My uncle said to always check the damper first, and I'm glad I did

Honestly, I was on a call in Boulder last month for a standard sweep. The homeowner was sure their chimney was totally blocked because smoke kept coming back into the room. My uncle, who taught me the trade, always drilled into me, 'Check the damper before you do anything else, kid.' I almost started with the rods, but I looked up first. The damper was just closed. Took me two seconds to flip it open. Saved myself an hour of unnecessary work. Has anyone else had a customer miss something that simple?

3 comments

3 Comments

hannahcraig19d agoTop Commenter

My buddy had a job like that, reminded me of what @williamw75 said. His customer was convinced they needed a whole new liner before he even looked up.

williamw7520d ago

Used to think checking the damper was a waste of time. After finding one shut on a job that was supposed to be a full blockage, I never skip it now. That simple step saves so much hassle.

xena83120d ago

My first solo job in Albany was for a lady who swore her flue was clogged with a bird's nest. I almost went straight for the camera, but I remembered my training and just felt for the damper handle. It was shut tight, probably hadn't been opened in years. She was so embarrassed she tipped me an extra twenty. That lesson sticks with you.