Hi All, Very glad to be back on here after the summer - crazy year all around!
I need advice on getting rid of some solid creosote build-up that will not brush out.
Here's a recap of my situation and bit of the stupidity on my part that got me here:
Generally, try to run hot and no issue with the amount of wood that I use - knew I was pushing it and used the Rutland Creosote Remover several times toward the end
I have a moisture meter but didn't use it.
The problem is that I now 1/4 or a bit more 3/8 to occasional 1/2 of inconsistent ridges of hard shiny black build-up. I "think" it is in the top 6' or so and that also makes sense as gases cool and drop out at the top & screen etc.
I also believe this because I clean myself. It had not been done at all when I moved in and I hired in a recommended guy and was not happy and knew I could do better.
PO was too lazy to use the stove and it was the fireplace flue that was bad originally. The stove was basically brand new.
The baseline is that always clean out myself and am able to rod/brush top down. I have one other std fireplace that I do also.
Most years it is very minor, easily removed, dusty grey residue. I have a good feel for the process and normal brush feel and this is why I THINK it is only near the top.
I DID wear away some of the hard build up and knocked off the ridge edges with very vigorous brushing but it is NOT coming off like I want. Cap cleaned up well and is clear.
So, in general, my "usual" methods of cut/split/stack/dry has been fine. Shame on me but my company was sold, got laid off, and scrambled for a new job - (I know, no excuses...)
SO, what should I do to resolve now? I am thinking:
1) Use dry wood and run hot?
2) Add the Ruland Remover frequently? (in past I tossed in aluminum cans occasionally. Know some use copper or potato peelings etc.)
3) Brush out monthly?
4) I know the long term solution may end up being SS liner, but $ is an issue & I am mentally resisting as I have done well with the current set up previously (safety is key though)
Am I in danger of a chimney fire - especially if build-up runs lower than I think?
I was new to running stove full time when I move in and still have a Chimfex on hand based on readings here
Another push toward the liner is that I occasionally got reversion on restart in the deep cold when I had to be gone and chimney mass got cold. This was rare but a serious issue that drove me crazy when I first encountered it.
The lesson was keeping it burning and creatively preheating the stack if got in that spot again.
Any and all thoughts are appreciated and have at it if I need straightening out.
THANKS!
I need advice on getting rid of some solid creosote build-up that will not brush out.
Here's a recap of my situation and bit of the stupidity on my part that got me here:
- Been in this PA house for 11 years (going into 10th burn season) and learned so much more than I have given back here on AS - so THANKS ALL
- Using a '92 Osburn 1600 and it overachieves
- Run 24x7 in season - get all of my wood on site (10 acres)
- Is in basement and masonry chimney with a square clay liner (7"? and 27' run to SS cap).
Generally, try to run hot and no issue with the amount of wood that I use - knew I was pushing it and used the Rutland Creosote Remover several times toward the end
I have a moisture meter but didn't use it.
The problem is that I now 1/4 or a bit more 3/8 to occasional 1/2 of inconsistent ridges of hard shiny black build-up. I "think" it is in the top 6' or so and that also makes sense as gases cool and drop out at the top & screen etc.
I also believe this because I clean myself. It had not been done at all when I moved in and I hired in a recommended guy and was not happy and knew I could do better.
PO was too lazy to use the stove and it was the fireplace flue that was bad originally. The stove was basically brand new.
The baseline is that always clean out myself and am able to rod/brush top down. I have one other std fireplace that I do also.
Most years it is very minor, easily removed, dusty grey residue. I have a good feel for the process and normal brush feel and this is why I THINK it is only near the top.
I DID wear away some of the hard build up and knocked off the ridge edges with very vigorous brushing but it is NOT coming off like I want. Cap cleaned up well and is clear.
So, in general, my "usual" methods of cut/split/stack/dry has been fine. Shame on me but my company was sold, got laid off, and scrambled for a new job - (I know, no excuses...)
SO, what should I do to resolve now? I am thinking:
1) Use dry wood and run hot?

2) Add the Ruland Remover frequently? (in past I tossed in aluminum cans occasionally. Know some use copper or potato peelings etc.)
3) Brush out monthly?
4) I know the long term solution may end up being SS liner, but $ is an issue & I am mentally resisting as I have done well with the current set up previously (safety is key though)
Am I in danger of a chimney fire - especially if build-up runs lower than I think?
I was new to running stove full time when I move in and still have a Chimfex on hand based on readings here
Another push toward the liner is that I occasionally got reversion on restart in the deep cold when I had to be gone and chimney mass got cold. This was rare but a serious issue that drove me crazy when I first encountered it.
The lesson was keeping it burning and creatively preheating the stack if got in that spot again.
Any and all thoughts are appreciated and have at it if I need straightening out.
THANKS!