Blog>Cost Guides>Chimney sweep: Cost breakdown 2025
Last updated: 4 July 2025
Chimney sweep: Cost breakdown 2025
A regular chimney sweep keeps your fire burning bright and guards against hazardous chimney fires. But what are the costs involved? Our expert guide has all the answers.
The price for a chimney sweep can vary depending on the type of chimney, the chimney’s condition, the chimney’s access and size, and your location. Unlined chimneys, for instance, can cost more money than lined chimneys.
Fast Facts
Keeping your chimney clean is essential in preventing house fires and removing blockages that could impact the running of a fireplace
Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned at least once per year
The average chimney sweeping cost is £90, though sweeps may charge more if your chimney has abnormal blockages or hasn’t been cleaned for over two years
However, the total cost will also depend on the fuel used, as wood, coal and peat chimneys need different levels of servicing and maintenance. If you need your chimney to be removed, this can also increase the price.
Keep reading to learn more about how much it costs to sweep a chimney in the UK, as well as average chimney sweep prices and estimates
How much does a chimney sweep cost in 2025?
In the UK, the average cost for a chimney sweep is typically £90. To help you plan your budget, below are some estimated average chimney sweep costs in the UK:
| Chimney sweeping job | Cost +VAT - Range Low | Cost +VAT - Range High | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chimney sweeping service | £70 | £250 | £90 |
| Chimney sweeping service in London | £85 | £265 | £105 |
| Chimney sweep – one chimney, last cleaned over 2 years ago | £80 | £260 | £100 |
| Chimney sweep – two chimneys, last cleaned over 2 years ago | £130 | £310 | £150 |
| Open fire chimney sweep | £70 | £110 | £90 |
| Inglenook chimney sweep | £150 | £250 | £200 |
| Lined stove chimney sweep | £70 | £100 | £90 |
| Unlined stove chimney sweep | £85 | £125 | £105 |
| Gas fireplace chimney sweep | £65 | £105 | £85 |
| Wood burner chimney sweep | £70 | £110 | £90 |
| Pellet stove chimney sweep | £70 | £110 | £90 |
| Wood stove chimney sweep | £70 | £110 | £90 |
| Last updated: December 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
As you can see from the table above, chimney sweep prices vary depending on what type of fireplace you have and the fuel it uses.
Want to get accurate chimney sweep costs in your area? Enter your postcode below and connect with local chimney sweepers today:
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Chimney sweep prices in the UK
The cost of sweeping a chimney can vary depending on the type of chimney. Here are some average costs based on chimney type:
Open fire – £90
Inglenook fire – £200
Wood burner – £90
Unlined chimney (without a stainless steel or ceramic liner) – £105
Lined chimney (fitted with either a stainless steel or ceramic liner) – £90
The type of fuel you use (and how often you use it) has a bearing on how much a chimney sweep costs, as you can see below:
Gas fire chimney – £85
Wood fire chimney – £90
Pellet fire chimney – £90
Want to know more about the chimney sweeping process and how to prepare for it? Check out our guide to getting your chimney swept,
Chimney sweep cost: Job estimator tool
Use our job estimator tool below to help calculate how much chimney sweeps cost in your area.
Need help working out cost? Our job estimate tool calculates the costs for you.
Factors affecting the cost of a chimney sweep
Chimney sweep prices depend on several factors:
Number of chimneys – Some chimney sweepers offer discounts for multiple chimneys in a home, so it's always worth checking
Frequency of cleaning – Not surprisingly, how often you keep up with regular chimney cleaning will impact the price
Type of service – Sometimes, your chimney might require more than a standard clean, e.g. when moving into a new home
Regional variations – Like many trades, you'll pay a premium if you live in London or the South East
Call-out charges – Many chimney sweepers issue a call-out charge, regardless of whether they sweep your chimney or not
Additional costs - Depending on your project scope, you may need to budget for additional service costs such as a roof inspection, rug cleaning or stove maintenance. It’s a good idea to budget from these early on the most accurate cost estimate.
The best way to know exactly how much a chimney sweep costs is to reach out to checked tradespeople offering chimney sweeping services. Take your time and speak to a few tradespeople before making a decision.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
Why hire a chimney sweep?
Here are a few benefits of hiring a chimney sweep:
Insurance-recognised certifications – Professionals with recognised certifications provide proof to insurers that the job is done right
Cleaning and inspection – A professional sweep can inspect for blockages or damage using cameras or drones, preventing future issues
Smoke evacuation test – They test the chimney’s smoke venting, checking for blockages, leaks, or structural problems that could cause safety risks
Carbon monoxide alarms – It’s required by law to have a CO alarm if you have an open fire and a professional sweep can supply and install one for you
Creosote and tar removal – Qualified chimney sweeps can remove built-up creosote and tar with specialist treatment, ensuring your chimney is working properly
How to find chimney cleaning near you
Finding a tradesperson who offers chimney sweep services is simple.
