Rant: I called spring sweeps a scam. One job proved me wrong.

Hugo Murray · 2026-03-05T06:06:31.313152+00:00

I always told customers only fall cleanings mattered. Thought spring work was just for extra cash. Then I had a call in April. The flue was stuffed with leaves and damp soot. A family almost used their fireplace that night. It could have sparked a big fire. Now I urge everyone to get a sweep after winter ends.

jake_torres687mo ago

Notice how we skip safety steps until a close call makes them real. That near miss changes everything.

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the_jessica7mo ago

My area's code requires a sweep every six months.

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the_elliot7mo ago

So, that code for sweeps every six months feels like too much. A solid fall clean should cover most homes for the whole year. Birds nesting in spring is possible, but it's not a sure thing for every chimney. Lots of people barely use their fireplace, so why pay for extra work? Rules like that are often one size fits all, and they don't fit every situation. Honestly, I'd skip the spring sweep unless there's a clear sign of trouble.

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