The Ultimate Chimney Cleaning Quiz

Estimated Completion Time
1 min
The Ultimate Chimney Cleaning  Quiz
Image: iStockphoto/Iztok Grilc

About This Quiz

You should have your chimney cleaned regularly to prevent chimney fires and house fires. If you want to save on professional chimney cleaning costs, try cleaning your own chimney. It' important, however, that you clean your chimney using an appropriate method. Take this quiz and learn how you can clean your own chimney safely.
What substance needs to be removed when you clean a chimney?
soot and dust
creosote
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It is essential that you do a thorough chimney cleaning job to prevent chimney fires and house fires. Not only do you need to remove soot and dust, you also need to scrape away creosote from the chimney walls.

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When should you clean a wood burning fireplace?
at the end of every season
at the beginning of every season
every month
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Clean your wood burning fireplace at the end of every winter season. First, remove charred wood and ash and then vacuum your fireplace.

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What is creosote?
chimney dust
a flammable substance
a harmless by-product of burning wood
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Creosote is a flammable substance that typically builds up in chimneys.

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What is the spark arrestor on a chimney?
It prevents sparks from flying out of the chimney.
It prevents animals from getting into the chimney.
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's important to have your spark arrestor checked yearly. This device prevents hot embers from escaping your chimney. It also keeps animals and debris from getting into your chimney.

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How do you clean a gas fireplace?
Vacuum the fireplace.
Brush the burners and pilot.
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you have a gas fireplace, vacuum the fireplace to remove dust and debris. Next, brush the burners and pilot with a wire brush. Just make sure to turn off your gas valve before you start!

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Why is it important that gas fire logs be placed in a certain position?
for esthetic appeal
to prevent carbon buildup
to prevent soot and dust
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you remove your gas fire logs, it's essential that you replace them exactly as you found them. Improperly placed gas fire logs can create carbon buildup.

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What is the most important tool needed for cleaning a chimney?
a chimney vacuum
a wire chimney brush
a chimney scrapper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's important that you measure your chimney before you go out and buy your most essential chimney cleaning tool: a wire chimney brush. A chimney brush should fit the shape of your chimney.

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Why do most people prefer the top down rod method for cleaning chimneys?
It's the easiest.
It results in the least amount of cleanup.
It does the best job.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The top down rod method for cleaning chimneys results in the least amount of indoor cleanup of soot and debris.

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Why should you consider the bottom up rod method for cleaning chimneys?
It does the best job.
It's safer than the top down method.
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The bottom up rod method means you clean your chimney from the fireplace upward. Therefore, you don't need to go on your roof and risk falling off.

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Which of the following chimney cleaning methods is messy?
the bottom up rod method
the dual line method
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Both the bottom up rod method and dual line method require that you leave your fireplace open, resulting in significant soot and debris in inside your house. If you choose either of these methods, make sure to adequately tarp your furniture and flooring.

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You Got:
/10
iStockphoto/Iztok Grilc
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