Why Annual Chimney & Dryer Vent Inspections Are a Must

It’s easy to forget about your chimney or dryer vent—until something goes wrong. But here's the truth: waiting until you see smoke backing up, smell something weird, or hear strange noises from your flue could mean you’re already in trouble. At Mr. Sweeps chimney and dryer vent cleaning service, we’ve seen too many homeowners across Fort Worth, Arlington, Keller, and surrounding cities deal with preventable issues that could’ve been caught early with a simple annual inspection.

Think of your chimney and dryer vent like the exhaust system in your car. You wouldn’t skip an oil change for years and expect everything to run smoothly, right? The same goes for your fireplace and dryer. Blockages, creosote buildup, disconnected vents, hidden cracks—these are real safety hazards that don’t announce themselves until the damage is done.

Let’s dig into why a yearly checkup by a certified technician is one of the smartest things you can do for your home and your peace of mind.

Chimney Inspections: Catching Problems Before They Spark

A cozy fireplace can quickly become a fire hazard if the chimney isn’t in good shape. Creosote—the byproduct of burning wood—coats the inside of your flue every time you light a fire. Over time, this sticky substance builds up and becomes highly flammable. All it takes is one hot ember or drafty wind gust to ignite it.

A chimney inspection checks for more than just creosote, though. We also look for:

- Cracks in the flue liner

- Animals or nests inside the chimney

- Blockages or obstructions

- Deteriorating mortar or bricks

- Moisture damage or rusted components

Homes in places like Grapevine, Burleson, Weatherford, and Decatur often have chimneys that haven’t been checked in years—especially if they’re older properties. That’s when we start finding issues like missing chimney caps, gaps in flashing, or cracked crowns that are letting in water and creating even bigger issues.

We recommend a Level 1 chimney inspection at least once a year, especially before the start of the cooler season. It’s fast, affordable, and could prevent a fire or carbon monoxide leak.

Dryer Vent Inspections: The Hidden Danger in Your Walls

It might surprise you to learn that clogged dryer vents are one of the leading causes of house fires in the U.S. Lint builds up inside the vent line—not just in the lint trap—and if it gets too thick, it can ignite from the heat of your dryer. A simple inspection can stop that risk in its tracks.

When we inspect dryer vents across Bridgeport, Aledo, Mansfield, and Springtown, we’re looking for:

- Lint buildup or blockages in the line

- Kinks or crushed vent hoses behind the dryer

- Disconnected or damaged ducts

- Poor ventilation or long vent runs

- Bird nests or other obstructions outside

We’ve seen homes where the dryer vent was completely clogged—causing overheating, longer drying times, higher energy bills, and in some cases, visible scorching or burning smells. The homeowner had no idea anything was wrong until we showed them what we pulled out of the line.

A quick dryer vent inspection and cleaning once a year is all it takes to avoid costly repairs—or worse, a fire.

What Makes Mr. Sweeps chimney and dryer vent cleaning service Different

We’re not a franchise or a pop-up seasonal company. Mr. Sweeps chimney and dryer vent cleaning service has been around since 1982, family-owned and run by Doug Callaway, offering no-mass, guaranteed service with real local roots. Our inspections aren’t about selling you on unnecessary repairs—they’re about safety, trust, and doing the job right.

When you book a chimney or dryer vent inspection with us, here’s what you get:

- Prompt, professional service from experienced techs

- Honest, detailed explanations of what we find (and what we don’t)

- Affordable options to fix any issues, if needed

- Peace of mind knowing your home is safe and ready

Whether you're in Crowley, Keller, Grapevine, or Fort Worth, we treat every home like it’s our own. And that means we don’t cut corners or rush through the job just to move on to the next customer.

Signs You’re Overdue for an Inspection

Not sure if it’s time to schedule an inspection? Look out for these signs:

- Smoky smells after using the fireplace

- Poor fireplace draft or smoke backing into the room

- Birds or rustling noises from the chimney

- Dryer taking multiple cycles to dry clothes

- Burning smell near your laundry area

- Lint gathering around the dryer vent opening outside

If any of those sound familiar, don’t wait. Give us a call at and let us take a look before the issue gets worse.

Book Your Inspection Today

Don’t leave your family’s safety to chance. Whether it’s your fireplace or dryer vent, hidden hazards can be lurking out of sight. A quick inspection by Mr. Sweeps chimney and dryer vent cleaning service can uncover issues, save you money, and give you total peace of mind.

We proudly serve Fort Worth, Keller, Arlington, Grapevine, Burleson, Crowley, Springtown, Weatherford, Decatur, Bridgeport, Mansfield, Brock, and Aledo.

Call us today at or book online. Your home—and your family—deserve nothing less.