What’s the Weirdest Thing We’ve Found in a Chimney? (Hint: It Involves Football.) We’ve seen it all as professional chimney sweepers, including birds, squirrels, vintage toys, and the odd pizza box (don’t ask). However, I laughed and scratched my head about one assignment last season.
A Halifax homeowner called us to report that their fireplace was obstructed. There was smoke backing up.
Creosote accumulation—possibly a bird nest, we reasoned. Not at all.We discovered something wedged directly in the center of the chimney stack when we positioned our inspection camera up the flue. It initially appeared to be a lump of trash covered in soot. But it became clear as we drew nearer.
Halfway up the chimney was a full-size football that was slightly deflated.
Clearly a ball that formerly had some respectable air time, but blackened by heat and smoke. An enthusiastic volley, a deflection off the conservatory roof… and the ball went sailing straight down the open chimney pot.
The Significance of This (Beyond the Laughs)
Even if it seemed funny, a blocked chimney is harmful:
It may result in the leakage of carbon monoxide or smoke into your house.
It makes fires more likely.
It may harm your stove or chimney liner.
Fortunately, there was only a story that will undoubtedly be told at every family Christmas going forward, and no significant harm was done in this instance.
