Mortar build up in chimney flue

mc81

Hi

Hoping someone here can help me, bought house 5 years ago, became aware of blockage in chimney shaft about 2 years ago. it seems when the builders did the chimney they threw in the leftover mortar in the bucket and it has formed a great big blockage about 3/4 way across the chimney shaft!

i have had it cleaned each year and was told because there is a great draw in it once a fire is lit not to worry about it! the last cleaner i got couldn't get rods up past it and this worried me. I have rang around chimney repairs to see if someone could knock it out for me but its going to cost me between €200 - €400 to do this and i really cannot afford this.

they will do a camera inspection which is going to cost another €200 but they advised this is mainly done for insurance purposes after a fire which is no help to me. i lit a fire in the last few days and the fumes were terrible and our carbon monoxide alarm went off so im freaking out now.

We have no comeback from builder as he is gone bankrupt and is no longer answering calls.

can anyone advise me on what to do please?

albert kidd

how far up the chimney is it lodged..id imagine its in the bends just over the firehead?

the risk you'll take with trying to break it out is cracking one of the flue's.

if it is lodged by the bends just above the firehead..you could try drilling a few holes in the mortar to weaken it and give it a few taps with a hammer and chisel..once you get a few bits off the rest will come..just take it nice and easy with it..wont be easy but can be done.

and if the co alarm is going off..dont light another fire until sorted.

mc81

albert kidd wrote: »

how far up the chimney is it lodged..id imagine its in the bends just over the firehead?

the risk you'll take with trying to break it out is cracking one of the flue's.

if it is lodged by the bends just above the firehead..you could try drilling a few holes in the mortar to weaken it and give it a few taps with a hammer and chisel..once you get a few bits off the rest will come..just take it nice and easy with it..wont be easy but can be done.

and if the co alarm is going off..dont light another fire until sorted.

Yes,its just above the bend.its above the mantelpiece.would insurance cover this do u know?

pa990

Had a similar problem

Got a local handy man to stand on the roof with sewer rods, and a chisle jammed into a worm, and he blindly chisled away the offending mortor.

I never suffered from a lack of draft, but the chimney sweep couldn't get the brush all the way up.