St. Louis Chimney Sweep Co.St. Louis Chimney Sweep Co.A St. Louis chimney sweep generally costs $150–$350, with $150 the typical minimum for one clean, open fireplace. Pristine Sweeps confirms exact pricing on a free on-site visit — useful given the older masonry stacks common across South City neighborhoods like Soulard and Tower Grove South.
| Job / Flue type | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Single open masonry fireplace (annual) | $150–$200 |
| Wood-burning flue with heavy creosote | $250–$350 |
| Gas-log flue inspection & light clean | $150–$225 |
| Prefab / factory-built insert | $200–$300 |
| Second flue or additional fireplace | +$75–$125 |
| Steep or difficult roof access | +$50–$100 |
Typical St. Louis chimney sweep cost by job type
The single biggest price driver is what's inside the flue. A gas-log fireplace that gets light annual use cleans quickly and lands near the minimum. A wood-burning flue with glazed or thick creosote takes more time and specialized work, pushing the price toward $250–$350. The number of flues matters too — a home with two fireplaces is billed per flue, not as one flat job.
Most St. Louis sweep visits bundle a basic Level 1 inspection with the cleaning. The sweep checks the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and visible flue for cracks, blockages, and creosote stage. A more detailed Level 2 inspection — common at home sale or after a chimney fire — costs extra because it may involve camera scanning of the liner. Always confirm whether the quoted price includes the inspection.
Two-story brick homes and the tall masonry stacks common in older St. Louis neighborhoods can add to the price. Steep roof pitch, slippery slate, or a chimney that requires ladder-and-harness work takes longer and carries more setup. Easy single-story access keeps a job at the lower end of the range. This is why an honest exact price comes only after seeing the actual roof and flue.
St. Louis housing skews old, and that shapes sweep pricing. The brick rowhouses of Soulard, Lafayette Square, and Benton Park often have original masonry flues that have never been relined, so a sweep may flag mortar joint deterioration during cleaning. Homes in The Hill, Shaw, and Compton Heights frequently run two or more flues, billed separately. Carondelet and Dutchtown see a mix of converted gas-log systems and active wood-burners. There is no city license that fixes sweep prices — rates are set by the contractor — but humid Missouri summers accelerate creosote glazing and moisture damage, making the standard $150 minimum the floor for even a simple annual cleaning. Exact pricing is confirmed on a free on-site visit.
Most wood-burning chimneys should be swept annually; gas-log flues can often go every two to three years. Frequent use or any visible creosote means cleaning sooner.
A Level 2 inspection is recommended at sale, since it includes a camera scan of the liner — important for the older flues common across South City.
Creosote is a flammable tar-like residue from burning wood. Stage 3 glazed creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires and requires professional removal.
Yes — gas-log flues still need inspection for blockages and venting issues, typically priced near the standard $150 minimum.