Tried a shop vac trick on a stubborn flue liner and it actually worked

I had this one chimney in a house from 1920 that just would not pull air right. Customer said they hadn't used it in years because smoke always came back in the room. I ran a brush through it three times and still got blockage. Finally I taped a shop vac hose to the bottom opening and ran it on high for about 10 minutes. When I pulled the hose loose, about 5 pounds of old bird nesting material came tumbling down. Never thought a vacuum could clear that kind of buildup. Has anyone else used suction to break free a stuck liner?

4 comments

4 Comments

alicer533d ago

Could you pull bird nests out that way without tearing up the brush?

samrodriguez3d ago

Had a buddy try this last spring on some overgrown brush behind his shed. @alicer53 he got the nest out but totally mangled a big branch in the process, snapped it clean off. Took him like an hour to clear the mess and he felt bad cause the birds kept circling back. I think the real issue is those thick vines wrap around everything, so you gotta be super careful or just leave it alone.

avery_flores3d ago

What worked for me was waiting until late fall when the birds were done with it, then I just snipped the vines at the base with some loppers and gently worked the nest loose without yanking on anything. Took some patience but the branch stayed put and the birds were long gone so no guilt involved.

nelson.wren3d ago

Last time I tried to remove a nest I ended up looking like I lost a fight with a briar patch and the birds looked at me with pure contempt. I got the nest out but the branch came with it and I had to stand there holding both pieces like a dummy. Birds did not appreciate my effort. My arms still have the scratches to prove it.