Cleaning Chimney With CWC Insert?

caswensk

Anybody got any tips? I recently purchased a home with a CWC Textron wood burning insert in a masonry fireplace (1982) and need to clean the chimney. Do I need to pull the insert to accomplish this? I am not sure how it attaches to the flu, but know that there is not a full line to the top of the chimney as with the newer inserts.

second job

I am in the same situation. If your unit is the same as mine, I have been told that it must be removed and the masonry firebox area cleaned. I have tried brushing mine form the roof but cannot get to the firebox area. Someone suggested putting in an access door on the exterior for easier clean out but I am going to try the removal first. I burn about 1.5 cord per year and burn hot so I don't have too much to worry about. I would enjoy reading what others have to say.

Home Serve

I used to do this type of work. There are two main methods of installing a wood burning insert.
1) most often-shove it in the hole where the fireplace used to be, let the smoke find it's way up the chimney.
2) if a professional or company installed it there is probably a S.S. liner inside the fireplace flue connected directly to the insert. In other words if you clean the chimney the creosote will end up in the insert.
If case #1 the creosote will be laying on top of the insert, in a perfect place to start on fire when you stoke it up. Check before cleaning, if there is a direct connection, there will be access to see it and unhook as needed. If no direct connection obviously have to remove the insert. No big deal really, I'm near 60 and move mine to service, use your head and muscle.
Dave C

__________________
Missouri Remodeling Company with services for Replacement Windows Vinyl Siding and Entry Doors