaning, whether you need a gentle scrub or a more intense clean for tough buildup.
Lightweight and easy to handle, this drill can make the job faster and more efficient. It’s typically priced between $50 and $100, making it a cost-effective addition to your toolkit.
9. LED Inspection Light
Since flues, by design, don’t offer a ton of natural lighting, you’ll need to bring your own to the job site. Fortunately, there are several lighting options to choose from to make your job easier.
An LED inspection light is a must-have for chimney sweeps. It provides bright, focused light that illuminates the darkest corners of a chimney, making it easier to see and clean every inch. These lights are usually rechargeable and can be attached to cleaning tools, keeping your hands free to work. You can find budget options as low as $50 and more robust options for around $130.
10. Electric Inspection Camera
Sometimes, your customers want to know what you see when you look down that flue. But, it’s not safe to bring them up to the rooftop to see for themselves. An electric inspection camera allows chimney sweeps to thoroughly inspect the inside of a chimney without needing to climb onto the roof. Equipped with a long, flexible cable and high-resolution camera, it provides clear images of the chimney’s interior, identifying any blockages or damage.
And, you then have the added flexibility to share those photos with the customer. This can build trust, too, since they know what you are working on. The camera connects to a monitor or smartphone for easy viewing. Priced between $100 and $150, this tool is invaluable for detailed inspections and ensuring thorough cleaning.
Best Chimney Sweep Cleaners
11. Ceramic Glass Cleaner
This cleaner is specially formulated to remove soot, creosote, and other residues from ceramic glass surfaces in fireplaces and stoves. It effectively restores clarity to glass doors, allowing a clear view of the fire. Easy to use, just apply and wipe clean for a streak-free finish. Typically priced around $10-$15, it’s a super helpful tool for keeping fireplace glass looking pristine and ensuring customer satisfaction.
12. Powder-Based Creosote Remover
This powerful cleaner is designed to break down and loosen creosote buildup within chimneys. Simply sprinkle the powder onto a burning log, and it will chemically react with the creosote, making it easier to brush away. Safe for regular use, it helps maintain chimney efficiency and reduces fire hazards. Priced between $15-$20, this remover is a must-have for any chimney sweep to ensure thorough and effective cleaning.
13. Heavy-Duty Soot Remover
Both soot and creosote are byproducts that come from burning wood. However, creosote remover doesn’t necessarily remove soot, and soot remover doesn’t necessarily remove creosote. So, chimney sweeps need to have both of these cleaners in their tool kit to help do the job right.
Commercial soot remover tackles stubborn soot and grime and can be used on brick, stone, and metal. It penetrates deep to lift and remove tough residues, leaving surfaces clean and refreshed. Because it can be applied with a brush or sponge, it can help save time over other approaches. Typically priced around $100 for a commercial-sized container, you don’t want to head to a job site without it.
Best Miscellaneous Chimney Equipment
14. Respirator
You’re exposed to dust, soot, and potentially harmful particles when cleaning chimneys. Protecting your lungs from these contaminants requires a high-quality respirator, which should make it a non-negotiable item in your toolkit. Look for a respirator with a comfortable fit and replaceable filters to decrease maintenance costs.
It should meet safety standards, including NIOSH certification to comply with OSHA regulations and provide a secure seal to prevent inhalation of hazardous materials. While you can find respirators priced under $50, many of these do not have the certifications you are looking for. Don’t go cheap on this investment. The best respirators for chimney sweeps are around $150 to $200.
15. Canvas Drop Cloth
Maintaining your work area and protecting your client’s home is a top priority. A heavy-duty canvas drop cloth covers floors and furniture, catching soot and debris as you work. These cloths are heavy-duty, washable, and reusable, so they are both practical and eco-friendly.
They provide excellent coverage and help prevent messes, which you and your customers will appreciate. Priced around $20 to $30, stock up on a couple of these to make sure you always have them on hand.
Best Chimney Sweep Cleaning Software
16. GPS Navigation Systems
Today’s customers don’t want to wait for a four-hour arrival window only to have to arrive at the very end of the planned time, delayed due to traffic or taking a wrong turn. Arriving at your customer’s location on time is incredibly important for maintaining a professional reputation. GPS navigation systems help you avoid traffic delays and find the quickest and safest routes.
Many modern systems provide real-time traffic updates, alternative routes, and estimated arrival times. These tools help you remain punctual and reduce travel time, helping you manage your schedule more effectively. GPS systems typically cost between $100 and $300, but the investment pays off in time saved and customer satisfaction.
17. Chimney Sweep Management Software
This software makes managing your chimney sweep business easier. You can set up new work orders or estimate visits from both an app and desktop. It allows you to assign technicians and estimators to the calendar, chat with team members, and manage the schedule in real-time.
Chimney sweep management software helps you keep track of time, location, and job details. Technicians can access customer information and history from their mobile devices, improving service quality. Prices for these software solutions vary, but they are a great investment for running an efficient chimney sweep business.
Help Your Chimney Sweep Business Run More Smoothly with Housecall Pro
When it comes to chimney cleaning and just about any home service business, time is money. When you don’t have the right tools to do your job, or when you’re not using the best cleaning business apps, it makes it more likely for you to overschedule customers, and maybe worse, under schedule and not stay busy enough to remain profitable.
Plus, when customers hire you for a chimney cleaning job, they understand the risks involved and want to make sure it is done right the first time. This is where Housecall Pro can help. We’re experts in business software designed to help service industries be more effective and, ultimately, more successful.
Don’t leave the success of your business to chance. Check out the tools we recommended and make the necessary investment in your chimney sweep business future. And, don’t forget to sign up for a free 14-day trial from Housecall Pro. We know that the features we have to offer are just what you have been looking for.
