Chimney Sweep Cost UK: 2026 Prices, Calculator and Complete Guide

The cost also depends on whether you have a wood-burning stove, an open fire, a gas fire or a large inglenook fireplace. Location matters too: homeowners in London and parts of the South East may pay more than those in other areas.

This guide explains average chimney sweep prices in 2026, compares costs by appliance type, identifies potential extra charges and explains what to check before booking.

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost in the UK?

A typical UK chimney sweep costs around £80 to £90 for a straightforward job, based on published 2026 pricing guides. However, this is a guide price rather than a guaranteed quote. A simple, regularly maintained stove flue may cost less, while a large fireplace or a chimney requiring additional work can cost considerably more.

Checkatrade's September 2026 guide reports an average price of £90, with costs varying by location and chimney type. Costwise UK reports an average of approximately £80, with many routine jobs falling between £50 and £150.

The difference between published averages reflects the jobs and pricing data included in each guide. Your actual cost will depend on the property and the work required.

Average Chimney Sweeping Prices

Standard chimney sweep£60 to £120
Wood-burning stove£70 to £110
Open fireplace£75 to £110
Large inglenook fireplace£150 to £250
Gas fire flue£65 to £105
AGA, Rayburn or range cooker£70 to £130
Additional flue during the same visitOften £35 to £60 extra
CCTV chimney inspectionApproximately £50 to £175 extra
Bird's nest or difficult blockage removalPotentially £70 to £180 or more

These are indicative budgeting ranges, synthesised from published UK cost guides and example sweep price lists. They are not fixed industry tariffs. Some companies include inspection, a smoke test and a certificate in their standard price; others quote separately for additional services.

Sources: Checkatrade's 2026 chimney sweep cost guide and Costwise UK's chimney sweep guide.

Chimney Sweep Cost by Fireplace Type

The type of appliance is one of the most important factors when estimating the cost. Different flues collect different deposits, and some fireplaces are more difficult to access or clean than others.

1Wood-Burning Stove Sweep Cost

Typical cost: £70 to £110

Chimney sweep cleaning the flue of a wood burning stove with a rod and brush, dust sheets over the hearth — Sweeping a wood burner flue with rods and a brush, with the hearth protected.

A wood-burning stove is a common reason to book a chimney sweep. The sweep cleans the flue to remove accumulated soot and other deposits, while checking for visible problems and confirming that the flue is clear.

The final price can depend on the type of liner, the route of the flue, how heavily the stove is used and whether the stove needs to be opened or partially dismantled to access the flue.

A routinely maintained stove with straightforward access will generally be easier to quote for than one that has not been swept for several seasons.

2Open Fireplace Sweep Cost

Typical cost: £75 to £110

An open fireplace can require more work than a straightforward lined stove flue, depending on its size, construction and condition. A traditional open fire may have a larger chimney opening, and an older chimney can contain irregular surfaces or accumulated deposits.

If you have recently moved into a property and do not know when the fireplace was last used or swept, tell the chimney sweep when requesting a quote. They can explain whether a standard sweep is appropriate or whether a separate inspection may be needed.

3Inglenook Fireplace Sweep Cost

Typical cost: £150 to £250

Large brick inglenook fireplace with an oak beam and a log fire in an English cottage — Large inglenook fireplaces often cost more to sweep because of their size and construction.

An inglenook is a large, traditional fireplace, often found in older cottages and period properties. Its size and construction can make sweeping more complicated than cleaning a standard domestic flue.

The price depends on the opening, chimney design, access and amount of work involved. Some sweeps price inglenook fireplaces individually rather than offering a standard rate.

If you have a particularly large fireplace, send photographs and describe the property when requesting estimates.

4Gas Fire Chimney Sweep Cost

Typical guide price: £65 to £105 for a relevant flue-sweeping service

Gas appliances need appropriate maintenance, but a gas fire should not automatically be treated like a wood-burning stove. The appliance may require servicing by a suitably qualified gas engineer, and the precise work required depends on the appliance and flue design.

Ask whether the quote covers sweeping the flue, servicing the gas appliance or both. These are not necessarily the same service.

5AGA, Rayburn and Range Cooker Chimney Sweep Cost

Typical guide price: £70 to £130

Traditional range cookers and similar appliances can use flues that require periodic cleaning. Their cost depends on the appliance, fuel, chimney construction and access.

Tell the sweep the make or type of appliance and whether it burns solid fuel, oil or gas. This helps the contractor confirm that they can carry out the appropriate work.

