Chimney sweeps · Tyne and Wear

Listings last refreshed 9 October 2026

Best Chimney Sweep in Houghton Le Spring [2026 Update]

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

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

1sweep ranked

609Google reviews analysed

1open Saturdays

£55–80typical standard sweep

Hiring a Local Chimney Sweep in Houghton Le Spring

Houghton Le Spring has one rated chimney sweep covering the DH4 postcode area, including Penshaw and Shiney Row. The Smoke Master Chimney Sweep serves this urban area and can handle open fires, wood burners, range cookers and Agas. Most sweeps offer weekend visits, so you can book your annual sweep without taking time off work.

Top Rated Chimney Sweeps in Houghton Le Spring Compared

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

#	Sweep	Best for	Score	Rating	Verified
#1	The Smoke Master Chimney Sweep	Homeowners who want a sweep with a long track record	9.2	609 reviews	—

1The Smoke Master Chimney SweepHomeowners who want a sweep with a long track record9.2

Houghton Le Spring Chimney Sweep Reviews and Ratings

1. The Smoke Master Chimney Sweep

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

9.2Sweep Score

Houghton Le Spring609 reviews

Score breakdown and details

Location: Houghton Le Spring · 59 Briar Lea, Shiney Row, Houghton le Spring DH4 4PX
Track record: Established, very high review volume
Rating: 609 Google reviews
Profile: Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today: See hours on profile

Recommendation10

Trust8

Confidence: high

Strengths

609 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 9.2/10 reflects the best combination of rating, review depth and profile completeness here.

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost in Houghton Le Spring?

Chimney sweep costs in Houghton Le Spring vary based on what you're sweeping and what condition your flue is in. A standard sweep of an open fire runs between £55 and £80, while wood burners and multi-fuel stoves typically cost £60 to £85. If you need a CCTV inspection to check for blockages or damage, expect £80 to £135. More involved work like chimney pot replacement or relining pushes higher: pots range from £135 to £365, and a flexible flue liner can cost £820 to £2,000. Most sweeps price jobs individually based on what they find.

Typical standard sweep£55 to £802026 guide price for Houghton Le Spring

Typical chimney sweep prices in Houghton Le Spring
Service	Guide price
Sweeping
Open fire chimney sweepStandard brick chimney, one flue	£55 to £80
Wood burner or multi fuel stove sweepIncludes flue liner and baffle clean	£60 to £85
Range cooker or Aga flue sweepExtra time to strip down and reassemble	£75 to £110
Second flue on the same visitDiscount for an extra flue at the same address	£25 to £45
Power (rotary) sweep for heavy tarFor glazed or tarred flues a brush cannot shift	£80 to £135
Inspection and safety
CCTV chimney inspectionCamera survey with recorded footage	£80 to £135
Smoke or draw testOften included with a sweep; checks the flue pulls	£35 to £65
Wood burner annual serviceRope seals, glass, firebricks and baffle checked	£80 to £135
Repairs and fittings
Bird nest removalOutside nesting season; depends on size and depth	£75 to £145
Bird guard or cowl fittedSupply and fit, access dependent	£65 to £135
Chimney pot replacementAccess equipment or scaffold extra	£135 to £365
Chimney stack repointingSize, condition and scaffolding dependent	£275 to £910
Flexible flue liner supply and fitHeight of chimney and liner grade dependent	£820 to £2000

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

The Smoke Master Chimney Sweep in Houghton Le Spring

The Smoke Master Chimney Sweep operates in Houghton Le Spring with a strong track record. The business has built up 609 customer reviews and maintains a score of 9.2, which reflects consistent satisfaction with their work. They're active on Saturdays, making it easier to book around your schedule.

To get a quote or arrange a visit, check their website for availability. When you contact them, mention your appliance type (open fire, wood burner, range cooker or Aga) so they can give you an accurate estimate.

What To Expect From A Sweep In DH4

A routine sweep typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. The sweep will clean your flue from top to bottom, catching soot and debris, and will lay protective sheeting around your fireplace. You'll get a certificate confirming the work has been done.

If you haven't used your chimney recently or suspect a blockage, a CCTV inspection lets the sweep see inside without guesswork. They can spot bird nests, creosote buildup, loose mortar or cracks before they become problems.

Book in late spring or summer to avoid the September to December rush
Tell the sweep if you burn wood, coal, oil or gas so they prepare the right equipment
Ask whether they supply a sweeping certificate and hold public liability insurance

Nearby Options If You're In Washington, Sunderland Or Gateshead

If you're just outside Houghton Le Spring, nearby towns have additional sweeps. Washington is 4 miles away with 2 sweeps on the books. Sunderland (6 miles) and Gateshead (6 miles) each have multiple options, and Seaham, Peterlee and Jarrow are all within 8 miles if you need alternatives.

Postcode districts don't always align neatly with town boundaries, so if you're in Penshaw, Shiney Row or the surrounding area, check with a sweep whether they cover your address before booking.

Best Time to Book Chimney Cleaning in Houghton Le Spring

Book your sweep between May and August to beat the autumn rush. Most sweeps are busiest from September onwards when people prepare for the heating season. A spring or summer appointment means you're swept and ready before winter arrives.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Sweeps in Houghton Le Spring

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 burn wood or coal, aim for at least once a year, ideally before the heating season starts. Oil-burning appliances need sweeping once yearly as well. Open fires used frequently may need sweeping twice a year. Gas appliances need less frequent sweeping but still benefit from an annual check.

What does a CCTV chimney inspection show?

A CCTV camera reveals blockages, bird nests, loose mortar, cracks, creosote buildup and other damage inside your flue that a standard sweep might miss. It's especially useful if your chimney is old or you've noticed poor draw or unusual smells. The sweep records the footage so you can see the problem yourself.

Can a chimney sweep remove a bird nest?

Yes, but only outside the bird nesting season. From March to August, many birds are breeding and nests are protected by law. If you find a nest during this period, wait until September or later to have it removed. Sweeps can fit a bird guard or cowl after removal to prevent future nesting.

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

A sweep cleans soot, debris and creosote from your flue. An inspection (often with CCTV) checks the condition of the chimney itself: the mortar, brickwork, flashing and internal structure. You need both for a complete picture of your chimney's health.

Do I need a certificate after my chimney is swept?

Yes. A sweeping certificate proves the work has been done and is useful for insurance and building regulations purposes. Most sweeps provide one automatically. Keep it with your home records.

What if my chimney is blocked?

The sweep will identify the blockage during cleaning or with CCTV. Common causes are bird nests, creosote buildup, fallen masonry or debris. Once located, it can usually be cleared during the same visit, though major structural issues may need specialist repair work.

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