Chimney sweeps · Essex

Listings last refreshed 9 October 2026

7 Best Chimney Sweeps in Chelmsford: Trusted & Reviewed

7 chimney sweeps in Chelmsford, ranked by Sweep Score using Google reviews and profile data.

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

7sweeps ranked
92Google reviews analysed
2open Saturdays
£65–95typical standard sweep

Hiring a Local Chimney Sweep in Chelmsford

Who are the best chimney sweeps in Chelmsford? There are 7 registered sweeps across the town, covering everything from the urban centre to villages like Writtle and Great Baddow. Five of them have customer reviews, 92 ratings in total, so you can see who's delivering safe, thorough sweeping and professional repairs. Most are based in the built-up area, though a couple serve the quieter rural parishes too.

Top Rated Chimney Sweeps in Chelmsford Compared

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

#SweepBest forScoreRatingVerified
#1Chelmer chimney servicesChecking services and hours online before you call5.725 reviews—
#2Steve Reed Chimney SweepingWeekend bookings, open Saturday and Sunday5.725 reviews—
#3Chelmsford Chimney SweepWeekend bookings, open Saturday and Sunday5.418 reviews—
#4Samuel James Chimney SweepA local sweep you can call direct4.021 reviews—
#5A Smart SweepA local sweep you can call direct2.23 reviews—
#6Active Bug Sweeping ServicesTrying a newer local sweep0.8——
#7Writtle Chimney SweepsTrying a newer local sweep0.8——
  1. 1Chelmer chimney servicesChecking services and hours online before you call5.7
  2. 2Steve Reed Chimney SweepingWeekend bookings, open Saturday and Sunday5.7
  3. 3Chelmsford Chimney SweepWeekend bookings, open Saturday and Sunday5.4
  4. 4Samuel James Chimney SweepA local sweep you can call direct4.0
  5. 5A Smart SweepA local sweep you can call direct2.2
  6. 6Active Bug Sweeping ServicesTrying a newer local sweep0.8
  7. 7Writtle Chimney SweepsTrying a newer local sweep0.8

Chelmsford Chimney Sweep Reviews and Ratings

1

1. Chelmer Chimney Services

Best for: Checking services and hours online before you call

5.7Sweep Score

Chelmsford25 reviews

Score breakdown and details
Location
Chelmsford · 99 Hillside Grove, Chelmsford CM2 9DD
Track record
Growing review base
Rating
25 Google reviews
Profile
Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today
See hours on profile
Recommendation5.2
Trust6.5

Confidence: medium

Strengths

  • 25 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 5.7/10 reflects the best combination of rating, review depth and profile completeness here.

2

2. Steve Reed Chimney Sweeping

Best for: Weekend bookings, open Saturday and Sunday

5.7Sweep Score

Chelmsford25 reviews

Score breakdown and details
Location
Chelmsford · 33 Saddle Rise, Springfield, Chelmsford CM1 6SX
Track record
Growing review base
Rating
25 Google reviews
Profile
Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today
See hours on profile
Recommendation5.2
Trust6.5

Confidence: medium

Strengths

  • 25 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: A strong shortlist option with a Sweep Score of 5.7/10. Compare availability and price against the sweeps above.

3

3. Chelmsford Chimney Sweep

Best for: Weekend bookings, open Saturday and Sunday

5.4Sweep Score

Chelmsford18 reviews

Score breakdown and details
Location
Chelmsford · 16 St Andrews Rd, Boreham, Chelmsford CM3 3BY
Track record
Growing review base
Rating
18 Google reviews
Profile
Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today
See hours on profile
Recommendation4.7
Trust6.4

Confidence: medium

Strengths

  • Direct phone number published, no lead form in the way
  • Has its own website with more detail on services
  • Opening hours published
  • Open on Saturdays

Watch Out For

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

Our take: A strong shortlist option with a Sweep Score of 5.4/10. Compare availability and price against the sweeps above.

