Price Guide

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Really Cost?

Compare prices for 12 services across 342 UK locations. Data-driven pricing updated for .

12 services priced 342 cities covered Updated

National pricing

Chimney Sweep Prices

National average prices. Select a city below for local pricing.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Standard Chimney Sweep

Low

£60

Average

£90

High

£130

45-60 minutes

More details

Standard sweep of an open fire or lined stove chimney. Includes brushing the full length of the flue and issuing a sweeping certificate.

~94% labour, ~6% materials

What affects the price

  • Type of chimney (open fire, lined stove, unlined stove)
  • Height and accessibility of the chimney
  • How long since the last sweep
  • Your location in the UK

Chimney Sweep with Smoke Test

Low

£80

Average

£110

High

£150

1-1.5 hours

More details

Full chimney sweep plus a smoke draw test to check the flue is drawing correctly and there are no leaks. Recommended after installation of a new stove or when issues are suspected.

~91% labour, ~9% materials

What affects the price

  • Type of appliance connected to the flue
  • Condition and age of the chimney
  • Whether the flue is lined or unlined
  • Accessibility of the chimney pot from outside

Bird Nest Removal

Low

£85

Average

£135

High

£200

1-3 hours

More details

Removing a bird nest blockage from the chimney flue. Can only be carried out between September and February due to wildlife protection laws. Includes sweeping the flue after removal.

~93% labour, ~7% materials

What affects the price

  • Size and compaction of the nest
  • How far down the flue the nest is lodged
  • Whether scaffolding or roof access is needed
  • Time of year (restricted to September-February)

Chimney Cap or Cowl Fitting

Low

£120

Average

£200

High

£350

1-2 hours

More details

Supply and installation of a chimney cowl or rain cap to prevent birds, rain and debris entering the flue. Price includes the cowl and fitting but not scaffolding if required.

~69% labour, ~31% materials

What affects the price

  • Type of cowl (bird guard, rain cap, anti-downdraught, multi-fuel)
  • Whether scaffolding is needed for access
  • Number of pots to be capped
  • Chimney pot size and condition

Chimney Liner Installation

Low

£400

Average

£800

High

£1,200

1-2 days

More details

Installing a new flexible stainless steel flue liner inside an existing chimney. Essential for wood burner and multi-fuel stove installations. Includes liner, insulation and top and bottom fittings.

~56% labour, ~44% materials

What affects the price

  • Length of the chimney (typically £200-£250 per metre)
  • Diameter of liner required (5 or 6 inch)
  • Whether the chimney needs sweeping or repairs first
  • Accessibility of the chimney from roof level

Chimney Pot Replacement

Low

£150

Average

£250

High

£500

2-4 hours

More details

Removing a damaged or cracked chimney pot and fitting a new one. The pot is set in place with cement and the cement bed around the base is smoothed off to shed rainwater.

~64% labour, ~36% materials

What affects the price

  • Size and style of chimney pot required
  • Whether scaffolding is needed for roof access
  • Condition of the existing flaunching
  • Number of pots being replaced

Chimney Stack Repointing

Low

£400

Average

£750

High

£1,200

1-2 days

More details

Scraping out the old crumbling cement between the chimney bricks and filling with fresh mortar. This stops rainwater getting into the chimney and extends its life.

~93% labour, ~7% materials

What affects the price

  • Size of the chimney stack
  • Condition of the existing mortar
  • Whether scaffolding is required
  • Type of mortar (lime or cement)

Fireplace Opening Up

Low

£300

Average

£650

High

£1,000

1-2 days

More details

Reopening a fireplace that has been boarded up or bricked over. Includes clearing out any rubble inside, checking the chimney flue is in good enough condition to use, and tidying up the opening.

~81% labour, ~19% materials

What affects the price

  • Whether the opening is boarded or bricked up
  • Condition of the fireback and hearth behind
  • Amount of rubble and debris in the fireplace
  • Whether the flue needs lining before use

Wood Burner Flue Sweep

Low

£70

Average

£100

High

£140

45-60 minutes

More details

Sweeping the flue of a wood burning stove through the stove itself. Includes disconnecting and reconnecting the stove pipe and issuing a sweeping certificate.

