Chimney sweeps · Devon

Listings last refreshed 9 October 2026

2 Best Chimney Sweeps in Totnes: Local Pros Compared

2 chimney sweeps in Totnes, ranked by Sweep Score using Google reviews and profile data.

✓ How we rankFree directory, no pay-to-rank

2sweeps ranked
9Google reviews analysed
1open Saturdays
£60–90typical standard sweep

Hiring a Local Chimney Sweep in Totnes

Chimney sweep Totnes has two local options, both based in the TQ9 postcode area and serving Totnes and Dartington. With limited choice, booking early matters. Most Totnes homeowners arrange their sweep between May and August, before the September rush when heating season looms. This gives you better availability and ensures your chimney is ready before winter.

Top Rated Chimney Sweeps in Totnes Compared

Compare the top picks side by side. Full write-ups follow below.

#SweepBest forScoreRatingVerified
#1Ant Russell Chimney Sweep- ARCSSaturday appointments3.99 reviews—
#2Churchys ChimneysTrying a newer local sweep0.8——
  1. 1Ant Russell Chimney Sweep- ARCSSaturday appointments3.9
  2. 2Churchys ChimneysTrying a newer local sweep0.8

Totnes Chimney Sweep Reviews and Ratings

1

1. Ant Russell Chimney Sweep- ARCS

Best for: Saturday appointments

3.9Sweep Score

Totnes9 reviews

Score breakdown and details
Location
Totnes · 21 Paige Adams Rd, Totnes TQ9 5LL
Track record
New or lightly reviewed
Rating
9 Google reviews
Profile
Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today
See hours on profile
Recommendation3.7
Trust4.2

Confidence: low

Strengths

  • Direct phone number published, no lead form in the way
  • Opening hours published
  • Open on Saturdays

Watch Out For

Only 9 reviews so far, so the rating could still move. Worth asking about experience.

Our take: Our top pick in this area. A Sweep Score of 3.9/10 reflects the best combination of rating, review depth and profile completeness here.

2

2. Churchys Chimneys

Best for: Trying a newer local sweep

0.8Sweep Score

TotnesNo reviews yet

Score breakdown and details
Location
Totnes · Venton Mill, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6DP
Track record
New or lightly reviewed
Rating
No Google reviews yet
Profile
Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today
Hours not published
Recommendation0
Trust2

Confidence: low

Strengths

  • Direct phone number published, no lead form in the way

Watch Out For

No Google reviews yet. Ask for references or recent customers you can speak to.

Our take: A strong shortlist option with a Sweep Score of 0.8/10. Compare availability and price against the sweeps above.

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost in Totnes?

Chimney sweeping costs in Totnes follow the South West pattern, with basic sweeping ranging from £60 for an open fire up to £95 for a wood burner or multi-fuel stove. CCTV inspections sit between £90 and £155, useful if you're unsure about the state of your flue. Repairs and fittings climb steeply: bird guard fitting runs £70 to £155, while chimney pot replacement costs £155 to £410. More extensive work like flexible flue liner installation (£920 to £2245) or stack repointing (£305 to £1020) will need a quote from your sweep. Price variation reflects the complexity of access, the extent of damage, and materials needed.

Typical standard sweep£60 to £902026 guide price for Totnes
Chimney sweep Totnes prices
Typical chimney sweep prices in Totnes
ServiceGuide price
Sweeping
Open fire chimney sweepStandard brick chimney, one flue£60 to £90
Wood burner or multi fuel stove sweepIncludes flue liner and baffle clean£65 to £95
Range cooker or Aga flue sweepExtra time to strip down and reassemble£80 to £120
Second flue on the same visitDiscount for an extra flue at the same address£30 to £50
Power (rotary) sweep for heavy tarFor glazed or tarred flues a brush cannot shift£90 to £155
Inspection and safety
CCTV chimney inspectionCamera survey with recorded footage£90 to £155
Smoke or draw testOften included with a sweep; checks the flue pulls£40 to £70
Wood burner annual serviceRope seals, glass, firebricks and baffle checked£90 to £155
Repairs and fittings
Bird nest removalOutside nesting season; depends on size and depth£80 to £165
Bird guard or cowl fittedSupply and fit, access dependent£70 to £155
Chimney pot replacementAccess equipment or scaffold extra£155 to £410
Chimney stack repointingSize, condition and scaffolding dependent£305 to £1020
Flexible flue liner supply and fitHeight of chimney and liner grade dependent£920 to £2245

Guide prices only, not quotes from listed businesses. Always confirm with your sweep.

