Do you know your chimney and fireplace system as well as you think you do? You may not. Some masonry chimneys have a strange door made of cast iron that you never really open and many homeowners aren’t even sure what they’re for! If you open it up, you may find a heap of dust and ash. This is a great time to get to know your chimney system.
Ash Pit Clean-Out
The ashes in your ash pit may be from the previous owner from whom you bought your house, but it’s more likely that the ashes are decades old! The ash pit is secure, constructed of durable masonry that keeps the heat inside the pit, but it should still be cleaned before you continue using it. Cleaning the ash pit will remove ash and moisture that may be causing odors that you haven’t even noticed. It will also free up the ash pit for new ashes that can accumulate for years to come before an ash pit clean-out is necessary again. This service is not part of a routine chimney sweep, but any licensed and certified chimney sweep can get the job done before you need to use it this fall. Once all the ash is removed, a chimney expert can identify any problems with the ash pit so that they can be addressed and repairs can be made.
This is a great service to pair with your annual chimney inspection. If you haven’t scheduled a chimney inspection yet, now is the time. Let Chesapeake Chimney & Co. service your ash pit today so you don’t have to.
Using Your Ash Pit
There is only so much we can do as professionals to care for your chimney, fireplace, and ash pit. A large part of the safety and efficiency of your system depends on how you use it. We can clean and repair your ash pit, but it’s also important that you use it correctly. That ash pit is for ashes only. Scooting hot coals down into the ash pit can lead to a dangerous fire and carbon monoxide exposure that is life-threatening to anyone inside the house. If you see smoke coming from your ash pit or your chimney clean-out door, call 911 to ensure the safety of your family and your home.
If you’re not sure about hiring this type of work out, you may be able to remove the ash yourself with a shovel as long as the clean-out door is on the outside of the house. Do not attempt ash removal from an ash pit indoors. This may result in respiratory issues for anyone inside the home. When we complete this type of job, we use an industrial vacuuming system to contain the dust and ashes and avoid a mess. Make sure you’re choosing the best option for your home when scheduling work now and in the future.
The experts at Chesapeake Chimney & Co. are CSIA certified and awaiting your call. We can complete ash pit clean-outs year-round as well as maintenance and repairs.
Call us to schedule your service today or schedule online.
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