~95% labour, ~5% materials

What affects the price

  • Whether the flue is lined or unlined
  • Length and number of bends in the flue
  • Creosote and tar buildup levels
  • Accessibility of the stove pipe connection

Multi-Fuel Stove Sweep

Low

£70

Average

£100

High

£140

45-60 minutes

More details

Sweeping the flue of a multi-fuel stove that burns wood, coal, or smokeless fuel. Includes checking the internal heat shield and the seal around the door are still in good condition.

~95% labour, ~5% materials

What affects the price

  • Type of fuel typically burned (coal produces more soot)
  • Whether the flue is lined or unlined
  • Condition of the stove pipe and connections
  • Time since last sweep

Chimney CCTV Survey

Low

£100

Average

£175

High

£300

1-2 hours

More details

Internal camera inspection of the chimney flue to assess condition, identify cracks, blockages or damage. Produces a detailed report with images. Often required before lining a chimney.

What affects the price

  • Whether combined with a chimney sweep (cheaper together)
  • Length and complexity of the flue
  • Whether a written report with images is required
  • Number of flues to be surveyed

Chimney Damper Installation

Low

£350

Average

£600

High

£900

Half a day

More details

Supply and installation of a chimney damper to control airflow and prevent heat loss when the fire is not in use. Custom made to fit your fireplace opening.

~43% labour, ~57% materials

What affects the price

  • Size of the fireplace opening (dampers are custom made)
  • Material of the damper (mild steel standard)
  • Whether a survey visit is needed first
  • Distance from the installer

Popular locations

Chimney Sweeping Costs by City

London

£75–£160

Birmingham

£55–£120

Leeds

£60–£125

Glasgow

£65–£135

Sheffield

£60–£130

Manchester

£60–£125

Bradford

£55–£115

Edinburgh

£70–£150

Liverpool

£60–£130

Bristol

£65–£140

Coventry

£55–£125

Leicester

£50–£110

Local pricing

Find Chimney Sweep Costs in Your City

Browse all 342 cities for local chimney sweep pricing.

Barking and Dagenham Barnet Bexley London
Brighton Milton Keynes Reading Southampton
Bournemouth Bristol Gloucester Plymouth
Colchester Luton Norwich Peterborough
Birmingham Coventry Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton
Derby Leicester Northampton Nottingham
Bradford Leeds Sheffield York
Bolton Liverpool Manchester Warrington
County Durham Middlesbrough Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland
Blaenau Gwent Bridgend Cardiff Swansea
Aberdeen Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow
Belfast

Regional comparison

Standard Chimney Sweep by City

Average cost of standard chimney sweep across key UK cities.

London
+24% £110
Manchester
-2% £90
Birmingham
-7% £85
Glasgow
+5% £95
Bristol
+7% £95
Leeds
-3% £85
Cardiff
-2% £90
Belfast
-13% £80

Overview

What Does a Chimney Sweep Do?

A chimney sweep provides professional services covering chimney sweeping, inspections, bird nest removal and flue maintenance. They handle everything from routine maintenance and inspections to full installations and emergency repairs. Whether you need a small repair or a major project, hiring a qualified chimney sweep ensures the work is done safely, to code, and to a professional standard.

You should hire a chimney sweep whenever you need work that requires specialist skills, tools, or qualifications. Many types of chimney sweep work are regulated and must be carried out by a certified professional. Attempting DIY on regulated work can be dangerous, void your insurance, and create costly problems down the line.

Pricing for chimney sweep services depends on the complexity of what you need, the options chosen, and where you live in the UK. Simpler services sit at the lower end of the scale, while more involved or premium options will be significantly more expensive. The prices on this page give you a realistic range for each type of service so you know what to expect before getting quotes.

When hiring a chimney sweep, always get at least three quotes from different tradespeople. Read recent reviews and ask for references. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews. A reputable chimney sweep will be happy to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and explain exactly what is included in their quote.

