What Happens During a CCTV Chimney Inspection?
What Happens During a CCTV Chimney Inspection?
A standard sweep clears soot and debris, but it can't tell you what's happening deep inside the flue. That's what a CCTV inspection is for, and it's worth understanding before you book one.
During a CCTV chimney inspection, a camera on a flexible rod surveys the full length of the flue, from the fireplace or stove up through the chimney. It usually adds 20 to 30 minutes to a sweep and shows cracks in the liner, old repairs, structural movement, blockages and whether the flue suits your appliance.
What it involves
We feed a camera on a flexible rod from the fireplace or stove up through the whole chimney, recording as it goes. It's usually combined with a standard sweep, so the flue is clean and the camera gets a clear view.
What we're looking for
Cracks or gaps in the liner
These can let heat or fumes escape into the surrounding structure.
Old or deteriorating repairs
Previous work that may no longer meet current standards.
Structural movement
Bulging or misalignment inside the stack.
Blockages
Nests, debris, or masonry that's fallen from higher up the stack.
Flue sizing
Whether the flue is right for the stove or fire you use, or plan to install.
Book an inspection
£75 added to a sweep, or £170 for both together.
Book a CCTV inspection →When you need one
A CCTV inspection isn't needed for every routine sweep, but it's worth having in these situations:
- Buying a property with an open fire or wood burner you plan to use. See why a CCTV survey matters for older homes.
- Moving into a period home where you don't know the chimney's history.
- After a chimney fire or suspected blockage, to check for hidden damage.
- Before installing a new stove, to confirm the existing flue is suitable.
- Ongoing smoke, smell or draw problems that a standard sweep hasn't fixed.
What you get afterwards
A clear picture, literally, of the condition of your flue, with an explanation of anything we find and recommendations if repairs are needed. It's especially useful before a house purchase, because it gives you facts rather than guesswork before you commit.
Booking a CCTV inspection
A CCTV inspection can be added to a standard sweep. Pricing for both is on our chimney sweep near me page, and our local chimney specialist and repairs page explains when you need a sweep and when you need a full inspection.
Common questions
How long does a CCTV chimney inspection take?
It usually adds around 20 to 30 minutes to a visit, and is often combined with a standard sweep.
What does a CCTV chimney inspection look for?
Cracks or gaps in the flue liner, deteriorating repairs, structural movement, blockages from nests or fallen masonry, and whether the flue is the right size for your stove or fire.
When do I need a CCTV chimney inspection?
When buying a home with a fire or stove, moving into a period property, after a chimney fire or blockage, before installing a new stove, or when smoke, smell or draw problems haven't been fixed by a sweep.
How much does a CCTV chimney inspection cost?
£75 when added to a standard sweep, or £170 for a sweep and CCTV inspection together.
Related guides
Chimney sweep near me
Prices, what's included and FAQs.
Local chimney specialist and repairs
When you need a repair, not just a sweep.
Signs of a blocked chimney
Warning signs and when to call a sweep.
Book a sweep in your area
Book a CCTV chimney inspection
Sweep Sisters provides HETAS certified chimney sweeping and CCTV inspections across Essex and Hertfordshire, including Hertford, St Albans and Sawbridgeworth.