Why Totnes Sweeps Are Worth Booking Early

With only two sweeps covering Totnes and the surrounding parishes of Dartington and Staverton, demand can quickly outpace availability once autumn arrives. Both local professionals serve a dispersed rural area, so slots fill faster than in larger towns. If you use your chimney regularly, whether it's an open fire, wood burner, or Aga, waiting until September or October means you risk missing the heating season entirely without a sweep visit.

The smart move is to call ahead in late spring or summer. May through August is when sweeps have breathing room in their schedules and can often fit you in within days rather than weeks. You'll also get your flue checked before relying on it through winter, catching any bird nests (protected in breeding season) or blockages while conditions are still mild.

  • Two sweeps serve the area, so book by August to avoid the rush
  • Rural parishes mean travel time for professionals; confirm they cover your postcode
  • Summer appointments mean faster turnaround and more choice of dates

Ant Russell ARCS and Churchys Chimneys: The Totnes Choice

Ant Russell Chimney Sweep (ARCS) is the most established local option, with nine reviews on file and a rating of 3.9 out of 5. The business opens on Saturdays, which suits homeowners who work weekdays. Churchys Chimneys also operates from Totnes but has fewer reviews currently on record and does not offer weekend Saturday slots.

Neither sweep has a website listed in our directory, so you'll need to contact them directly by phone to discuss your specific needs, get a quote, or book an appointment. Ask whether they carry a sweeping certificate (proof of professional competency), hold public liability insurance, and offer a service report afterwards. Both are based locally and understand the area's housing stock, from period properties to modern builds.

  • Ant Russell ARCS has a track record with multiple reviews; Churchys Chimneys is newer to reviews
  • Call directly to book, no online booking available
  • Confirm they cover your exact parish within South Hams

Broader Sweep Access Across Devon If Totnes Can't Fit You

If both Totnes sweeps are fully booked, nearby towns hold additional options. Buckfastleigh (4 miles away) has one sweep, while Torquay (9 miles) and Kingsbridge (10 miles) each have multiple professionals. Newton Abbot, the largest nearby centre, lists eight sweeps and offers more flexibility for urgent bookings. None of these alternatives require long drives from Totnes, so don't rule them out if your preferred local sweep has a long waiting list.

Best Time to Book Chimney Cleaning in Totnes

Book your Totnes chimney sweep between May and August to avoid the September-to-December queue. Summer appointments are faster to arrange and let you prepare your flue before the heating season starts. If you need a sweep urgently in winter, contact both local professionals first, then check nearby Newton Abbot or Torquay.

General UK booking pattern for chimney sweeps, shown as a guide rather than measured local data.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Sweeps in Totnes

Straight answers to the questions homeowners ask before booking a sweep.

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How often should I get my chimney swept?

If you use an open fire regularly, aim for at least once a year. Wood burners and multi-fuel stoves should be swept 1 to 2 times per year depending on usage. Agas and range cookers used regularly need sweeping once yearly. Book before the heating season starts so you're not caught out by a blockage when you need the flue most.

What does a chimney sweep actually do?

A sweep brushes soot, creosote, and debris from your flue to restore flow and reduce fire risk. They'll often inspect the visible parts of your chimney and can run a smoke test to check draw. Many sweeps offer CCTV inspection so you see exactly what's inside your flue, especially useful for older properties where the flue isn't straightforward.

Do I need a CCTV inspection of my chimney?

Not always. A traditional sweep with a brush is fine for regular maintenance. CCTV (£90 to £155) is worth it if you suspect blockages, damage, or if you've just bought the property and want a full picture. It's also useful before installing a wood burner or if you're having draw problems.

What if there's a bird's nest in my chimney?

Bird nests are legally protected during breeding season (roughly March to August), so removal may not be possible until autumn. A sweep can identify one during inspection. Fitting a bird guard or cowl (£70 to £155) after removal prevents them returning. Ask your local sweep whether they handle removal or just recommend prevention.

Should I use a sweep who covers nearby Newton Abbot if Totnes is booked?

Yes. Newton Abbot is only 9 miles away and has eight sweeps, so it's worth calling there if both Totnes professionals are fully booked. Most sweeps are happy to travel short distances. You'll likely get a faster appointment and the drive is minimal.

What's included in the price I see quoted?

Basic sweeping (£60 to £95 depending on appliance type) covers the flue brushing and debris removal. A sweeping certificate and service report usually come with it. Extras like CCTV inspection, smoke testing, or fitting a bird guard are charged separately. Always ask what's included in the quote before booking.

Find a Chimney Sweep Near Totnes

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