Thinking About Becoming a Chimney Sweep?

About Chimney Sweeping
Chimney sweeping is a centuries-old trade that has evolved dramatically since its origins in the 1600s. Back then, “climbing boys and girls” were forced to scale chimneys to remove soot—a grim practice abolished in 1875. Modern chimney sweeping is a far cry from those times, utilizing advanced tools and techniques to ensure safety and efficiency.

Today, there are three main methods of chimney sweeping:

  • Top-Down Sweeping
    Common in parts of Europe, New Zealand, and Japan, this method involves lowering a weighted rope with a brush into the chimney. The weight uses gravity to guide the brush, which is then pulled back up, sweeping the chimney clean.

 

  • Traditional Sweeping
    A classic approach primarily used in the UK and Ireland, this method involves pushing a brush up the flue from the bottom using rods. The rods are turned in a clockwise direction to prevent disconnection, and the brush passes through the flue multiple times for thorough cleaning.

 

  • Rotary Power Sweeping
    Introduced in the 1990s, rotary power sweeping uses mechanically rotating rods powered by a cordless drill. This modern method reduces the number of brush types needed, requires fewer passes through the flue, and allows for both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. It delivers faster, more effective results with less physical strain.

Is Chimney Sweeping Right for You?

Before pursuing a career as a chimney sweep, it’s essential to ensure it aligns with your skills and goals. Chimney sweeping is physically demanding and requires qualities such as:

  • Practical problem-solving skills
  • Strong communication abilities
  • A professional demeanor
  • Basic office and organizational skills
  • A determination to grow and manage a business

It’s also wise to understand that building a successful business may take time—potentially up to three years—though some have achieved stability in just a few months. To test if this path suits you, consider shadowing an experienced chimney sweep. Reach out to one outside your immediate area (25-30 miles away) to avoid competition and ask if you can accompany them for a few days to learn the trade firsthand.

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Chimney Sweeping Training Courses

If you have no way of shadowing an experienced sweep, there are a number of training providers, that offer varying levels of service, all but one of the training providers are linked to a trade association. Training programs all have differing levels of quality, and you have to be vary careful in which course you think is right for you. No training in the UK or Ireland, can teach you everything, as the courses would have to be around two years of training but they should give you enough understanding and enough confidence to begin your new career.

Chimney Sweeping Equipment

The equipment you choose to use in your career as a Chimney Sweep depends on 2 main factors, which method of sweeping you decide to use and your budget. For example traditional chimney sweeping equipment costs a less than modern power sweeping equipment, however the more modern methods produce far superior results in a fraction of the time it takes to traditionally sweep a chimney meaning you are able to maximise you income whilst putting less strain on your back / shoulders etc.

Chimney Sweeping Associations

Since Chimney Sweeping is an unregulated industry there is no requirement for you to join any association, however some contracts with housing associations etc may require you to be a member. There are a number of Chimney Sweeping Associations for you to choose from. The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) and The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps (GOMCS) are currently the largest associations within the industry but you should select the association you feel is best suited to you.