What Is a Chimney Camera Inspection?

By Garrett Sullivan, 16 years of experience · November 13, 2026 · 6 min read

A chimney camera inspection uses a camera to view the inside of a flue and document conditions a view from the fireplace opening may miss. Choose one when you need a closer look at the flue’s interior; a video scan is required for a Level 2 inspection of a masonry chimney.

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What a Chimney Camera Inspection Shows Inside the Flue

A chimney camera inspection, also called a chimney video inspection, uses a camera to look along the inside of the flue. The sweep can review the camera’s image on a monitor and record visible conditions, including deposits, obstructions, cracks, gaps or damage to the liner.

The camera adds a view that a look up from the firebox cannot provide. It helps locate and document visible problems along the parts of the flue the camera can access, but it does not automatically diagnose every cause of smoke, odor or water entry. The fireplace, smoke chamber, chimney exterior and connections may also need attention depending on the concern.

When a Chimney Camera Scan Is the Right Next Step

A camera scan is most useful when the question involves the flue’s interior or a closer inspection is called for. The purpose of the visit matters: a camera view documents conditions, while sweeping removes soot and creosote.

• You need a closer look at the flue — Choose a video inspection when a visual check from the firebox does not show enough of the interior to answer the concern.
• The appliance or chimney use is changing — A Level 2 inspection is recommended in situations such as an appliance change, a home sale, relining, or a fire or weather event. For masonry chimneys, the CSIA Level 2 inspection procedure requires a video scan.
• You suspect a blockage or hidden damage — A camera can help locate visible obstructions or damage within the accessible flue. Stop using the fireplace if smoke is entering the room or you see signs of a blockage, and have the chimney checked.
• The chimney needs cleaning — A camera inspection and a chimney sweep are different tasks. Ask about cleaning when the concern is soot or creosote buildup; a camera scan can document the flue’s condition.

How a Camera Inspection Differs From a Visual Check

These inspection approaches answer different questions. A camera gives a closer view inside the flue, while a visual check covers accessible parts of the fireplace and chimney.

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What Happens During a Chimney Video Inspection

A professional inspection follows a practical sequence: establish the concern, access the flue, examine its interior and review what the camera shows. The exact route depends on the chimney and the area that needs inspection.

1. Describe the concern — Tell the sweep what you noticed, such as smoke entering the room, a suspected obstruction or a change to the appliance. This helps identify which parts of the system need attention.
2. Identify the fireplace and flue — The sweep checks which opening and flue serve the appliance being inspected. Confirm that the fireplace or stove is not in use so the inspection can proceed safely.
3. Access the flue — The sweep determines how to reach the flue, using the fireplace opening or another suitable access point. The access route matters because it affects what the camera can reach.
4. Position the camera — A small inspection camera and its cable are placed into the flue. The sweep checks the live image on a monitor to confirm that the camera is showing the passage clearly.
5. Move through the flue — The camera is advanced carefully so the sweep can examine visible surfaces and changes in the passage. The image is checked for deposits, obstructions, gaps or damage.
6. Record areas of concern — The sweep notes or captures visible problem areas so their location can be reviewed. A finding should be connected to the part of the chimney where it appears, not treated as a guess about the cause.
7. Review the results — Ask which parts were visible and what the camera showed. A clear review helps separate an observed condition from a recommended repair or cleaning.
8. Confirm the next work — Use the findings to decide whether the next step is cleaning, repair or another inspection. Do not use the fireplace if the inspection identifies a condition that makes operation unsafe.

How to Read the Findings From Your Chimney Camera Inspection

A camera image is useful when you know what it shows and what it cannot establish by itself. Ask the sweep to identify the location and visible condition before agreeing to additional work.

• Creosote or soot is visible — Ask whether the deposit needs to be removed and whether the visit includes cleaning. A camera inspection documents; it does not remove buildup.
• A crack, gap or damaged liner appears — Ask where the condition is, how it affects the flue and what repair or further evaluation is recommended. Avoid using the fireplace until you understand whether the condition affects safe operation.
• The camera encounters an obstruction — Have the obstruction identified before using the appliance. Do not reach into the flue or try to dislodge an unknown object yourself.
• The camera cannot show the whole area — Ask which section was not visible and whether another access method or inspection is needed. A partial view should not be described as a complete view of areas the camera did not reach.

What a Chimney Camera Cannot Confirm on Its Own

A camera shows the surfaces and conditions visible in its image; it does not repair damage, remove deposits or establish the cause of every chimney problem. A view inside the flue also may not answer questions about the chimney’s exterior, flashing, crown, firebox or other components.

For example, a camera image showing moisture-related damage does not by itself identify where water entered. The sweep may need to inspect other parts of the chimney to connect the visible condition with its source. Ask what was observed, what area was checked and what additional work is actually recommended.

A camera is also not a substitute for cleaning. If you are unsure whether the flue needs a sweep, see our guide to getting your chimney ready for an Ohio winter or ask about a chimney video inspection service.

Need help now? (380) 234-1398

How to Book a Chimney Video Inspection in Columbus

When you book, describe the fireplace or appliance, the concern you noticed and whether the system has changed or had a fire or weather event. These details help determine whether a video inspection, a different inspection, cleaning or repair is the relevant service.

The time for a visit varies with access, the flue and what the inspection finds; a camera scan takes additional work to position, guide and review the camera. Ohio Chimney and Fireplace is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Garrett Sullivan, the owner, has 16 years of experience with chimneys and fireplaces, and we explain the work clearly and recommend only services a homeowner needs.

To arrange a visit, contact us with the details of your chimney and concern. You can also learn about a chimney sweep in Columbus if the flue needs cleaning rather than inspection alone.

Frequently asked questions