4

4. Samuel James Chimney Sweep

Best for: A local sweep you can call direct

4.0Sweep Score

Chelmsford21 reviews

Score breakdown and details
Location
Chelmsford · 26 Westbourne Grove, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 9RT
Track record
Growing review base
Rating
21 Google reviews
Profile
Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today
Hours not published
Recommendation5
Trust2.4

Confidence: medium

Strengths

  • 21 Google reviews, a well established track record
  • Has its own website with more detail on services

Watch Out For

Opening hours are not published. Call to check availability before you plan around a date.

Our take: Ranked 4 of 7 with a Sweep Score of 4/10. Worth a call when you are gathering quotes.

5

5. A Smart Sweep

Best for: A local sweep you can call direct

2.2Sweep Score

Chelmsford3 reviews

Score breakdown and details
Location
Chelmsford · 43 Second Ave, Chelmsford CM1 4ET
Track record
New or lightly reviewed
Rating
3 Google reviews
Profile
Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today
Hours not published
Recommendation2.2
Trust2.1

Confidence: low

Strengths

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

Watch Out For

Only 3 reviews so far, so the rating could still move. Worth asking about experience.

Our take: Scores 2.2/10, but with few reviews the confidence is low. A reasonable call if the sweeps above are booked up.

6

6. Active Bug Sweeping Services

Best for: Trying a newer local sweep

0.8Sweep Score

ChelmsfordNo reviews yet

Score breakdown and details
Location
Chelmsford · 387 Meadgate Ave, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 7NN
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: Scores 0.8/10, but with few reviews the confidence is low. A reasonable call if the sweeps above are booked up.

7

7. Writtle Chimney Sweeps

Best for: Trying a newer local sweep

0.8Sweep Score

ChelmsfordNo reviews yet

Score breakdown and details
Location
Chelmsford · 11 Purcell Cole, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3NB
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: Scores 0.8/10, but with few reviews the confidence is low. A reasonable call if the sweeps above are booked up.

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost in Chelmsford?

Sweeping costs depend on what you're burning. An open fire typically runs £65 to £95, while a wood burner or multi-fuel stove is usually £70 to £100. A CCTV inspection to check for blockages or damage costs £95 to £160. Repairs and fittings vary more: fitting a bird guard or cowl is £75 to £160, but a flexible flue liner can reach £955 to £2,330. Ask your chosen sweep for a specific quote once they know your appliance and chimney type.

Typical standard sweep£65 to £952026 guide price for Chelmsford
Chimney sweep Chelmsford prices
Typical chimney sweep prices in Chelmsford
ServiceGuide price
Sweeping
Open fire chimney sweepStandard brick chimney, one flue£65 to £95
Wood burner or multi fuel stove sweepIncludes flue liner and baffle clean£70 to £100
Range cooker or Aga flue sweepExtra time to strip down and reassemble£85 to £125
Second flue on the same visitDiscount for an extra flue at the same address£30 to £55
Power (rotary) sweep for heavy tarFor glazed or tarred flues a brush cannot shift£95 to £160
Inspection and safety
CCTV chimney inspectionCamera survey with recorded footage£95 to £160
Smoke or draw testOften included with a sweep; checks the flue pulls£40 to £75
Wood burner annual serviceRope seals, glass, firebricks and baffle checked£95 to £160
Repairs and fittings
Bird nest removalOutside nesting season; depends on size and depth£85 to £170
Bird guard or cowl fittedSupply and fit, access dependent£75 to £160
Chimney pot replacementAccess equipment or scaffold extra£160 to £425
Chimney stack repointingSize, condition and scaffolding dependent£320 to £1060
Flexible flue liner supply and fitHeight of chimney and liner grade dependent£955 to £2330

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

Sweeps With Strong Reviews Across Chelmsford

Chelmer Chimney Services and Steve Reed Chimney Sweeping both sit at the top with 25 reviews each and a score of 5.7. Chelmsford Chimney Sweep has 18 reviews and a score of 5.4. Between them, these three sweeps have earned most of the feedback on this directory. Samuel James Chimney Sweep also has a web presence and 21 reviews to consider.

