Poor chimney draw
Investigate visible restrictions, debris or irregularities where smoke is not drawing as expected.
A chimney can look clear from the fireplace while damage, debris, restrictions or installation concerns remain out of sight. Sweeping first removes deposits that may obscure the surface, giving the camera a cleaner and more useful view.
Many flue concerns cannot be assessed properly from the fireplace opening. CCTV equipment allows accessible internal sections to be viewed more closely for visible damage, deposits, debris and other irregularities.
The recommended appointment combines sweeping and CCTV. Removing soot and loose deposits first gives the camera a clearer opportunity to view the accessible flue surfaces and makes the resulting inspection more useful.
Standalone CCTV remains available for £100 where the chimney has recently been swept, is already known to be sufficiently clean, or a focused post-repair or return inspection has been arranged.
The right next step depends on the property, chimney construction, symptoms and whether the flue is clean enough to inspect.
Investigate visible restrictions, debris or irregularities where smoke is not drawing as expected.
Support a broader investigation where smoke escapes from the appliance or fireplace.
Look for visible cracks, displaced components, deterioration or other accessible internal concerns.
Help locate bird-nest material, fallen masonry or other restrictions within accessible sections.
Provide an internal visual check as part of determining whether further specialist assessment is needed.
Gain additional information when buying a property, reopening a chimney or assessing an unfamiliar system.
The camera can only show surfaces and features within its accessible field of view, but it can reveal information that would otherwise remain hidden.
Areas of heavy contamination, lodged debris or narrowed passages.
Accessible joints, damage, deformation or irregularities where the camera can reach and see.
Fallen material, open joints or deterioration visible within an unlined chimney.
Useful information about accessible changes in direction, junctions or unexpected features.
Access, construction and cleanliness affect what can be inspected. You will be told when the view is limited.
We review the property, appliance or fireplace and what has prompted the inspection.
The flue condition is considered and any need for separate sweeping is explained.
Accessible internal sections are viewed carefully using suitable CCTV equipment.
Visible concerns, limitations and practical next steps are discussed in plain English.
Soot, tar and loose deposits can hide the surface that needs inspecting. CCTV and sweeping are therefore separate services, allowing the correct combination to be recommended for the job.
Where CCTV and sweeping are both appropriate, the services are added together and the total is confirmed before booking. More complex access or specialist work may require a separate quotation.
Discuss the correct appointmentInternal camera inspection is valuable evidence, but it should not be presented as a guarantee of every part of the chimney construction.
A closer visual view of accessible internal flue surfaces at the time of inspection, with visible observations and practical recommendations explained.
CCTV cannot see behind a liner, through solid deposits, inside inaccessible voids or beyond physical restrictions. It is not a destructive structural survey or guarantee against every concealed defect.
“Literally a red carpet experience… absolute peace of mind that everything is spot on, camera inspection for final check, paperwork and a promise of a nudge next year.”Peter Clark · Google review
Specialist investigation from a trusted local business.Sweep Safe verified, fully insured and backed by more than 20 years’ stove and chimney industry experience.
Yes. Standalone CCTV is £100 where the flue has recently been swept, is sufficiently clean, or a focused post-repair or return inspection is appropriate.
Deposits can obscure the camera view. Sweeping first removes loose soot and debris, providing a clearer opportunity to inspect the accessible flue surfaces.
No. Bends, restrictions, deposits, access and chimney construction can limit camera reach and visibility. Any limitations observed will be explained.
It may reveal relevant visible problems, but poor draw and smoke issues can have several causes. CCTV should be considered alongside the appliance, ventilation, chimney height, weather and other factors.
It can provide useful internal visual information, but serious damage or structural concerns may require further assessment by another appropriately qualified specialist.
No. This is an internal CCTV inspection and explanation of visible findings, not installation certification or building-control approval.
Send photographs of the appliance or fireplace, your postcode and a short explanation of the concern. We’ll confirm the £169 lined, £199 unlined/open-fire or £100 CCTV-only option before booking.