That time I dropped a brush head down a flue in Portland

I was cleaning a rental property in Portland last Tuesday and the brush head came loose from the rod about 15 feet down. Just heard this clunk and then nothing. I tried fishing it out with a magnet on a string but it kept slipping off since the head is mostly nylon. Ended up having to pull the whole liner section from the top and go down there with a grabber tool. Took me almost 2 hours to get it back and I was covered in soot by the end. The homeowner was not thrilled about the delay but at least I didn't have to cut into the wall. Has anyone else had a brush head break off mid sweep and found a faster way to get it back?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_lucas22d ago

12 bucks says that magnet on a string idea came from a YouTube video that made it look way easier than it actually is. I've had a brush head pop off maybe three times over the years and every single time I think "I'll just rig something up real quick" and then an hour later I'm scrubbing soot out of my hair. Honestly pulling the liner is probably the fastest way in the long run, even if it feels like a disaster in the moment. At least you got it back without having to bust out the drywall saw, that's a win in my book.

abby_palmer22d agoTop Commenter

Honestly though, YouTube hacks work fine if you take your time with them.