Chimney sweeps · Gloucestershire

Listings last refreshed 9 October 2026

Best Chimney Sweep in Ruardean, Ranked by Real Reviews

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

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

1sweep ranked

426Google reviews analysed

0open Saturdays

£60–90typical standard sweep

Hiring a Local Chimney Sweep in Ruardean

Howats Chimney Sweeps Ltd is the only rated chimney sweep in Ruardean, with a Sweep Score of 9 out of 10 based on 426 customer reviews. In this rural corner of Forest of Dean, a reliable chimney sweep matters. wood burner, or range cooker, regular sweeping keeps your chimney safe and efficient through the colder months. We've ranked local sweeps by genuine customer feedback to help you choose someone trustworthy.

Top Rated Chimney Sweeps in Ruardean Compared

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

#	Sweep	Best for	Score	Rating	Verified
#1	Howats Chimney Sweeps Ltd	Homeowners who want a sweep with a long track record	9.0	426 reviews	—

1Howats Chimney Sweeps LtdHomeowners who want a sweep with a long track record9.0

Ruardean Chimney Sweep Reviews and Ratings

1. Howats Chimney Sweeps Ltd

Best for: Homeowners who want a sweep with a long track record

9.0Sweep Score

Ruardean426 reviews

Score breakdown and details

Location: Ruardean · Pludds Ct Rd, The Pludds, Ruardean GL17 9TY
Track record: Established, very high review volume
Rating: 426 Google reviews
Profile: Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today: See hours on profile

Recommendation9.7

Trust8

Confidence: high

Strengths

426 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 9/10 reflects the best combination of rating, review depth and profile completeness here.

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost in Ruardean?

Chimney sweep prices in Ruardean vary depending on what you're heating with and what work you need done. A standard sweep of an open fire costs between £60 and £90, while a wood burner or stove comes in at £65 to £95. CCTV inspections, which give you a clear picture of your flue's condition, range from £90 to £155. Larger jobs like chimney pot replacement (£155 to £410) or repointing the stack (£305 to £1,020) cost more, but they're often essential repairs rather than routine maintenance. Ask your local sweep for a detailed quote based on your specific chimney and heating system.

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

Typical chimney sweep prices in Ruardean
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.

Why Ruardean Homeowners Need Regular Sweeping

Rural properties in Forest of Dean often rely on solid fuel heating more than suburban homes do. Wood burners, multi-fuel stoves and open fireplaces all produce deposits that build up inside the flue over time. Soot, tar and creosote can restrict the draw of your fire and pose a genuine fire risk if left unchecked. A professional sweep clears these deposits and can spot problems like cracks, loose joints or bird nests that might otherwise go unnoticed until they cause real trouble.

Open fires need sweeping at least once yearly before the heating season
Wood burners and stoves used regularly may need two or three sweeps per year
CCTV inspections can reveal damage that a standard sweep might miss

Services Available Beyond Basic Sweeping

Most local sweeps offer more than just removing soot. Bird nests are common in rural areas, and removal typically costs £80 to £165 depending on how established they are. If you're fitting a guard or cowl to prevent this happening again, expect to pay £70 to £155 for the part and fitting. Power sweeping for heavy tar deposits (£90 to £155) uses specialist rotary equipment to tackle buildup that standard brushes cannot shift alone.

Smoke and draw tests (£40 to £70) check whether your chimney is working properly
Flexible flue liners (£920 to £2,245 fitted) can be installed if your existing flue is damaged
Second flues on the same visit cost £30 to £50, making it cheaper to do multiple chimneys together

Planning Your Sweep in GL17

Ruardean sits in the GL17 postcode district and is served by one highly-reviewed local sweep. The nearest alternative sweeps are a short drive away in Monmouth (6 miles, with 2 sweeps available), Gloucester (13 miles, 6 sweeps) or Dursley (13 miles, 2 sweeps). Booking local means faster response times and someone familiar with the older properties and solid fuel heating common to Forest of Dean. Check whether your chosen sweep is available on the day you need them, as not all operate on Saturdays.

Best Time to Book Chimney Cleaning in Ruardean

Late spring or early summer (May to August) is the best time to book a sweep in Ruardean. Booking ahead during this quieter period beats the autumn rush, and getting your chimney cleaned before September ensures you're ready when the heating season starts.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Sweeps in Ruardean

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 once yearly before winter. Wood burners and multi-fuel stoves used regularly may need two or three sweeps per year, depending on the fuel and how much you use them. Your sweep can advise based on what you burn and how often.

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

A sweep clears soot and deposits from your flue using traditional brushes or power equipment. A CCTV inspection (£90 to £155) threads a camera up the chimney so you can see the flue's actual condition, cracks, loose joints, or blockages that brushing alone won't reveal.

How much does a chimney sweep cost in Ruardean?

A standard open fire sweep costs £60 to £90. Wood burners and stoves are £65 to £95. Prices vary based on the appliance, how dirty the flue is, and whether additional work like bird nest removal or repairs is needed. Get a quote from your local sweep for an exact price.

Can I sweep my own chimney?

It's not recommended. Professional sweeps have specialist equipment, insurance, and the experience to spot problems you'd miss. They also provide a sweeping certificate, which your insurance may require as proof of maintenance.

What should I do if I find a bird nest in my chimney?

Contact a professional sweep. Bird nests are protected during breeding season, so removal must be done carefully and legally. Sweeps are trained to handle this safely and can fit a guard or cowl afterwards to prevent it happening again.

Why is my fire smoking into the room?

Poor draw can be caused by soot and tar buildup, a blocked flue, an unsuitable chimney pot, or drafts from outside. A smoke test (£40 to £70) helps identify the cause. A professional sweep can diagnose the issue and recommend whether cleaning, a power sweep, or repairs will fix it.

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