Chimney sweeps · Devon

Listings last refreshed 9 October 2026

Best Chimney Sweep in Umberleigh: Top Rated & Trusted

1 chimney sweep in Umberleigh, ranked by Sweep Score using Google reviews and profile data.

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

1sweep ranked

115Google reviews analysed

0open Saturdays

£60–90typical standard sweep

Hiring a Local Chimney Sweep in Umberleigh

A chimney sweep in Umberleigh typically costs £60 to £90 for an open fire, or £65 to £95 for a wood burner. The single rated sweep serving this rural North Devon area has earned strong local trust, backed by over 115 customer reviews. Regular sweeping before the heating season keeps your flue safe and efficient, oil or use an Aga.

Top Rated Chimney Sweeps in Umberleigh Compared

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

#	Sweep	Best for	Score	Rating	Verified
#1	David Balchin Chimney Sweep	An established local sweep with plenty of reviews	7.8	115 reviews	—

1David Balchin Chimney SweepAn established local sweep with plenty of reviews7.8

Umberleigh Chimney Sweep Reviews and Ratings

1. David Balchin Chimney Sweep

Best for: An established local sweep with plenty of reviews

7.8Sweep Score

Umberleigh115 reviews

Score breakdown and details

Location: Umberleigh · Walnut Lodge, Umberleigh EX37 9DB
Track record: Established, healthy review volume
Rating: 115 Google reviews
Profile: Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today: See hours on profile

Recommendation7.6

Trust8

Confidence: high

Strengths

115 Google reviews, a well established track record
Direct phone number published, no lead form in the way
Has its own website with more detail on services
Opening hours published

Watch Out For

The Google profile is not owner verified. Double check the address and phone when you call.

Our take: Our top pick in this area. A Sweep Score of 7.8/10 reflects the best combination of rating, review depth and profile completeness here.

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost in Umberleigh?

Chimney sweep costs in Umberleigh vary by what you're heating with and what work needs doing. A straightforward sweep of an open fire typically runs £60 to £90, while wood burners and multi-fuel stoves range from £65 to £95. If you need a CCTV inspection to check for damage or blockages, expect £90 to £155. Larger jobs like chimney stack repointing (£305 to £1020) or fitting a flexible flue liner (£920 to £2245) cost more but address serious structural issues. Most sweeps quote based on the type of appliance, flue condition, and how long it's been since your last sweep.

Typical standard sweep£60 to £902026 guide price for Umberleigh

Typical chimney sweep prices in Umberleigh
Service	Guide 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.

Serving Chittlehampton And The North Devon Postcode

Umberleigh sits in rural North Devon, within the Chittlehampton parish and EX37 postcode. The single sweep based here operates across this quieter, more dispersed area where homes are spread out rather than clustered. If you're in or around Umberleigh and need a sweep, you're working with someone familiar with the local building stock and the heating patterns typical of country properties in the region.

Nearby larger towns like Torrington (7 miles away) have more sweeps available if you need alternatives, though many households in the immediate Umberleigh area find a local sweep convenient. Ask whether your preferred sweep can attend on your preferred day, as rural sweeps often work by appointment rather than offering Saturday calls.

What Gets Swept And Inspected

The sweep will clean your flue and chimney breast, removing soot and debris that builds up from burning. If you use an open fire, expect a basic sweep; wood burners and multi-fuel stoves need the same attention but may require slightly different techniques. A CCTV inspection lets you see inside the flue on a screen, spotting cracks, damage, bird nests or blockages that a standard sweep cannot always detect.

Open fires and stoves need sweeping at least once yearly before the heating season
Range cookers and Agas should be swept annually too
Bird nests and guards may need removal or fitting, especially in spring and summer
Power sweeps tackle heavy tar buildup when a standard sweep isn't enough

Repairs And Longer-Term Work

Beyond sweeping, chimneys sometimes need repairs. Cracked pots, broken mortar joints, or damaged liners are common in older properties. Chimney pot replacement runs £155 to £410 depending on the pot type and height. If mortar between bricks has failed, repointing work costs £305 to £1020 and prevents water entering the stack.

Flexible flue liners are fitted when an old flue is too narrow, damaged or unsuitable for modern stoves. This is a bigger job, typically £920 to £2245 including materials and labour. Ask your sweep whether they carry out repairs or recommend a specialist for structural work.

Best Time to Book Chimney Cleaning in Umberleigh

Book your Umberleigh sweep between May and August to avoid the September to December rush when heating season begins. Booking early also lets you plan repairs if the sweep finds problems, ensuring your flue is safe and efficient before winter.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Sweeps in Umberleigh

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

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How often should I have my chimney swept?

Open fires need sweeping at least once a year, ideally before winter. Wood burners and multi-fuel stoves should be swept annually too. If you use your heating heavily or burn wet wood, more frequent sweeps may be needed. Your sweep can advise based on what you see in the flue.

What does a CCTV chimney inspection show?

A CCTV inspection lets the sweep see inside your flue on a screen, revealing cracks, blockages, bird nests, loose mortar or other damage that a standard sweep might miss. It costs £90 to £155 and is useful if you've had problems or are buying a property.

Do I need a sweeping certificate?

If you rent your home or have a mortgage, your landlord or lender may require proof of sweeping. A professional sweep will provide a certificate after the job, which also supports your buildings insurance claim if anything goes wrong.

What should I do if a bird has nested in my chimney?

Birds and their nests are legally protected during breeding season (roughly March to August). Never block the flue yourself. A professional sweep can remove nests safely outside the breeding season or fit a bird guard to prevent future nesting.

Can I sweep my own chimney?

Sweeping yourself is difficult, messy and risky. You can easily miss blockages or damage, and falls from roofs cause serious injuries. A professional sweep has the right equipment, insurance and experience to do the job safely and spot problems early.

What causes a chimney to be blocked?

Soot and tar buildup is the most common cause, especially if wood is wet or fires are run cool. Bird nests, debris blown in, and loose bricks or mortar also block flues. A CCTV inspection can pinpoint the cause so the right fix is used.

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