Decree No. 34/2016 Coll., on the cleaning, inspection and review of flue gas pathways, distinguishes three separate operations. Inspection assesses the current condition of the flue gas pathway, cleaning removes deposits and soot, while review is the most comprehensive assessment tied to a specific event: typically commissioning, structural modification or fuel change. In everyday language, all three are sometimes collectively referred to as "chimney inspection", which is the main source of misunderstanding between the homeowner and the chimney sweep.
Flue gas path inspection
The chimney sweep carries out an inspection of the flue gas path once a year, regardless of the type of fuel. This involves a visual assessment of the condition of the masonry or liner, the tightness of joints, passability, access to the flue doors and safe distances from combustible structures. The inspection is the only one of three tasks whose deadline does not vary according to the fuel type. It applies equally to wood, coal, oil and gas.
Cleaning of the flue gas passage
Cleaning is governed by deadlines depending on the fuel type, these are detailed in the article. Chimney cleaning: deadlines by fuel type and priceFor solid fuels up to 50 kW, it is additionally the only one of three tasks that the user may perform under certain conditions; however, it must still be supplemented by an inspection from a chimney sweep once a year. For liquid and gaseous fuels, cleaning must always be carried out by a person with a chimney sweep trade licence; a do-it-yourself option is not permitted there.
Inspection of the flue gas duct
Inspections are not carried out on a regular schedule but in response to specific events: before putting a new flue gas path into operation, after structural modifications to the chimney, upon changing the fuel type, before connecting an appliance to an unused path, following a chimney fire, or if there is suspicion of cracks or malfunction. The article deals in detail with inspections and their prices. Chimney inspection: price, obligation and procedureWhile you automatically repeat the check and cleaning every year, you must arrange for the inspection yourself when any of the above situations arise: the chimney sweep will not remind you about it.
Who is authorised to carry out individual tasks
Inspection and cleaning may only be carried out by a person holding a trade licence in the chimney sweep sector. Inspection of flue gas ducts may only be performed by a certified flue gas duct inspector. This is a separate, more specific qualification. When ordering an inspection, it is therefore advisable to verify that the technician holds authorisation specifically for inspections, not just for cleaning and checking: not every chimney sweep who routinely cleans and inspects chimneys also has the authority to carry out inspections.
How to easily remember the procedures
It helps to arrange them by frequency and outcome. Cleaning is performed most often, resulting in a clear flue. Inspection is carried out once a year, confirming the current condition. The statutory inspection is done least frequently but goes deepest, its result is an assessment of whether the flue gas path may remain in operation at all.
Put simply: cleaning addresses what is inside the flue, inspection assesses the current condition of the flue, and the official inspection determines whether the flue is even permitted to serve a specific appliance. All three procedures are interdependent and one does not replace another; together they form a system designed to prevent chimney fires and fume leaks.
Documents you should have to hand
Each of these tasks requires a separate written document. For the inspection and cleaning, this is usually a simple record with the date and the chimney sweep's signature; for the statutory inspection, it is a more comprehensive report describing the condition and providing a conclusion. It is advisable to keep all documents together and not confuse them, in the event of an investigation, the insurance company or the fire rescue service will typically want to see all three, not just the most recently issued one.
Why knowing the difference matters
Confusing the terms is the most common reason why a homeowner has only cleaning done and believes they have also fulfilled the obligation for inspection or revize. In the event of an insurance claim, the correct document is then missing and the insurer may reduce the payout. We write about this in more detail in the article. Chimney fire: what to do and mandatory inspectionFailure to comply with obligations under the Fire Protection Act (No. 133/1985 Coll.) may additionally result in a fine of up to 25,000 Kč for an individual.