Chimney Sweep Prices by UK Region

Where you live can influence the cost of a chimney sweep. Travel time, local demand, operating expenses and the availability of qualified tradespeople all affect pricing.

London and the South East can be more expensive than some other parts of the UK, but there is no reliable single price for every town or postcode.

LondonAllow for a potential premium over the national guide price
South East EnglandCompare local quotes, particularly in higher-cost areas
MidlandsUse national guide prices as a starting point
North of EnglandCheck local sweep price lists rather than assuming a discount
WalesCompare quotes from sweeps covering your specific area
ScotlandCheck local prices and the relevant fire-safety guidance
Northern IrelandRequest a local quote, as availability and pricing may differ

For a straightforward job, using £60 to £120 as an initial budgeting range is reasonable, but it should not replace a local quote. A complex chimney in a lower-cost region may cost more than a simple chimney in London.

Find sweeps in your area: England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost in London?

Checkatrade's 2026 guide gives an average London price of approximately £110, compared with £90 nationally. This suggests that a standard job may cost more in the capital, although individual quotes can fall above or below those averages.

When comparing London quotes, check whether travel, parking, certificates and additional inspections are included. A low advertised price may not represent the total cost if extra charges apply.

What Affects the Cost of a Chimney Sweep?

Two homeowners can have similar-looking fireplaces but receive different quotes. These are the main reasons.

The Last Sweep Date

A chimney swept regularly may take less time to clean than one left unattended for several years. Heavy deposits, obstructions and unfamiliar conditions can require additional work.

If you cannot remember the last sweep, say so. A contractor should explain the likely scope and obtain your agreement before charging for unexpected work.

Chimney Condition and Deposits

Routine soot removal is different from dealing with heavy tar, glazed creosote, a collapsed liner or a substantial obstruction. These problems may require specialist treatment or a separate repair.

Do not assume that a higher quote is unreasonable simply because another company offers a cheaper standard sweep. Ask what the more expensive quote includes and why the additional work is needed.

Chimney Height and Access

Some flues can be swept using access from inside the property. Others have awkward bends, difficult access points or conditions that make the work more involved.

If roof access, specialist equipment or other work is needed, ask whether this is included in the quoted price.

Number of Chimneys or Flues

A property with two working fireplaces may require two separate flues to be swept. Some contractors offer a reduced price when multiple flues are cleaned during the same visit.

Ask for the price per flue and the total for the property. Do not assume that one chimney sweep automatically covers every fireplace in the house.

Blockages and Bird's Nests

Birds can nest in chimney pots, and debris may obstruct the flue. Removing a substantial blockage can take longer than routine sweeping.

Ask whether blockage removal is included, what the extra charge would be and whether the contractor needs to inspect the chimney before confirming the price.

CCTV Inspections and Repairs

A CCTV inspection may be recommended if a sweep suspects damage, a hidden obstruction or a problem that cannot be confirmed through a normal visual inspection.

A camera survey is not automatically required for every sweep. Ask what concern it is intended to investigate, what the inspection includes and whether you will receive a report.

Gloved hand holding a screen showing a CCTV camera view up the inside of a chimney flue — A CCTV chimney inspection usually costs approximately £50 to £175 extra.

Repairs, chimney relining, rebuilding masonry and replacing damaged components are separate jobs and can cost substantially more than routine sweeping.

What Is Included in a Standard Chimney Sweep?

The exact service varies between contractors, so confirm the scope before booking. A typical professional visit may include:

Protecting the immediate work area with sheets or other coverings.
Sweeping the flue using suitable brushes and equipment.
Removing accessible soot and debris created during the work.
Checking for obvious obstructions or visible defects.
Carrying out a smoke or evacuation test where appropriate.
Providing a written record or sweep certificate.

Some sweeps include a certificate in their standard fee. Others may offer different inspection packages.

A routine sweep should not be confused with a full structural chimney survey, a CCTV inspection, a gas appliance service or a repair. If you need any of those services, ask whether the contractor can provide them and whether they are included in the quote.

How Often Should a Chimney Be Swept?

The appropriate frequency depends on the fuel used, the appliance, how often it operates and the advice for that particular installation.

As a general starting point, a professional sweep at least annually is widely recommended. More frequent sweeping may be necessary for some fuels or appliances, especially where a fire is used heavily.

The UK fire service and other safety organisations provide more specific guidance for different fuels. For example, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service advises that chimney-sweeping frequency should reflect the fuel being burned. DEFRA also recommends professional sweeping at least once a year as part of stove and open-fire maintenance.