Here’s how:
Read online reviews – Customer reviews are a great way to gauge a tradesperson’s quality and we verify all reviews to ensure they’re genuine
Compare quotes – Get at least three quotes from local chimney sweeps to help you find the best tradesperson and the best price for your job
Use Checkatrade for extra peace of mind – Even if you find a tradesperson elsewhere, running a quick Checkatrade search can boost that ‘yep, I’ve nailed it’ feeling. Our tradespeople must pass up to 12 checks before we list the,, and score an average of 9/10 based on reliability, workmanship and tidiness.
Ready to get started? Enter your postcode to start your search for chimney sweeps covering your local area now:
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Chimney sweep cost: FAQs
What is the average cost of chimney sweep in the UK?
The average cost is £90, but prices can vary depending on your chimney’s condition and your exact location.
How much does it cost to remove a chimney in the UK?
The cost to remove a chimney depends on the scope of the work. The size of the chimney, the chimney design and the project complexity will all affect the final cost. Read our handy guide on chimney removal costs for an accurate cost estimate.
How often should a chimney be swept?
The National Association of Chimney Sweeps says fires burning smokeless fuel and gas and oil-burning appliance chimneys should be swept at least once a year.
Meanwhile, wood-burning fires and bituminous coal should be cleaned quarterly if they are the primary heat source in your home and in constant use.
How often should a chimney be cleaned?
You can help keep chimney sweep costs down by regularly cleaning and maintaining your chimney. The cost of a chimney sweep also includes a more comprehensive inspection, whereas chimney cleaning can help remove soot and creosote. It’s a good idea to get your chimney regularly cleaned for safety as well as cleanliness.
Why is a chimney sweep so expensive?
Chimney sweeps are expensive for a number of reasons. Their design and function means certain tools and equipment are often needed to sweep a chimney. Hard-to-reach chimneys or chimneys that are difficult to clean can also incur higher costs.The exact cost of a chimney sweep will also depend on its location, size, design and condition.
How much does a lined chimney cost vs an unlined chimney?
On average, a lined chimney costs around £90. Meanwhile, an unlined chimney (without a stainless steel or ceramic liner) costs approximately £105.
This is because coal soot and wood tar are more likely to build up on the rough surfaces of the chimney, which takes longer to clean.
Do chimney sweep costs include discounts for multiple chimneys?
Some tradespeople offer discounts for sweeping more than one chimney at a time in a home. If you need more than one chimney cleaned, it’s always worth asking to see if there are any discounts to keep costs down.
Can I clean my chimney myself?
While there's nothing to stop you from cleaning your chimney yourself, it’s not a good idea to clean a chimney yourself. Most home insurers require a professional sweeper to clean your chimney as part of their policy.
Some even ask for a certificate as proof. Therefore, it’s not worth cutting corners, and hiring a professional is best.
To find a tradesperson committed to quality, it’s a good idea to read real reviews and check qualifications. Doing your homework can help in the long run!
How much does it cost for a chimney sweep to remove a bird's nest?
You're looking at paying approximately £150 for a bird's nest removal.
How long does it take to sweep a chimney?
To clean one chimney that was last cleaned one year ago, a chimney sweep takes an hour on average to complete the job. However, if your chimney was last cleaned two years ago or more, a sweep may take closer to two hours.
Are there any seasonal discounts for chimney sweeping?
You may get a discount if you plan ahead and hire a chimney sweeper during the off-peak months of spring and summer. These times are less busy for chimney sweeps, as most homeowners schedule cleanings closer to autumn and winter.
Is getting a chimney sweep worth it?
Absolutely. An annual professional chimney sweep will keep your fire burning brightly all winter long and guard against hazardous chimney fires caused by blockages or a build-up of coal soot or wood tar.
How do I know if my chimney needs sweeping?
It’s important you can spot the signs that your chimney needs sweeping. Telltale signs to look out for include:
A foul tar-like smell, even when the fire isn’t lit
The fire surround is black from the soot
Soot is falling into the hearth and room
Dark smoke is coming out of the chimney
The fire doesn’t burn strongly
You suspect birds have nested
If you spot any of the above, it's time to call in a chimney sweep. Use Checkatrade to find a checked tradesperson that’s committed to quality.
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