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Update: I stopped using a full brush on every job and it cut my time in half
Everyone says you need to run the whole brush from top to bottom for a proper clean, but last month I had a tricky flue in an old Boston triple-story. I just used a heavy-duty whip head and a good vacuum from the bottom, focusing on the main blockage. The inspection camera showed it was just as clean as a full brush job, and I saved over an hour. Has anyone else found that a full brush sweep isn't always needed for modern liners?
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bettyh356mo ago
Wait, is it really that big of a deal to skip the full brush sometimes? I mean, if the camera shows it's clean and you're not leaving creosote behind, what's the problem? It sounds like some people just do things because that's how they were taught, not because it's always needed. Saving an hour on a job without cutting corners seems pretty smart to me.
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emmaking6mo ago
Yeah, I've had the same thing happen with some of the newer, smooth-walled liners. There was this one ranch house last fall where the liner was basically spotless except for one bird nest right at the cap. I just used a longer whip and a good camera to make sure I got it all. The full brush felt like overkill and just made a huge mess in the fireplace for no extra benefit. It really depends on what the camera shows you.
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the_emma5mo ago
Totally get that. My buddy swears by his inspection camera now, says it changed how he quotes jobs. Spots the real problem before he even gets the ladder out.
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beth1476mo ago
Full brush can actually damage some older clay liners, the heavy bristles knock loose mortar joints.
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