Two of these top-rated sweeps open on Saturdays, which helps if weekday appointments don't suit. Having a track record of reviews doesn't guarantee they'll suit your needs, but it does show they've been consistently booked and have answered customer feedback. It's always worth checking their websites for details on booking and any specific services you need.

  • Chelmer and Steve Reed are the most reviewed locally
  • Four of the seven sweeps have their own websites
  • Two offer Saturday appointments for working households
  • Most are based in the urban centre; two cover rural areas

Coverage Across Chelmsford Parishes and Neighbourhoods

The sweeps on our list serve Chelmsford town itself, plus surrounding parishes like Great Baddow, Springfield, Boreham and Writtle. That covers neighbourhoods from Goat Hall and Springfield North in the north to Great Baddow West and East in the south. Five of the seven sweeps are based in the main urban areas, so appointments tend to be quickest if you're in or near the town centre.

If you live in one of the more rural stretches, say Writtle village or the edges of Boreham, two of the sweeps specifically serve those areas. Always check the postcode (CM1, CM2 or CM3) when you call, as some sweeps may not travel to every corner.

Beyond Sweeping: Inspections, Repairs and Bird Issues

A chimney sweep's job isn't just brushing soot. Most sweeps here can run a CCTV inspection (£95 to £160) to spot cracks, blockages or debris you can't see. If a bird's nested in your flue during the season, removal runs £85 to £170, and fitting a guard or cowl afterwards costs £75 to £160 to prevent it happening again.

For older chimneys or those with tar buildup, a power sweep (£95 to £160) shifts heavy deposits. Bigger jobs, repointing a chimney stack or fitting a flexible liner, need a proper survey first. Your sweep can advise on what your chimney needs after a visual check.

  • CCTV inspections reveal hidden cracks or blockages
  • Power sweeping tackles heavy tar from oil or old fuels
  • Bird guards prevent nesting; removal is separate if it's already happened
  • Flexible liners and repointing are specialist repairs, quoted after survey

Best Time to Book Chimney Cleaning in Chelmsford

Book a sweep in May, June, July or August to beat the September rush. Most households start their heating in autumn, so sweeps fill up quickly from September onwards. Sweeping before the season begins means you're safe from blockages and carbon monoxide risk when you light the fire.

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 Chelmsford

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

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How often should I have my chimney swept?

If you use an open fire, sweep it at least once a year. A wood burner or multi-fuel stove should be swept 1 to 3 times yearly depending on how often you burn and what fuel. Ask your sweep to advise based on how much soot builds up in your flue.

What's the difference between a CCTV inspection and a sweep?

A sweep removes soot and deposits by brushing the flue. A CCTV inspection films inside the chimney to spot cracks, blockages, nests or structural damage that a brush alone can't diagnose. Many sweeps offer both, and an inspection often reveals whether you need repairs.

Can a sweep remove a bird's nest from my chimney?

Yes, most sweeps can remove nests, but only outside the nesting season (roughly March to August). If birds are inside during spring or summer, you'll need to wait until they've left before removal. A guard fitted afterwards stops it recurring.

Do I need a sweeping certificate?

Most insurers and many rental agreements require proof of sweeping. Your sweep should give you a certificate after the job. Keep it for your records and to show your landlord or insurance company if asked.

What should I look for when choosing a chimney sweep in Chelmsford?

Check their reviews and website if they have one. Ask whether they're insured and what trade bodies they belong to (such as HETAS or the Guild of Master Sweeps). Get a quote for your specific appliance type, open fire, wood burner or Aga, before booking.

Why is my chimney drawing smoke into the room?

Poor draw can mean soot buildup, a blockage, a cracked flue, or a missing or damaged chimney pot. A sweep can remove soot and run a smoke test (£40 to £75) to check airflow. If that doesn't fix it, they'll advise whether you need a repair like a new pot or liner.

Find a Chimney Sweep Near Chelmsford

Where the sweeps listed above are based.

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