Check the guidance for your appliance and fuel, and ask your sweep for a suitable schedule. Do not rely on the absence of visible smoke or an unpleasant smell as proof that a chimney is clean.

How Long Does a Chimney Sweep Take?

A straightforward domestic sweep may take around 45 minutes to an hour. A job can take longer if the chimney has not been cleaned for years, access is difficult, multiple flues need attention or a blockage is discovered.

Routine single-flue sweepAround 45 to 60 minutes
Chimney not swept for several yearsPotentially 1 to 2 hours or longer
Multiple fluesDepends on the number and condition
Blockage or bird's nest removalMay require additional time
CCTV inspection or further investigationDepends on the scope

These are planning estimates, not guaranteed appointment durations. Ask the contractor whether they need extra time for your specific chimney.

Is a Chimney Sweep Certificate Included in the Price?

Many professional sweeps provide a written certificate or record after the work, and some include it in their standard price. However, the exact document and its purpose vary.

If your home insurer, landlord, letting agent or property purchaser requires evidence of sweeping, ask in advance what documentation will be provided. Check that the document meets the relevant requirement rather than assuming every certificate is interchangeable.

You can look for a professional through recognised industry organisations, such as HETAS or the National Association of Chimney Sweeps. Confirm the individual's current membership or credentials directly with the relevant organisation.

How to Choose a Reliable Chimney Sweep

Price matters, but the cheapest quote is not necessarily the best value. A professional should be able to explain what the job involves, what is included and what would trigger an additional charge.

Before booking, ask:

What is the total price, and is VAT included where applicable?
Does the fee cover the appliance and the correct flue?
Is the written sweep certificate included?
Will a smoke test or other relevant checks be carried out?
Are there extra charges for difficult access, heavy deposits or blockages?
What qualifications, membership and insurance does the contractor hold?
What happens if the sweep finds a damaged liner or another problem?

If you receive two very different quotes, compare the scope of work rather than looking only at the headline price. A quote for routine sweeping cannot be compared directly with one that includes a camera survey, blockage removal or repair work.

Common Questions About Chimney Sweep Costs

Is £100 too much for a chimney sweep?

Not necessarily. £100 is within the range of many published UK guide prices. It may be reasonable for a standard job in a higher-cost area or for a more complicated chimney. Check the type of appliance, location, work included and whether any extras are being charged.

Why do chimney sweeps charge different prices?

Prices vary because of travel, local demand, business costs, access, chimney condition and the services included. One contractor may quote for sweeping alone, while another may include a smoke test, inspection and written documentation.

Can I get a cheaper chimney sweep in summer?

Spring and summer may offer more appointment availability because many households book close to autumn and winter. Some contractors may offer seasonal promotions, but a discount is not guaranteed. Contact local sweeps early and compare the full price.

Should I sweep a chimney before using a fireplace in a new house?

If you do not know when the chimney was last swept or inspected, arrange a professional assessment before using it. A chimney can contain soot, debris, bird nests or other obstructions even if the fireplace looks clean.

Is chimney sweeping required by law in the UK?

There is no single rule that makes the same sweeping schedule compulsory for every domestic chimney in every circumstance. However, fire-safety advice recommends regular professional maintenance, and tenancy, insurance, appliance and property-specific requirements may also apply. Check the requirements relevant to your situation.

Does a chimney sweep fix a damaged chimney liner?

Not necessarily. Sweeping and repair work are different services. If the sweep discovers or suspects liner damage, ask for the findings and a separate quote for any inspection or repair required.

What if smoke comes back into the room after sweeping?

Stop using the appliance until the problem has been investigated. Smoke spillage can have several causes, including a blockage, ventilation problem or flue defect. Contact a qualified professional rather than assuming another routine sweep will solve it.

Final Thoughts: Budgeting for a Chimney Sweep in 2026

For a straightforward UK domestic chimney, budget roughly £60 to £120 for a routine sweep, with around £80 to £90 a useful initial planning figure. A large inglenook, an awkward chimney or a job involving nests, heavy deposits or further investigation can cost considerably more.

The best way to avoid surprises is to explain your appliance type, when it was last swept, how many flues need attention and any problems you have noticed. Request a clear total price and confirm whether inspection, testing and written documentation are included.

Compare two or three local quotes where practical, but judge them by the work provided as well as the price. Regular professional maintenance can help identify problems early and reduce the risks associated with soot build-up and blocked flues.