05/20/2026
Before You Hire a Chimney Sweep in Manitoba: Read This 🏠🔥
We’re seeing a rise in local ads for chimney sweeping services. Before you hire anyone to service your wood-burning system, protect your home and your wallet by asking for two things: WETT Certification and Liability Insurance.
Here is what’s at stake:
❌ Insurance Risks: In Manitoba, if a chimney fire occurs and the system was serviced by an uncertified, uninsured individual, your insurance provider can deny your claim entirely. You need a receipt from a certified professional to prove compliance.
⚠️ Safety Hazards: WETT-certified sweeps are trained to detect hidden cracks, liner failures, and clearance issues that uncertified individuals miss, which drastically increases the risk of fire or carbon monoxide.
💨 Substandard Equipment: If a chimney sweep shows up with a regular hardware store Shop-Vac, stop them. Standard vacuums cannot trap fine soot particles; they can blow hazardous soot straight out their exhaust, potentially coating your home or cottage. It's happened! Professionals invest thousands in specialized, sealed high-HEPA soot vacuums to keep your living space entirely clean.
📋 Zero Recourse: An uncertified worker won't provide a proper receipt or service report, leaving you fully liable for any poor workmanship or damage left behind.
Don't risk your home or cottage. Always ask to see their active WETT credentials, confirm their insurance, and insist on a formal receipt for your records.