Related services

Related Services

Services often needed alongside a chimney sweep.

Roofing UK price guide £80–£275 Gutter Services UK price guide £50–£110 Damp Proofing UK price guide £250–£1,000 Window Cleaning UK price guide £15–£40 Cleaning UK price guide £25–£45 Pest Control UK price guide £120–£350 Scaffolding UK price guide £600–£1,400 Boiler & Gas Engineering UK price guide £2,000–£4,500

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about chimney sweep costs in the UK.

How often should I get my chimney swept?
The recommended frequency depends on what you burn. Smokeless fuel and gas fires should be swept once a year, wood-burning stoves every season or twice a year if used heavily, and coal fires once a year. Regular sweeping prevents chimney fires and carbon monoxide build-up.
Do I need a chimney sweep certificate?
A certificate is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Most home insurance policies require proof of regular sweeping if you have an open fire or wood burner. Keep your certificates safe — you may need them if you ever make a claim or sell your property.
Can I use my fireplace without getting the chimney swept first?
You should not use a fireplace or wood burner without getting the chimney swept and inspected first, especially if it has not been used recently. Blockages from bird nests, debris or creosote build-up can cause chimney fires or dangerous carbon monoxide fumes entering your home.
What are the signs that my chimney needs sweeping?
Warning signs include smoke coming back into the room instead of going up the chimney, a strong smell from the fireplace even when not in use, dark staining on walls near the chimney breast, and poor fire performance. If you notice any of these, book a sweep before using the fire again.
How long does a chimney sweep take?
A standard sweep takes 45-60 minutes for a single chimney. If you have a wood burner or multi-fuel stove, allow up to an hour as the stove pipe needs disconnecting and reconnecting. Bird nest removal can take 1-3 hours depending on the size of the blockage.
What qualifications should a chimney sweep have?
Look for a sweep registered with the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, HETAS, or the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS). These bodies require members to carry public liability insurance, hold a relevant qualification, and follow a code of practice. Only use a sweep who can issue a recognised certificate.
Is chimney sweeping messy?
A professional sweep uses dust sheets, a special vacuum, and a seal over the fireplace opening to contain soot. You should not notice any mess in the room when they are done. If a sweep makes a mess, they are not using proper equipment. Expect the area to be left clean.
When is the best time of year to book a chimney sweep?
Book in spring or summer for the shortest wait times and easiest availability. Sweeps are busiest from September to November as everyone prepares for winter. Booking early also means any issues can be repaired before you need the fire, rather than discovering problems on the first cold night.
Can I sweep my own chimney?
You can buy chimney sweep rods and brushes for around £30-£50, but DIY sweeping will not give you a certificate — which most home insurance policies require. A professional sweep also inspects the flue for damage that you would not spot yourself. For the cost of £60-£90 once a year, professional sweeping is well worth it.
How much does a chimney sweep cost in the UK?
The most common chimney sweep job, standard chimney sweep, costs between £60 and £130 nationally, with an average of £90. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and your location within the UK.
What affects chimney sweep prices?
The main factors are the complexity and scope of what you need, the options and products chosen, and your location. London and the South East are typically 15-35% more expensive than northern regions. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
How do I find a reliable chimney sweep?
Get at least three quotes from different tradespeople, check recent reviews and references, and ask for a detailed written quote that breaks down all costs before committing. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews.
Do chimney sweep prices vary by location?
Yes, significantly. London is the most expensive area, with prices typically 20-35% above the national average. The South East is also above average. Northern England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be 5-15% below the national average. Our city pages show exact local pricing for 342 UK locations.
Do the prices shown include materials?
The prices on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some tradespeople break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.
When is the best time to hire a chimney sweep?
Demand for chimney sweep services tends to peak in autumn and winter, which can mean longer wait times and higher prices. If your job isn't urgent, booking during spring or summer may get you a better rate and faster availability. Emergency work will always cost more regardless of the time of year.