Today heralded our annual clean of the chimney. Here in France this carries an extra significance because without the certificate issued by the sweep, one has no cover for insurance purposes if a fire breaks out. Now where does one locate a chimney sweep? Why, ask your local plumber of course.
Ready to go
Alain turned up bright and early, bringing with him another sharp morning that had superceded overnight temperatures of minus something or another; all I know is that a bowl of water in the courtyard has stubbornly remained as solid ice for the last four days or so. Anyway after a 'petit noir' he was set for the job in hand. After laying out a selection of different coloured 'herrisons' (brushes) on the dining room floor he selected a red one which he then offered up into the depths of the chimney. Although this is the second time Alain has carried out this task he never ceases to be amazed at how much tubing is required in order to get the brush right up to the top and poke out Dick Van Dyke style over the Riberac rooftops.
Alain doing his calculation
Today, he got technical, so after having measured one of his rods he did a quick calculation on our ancient solar powered calculator before informing us that just over 13m of rods had been required. At the finish a tidy pile of what looked like black filings sitting in the grate was ready to disappear up into his industrial vac. Before leaving, we all sat around our kitchen table where we enjoyed a small glass of cherry brandy, fait maison. Alain said this was just what le medecin called for before clambering back into his truck and heading off in the direction of another frozen pipe or two!
Why you should have your chimney swept annually
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