Chimney Not Drawing Properly
The fire burns sluggishly with a poor draught, or the chimney does not pull smoke up effectively.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Partial blockage of soot or debris in the flue
- 2Flue liner damaged or deteriorated
- 3Incorrect flue size for the stove or fire
How Urgent Is This?
This should be fixed in the coming weeks. Leaving it may allow the problem to worsen and cost more to repair.
What Needs to Be Done
A chimney sweep will sweep and inspect the flue, check for damage using a camera if needed, and recommend a flue liner or ventilation improvements.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £183 – £447 | Materials: £100 – £277
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Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
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Ask a QuestionHow to Prevent This
Burn seasoned, dry wood to reduce soot build-up. Have the chimney swept annually. Ensure the room is not too airtight for the fire to draw properly.
Related Problems
Other Chimney Sweep Problems
Smoke from the fire or stove blowing back into the room instead of going up the chimney.
Birds have built a nest in the chimney, blocking the flue and causing noise, smell, or smoke issues.
Lumps of soot or debris falling down the chimney into the fireplace, sometimes accompanied by a draught.
An unpleasant musty, smoky, or foul odour coming from the fireplace, especially in warm or humid weather.