Chimney and Fireplace Service in Puyallup, Washington
Puyallup's valley downtown grew with the 1880s hop boom, while South Hill above it filled in much later. We inspect chimneys and fireplaces in both for free.
The Puyallup people lived in this valley long before Ezra Meeker platted the townsite in 1877 and named it after them. Meeker's hop farm drove fast growth in the 1880s, and when the city incorporated in 1890 he became its first mayor. The fairgrounds, home of the Washington State Fair, served as the Camp Harmony internment camp in World War II. The 2020 census counted 42,973 people in the city, and unincorporated South Hill next door, with Puyallup mailing addresses, counted 64,708.
Census figures (ACS 2024) put the city's median year built at 1987, but about 7 percent of its homes date from before 1940. That is a higher share than Renton, Kent, Auburn or Federal Way. Gas heats about 40 percent of homes and electricity 57 percent. In practice that means brick chimneys on older houses in the valley and factory-built or gas fireplaces in the newer subdivisions up the hill. The free inspection covers both, with photos and a written price before any work.
Inside the Smoke Reduction Zone
On the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's zone map, Puyallup and the South Hill area sit inside the Tacoma-Pierce County Smoke Reduction Zone, with the boundary running along the east side of the valley toward Sumner. Inside the zone it has been illegal since October 1, 2015 to buy or operate an uncertified wood stove or insert. The agency says those must be removed and recycled, or rendered inoperable, unless the home holds an approved heat exemption. If your address is near the edge, confirm it on the map at pscleanair.gov.
The agency pays homeowners $500 to recycle an eligible stove. A replacement EPA-certified wood stove installed typically runs $3,000 to $8,000, and a gas insert $2,000 to $8,000. Open brick fireplaces aren't covered by the zone rule, but they can't be used in any burn ban.
Brick in the valley, chase covers on the hill
Tacoma's downtown weather station, about 10 miles away, averages about 41 inches of rain a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals). On an older brick chimney that water gets in through cracked crowns, open mortar joints and worn flashing. A new crown typically runs $600 to $2,200, repointing $500 to $2,500 and flashing $300 to $1,800.
On newer homes with factory-built fireplaces, the sheet-metal chase cover on top is the usual leak point. When it rusts or sags it holds water that drips down inside the chase. A new chase cover typically runs $300 to $700.
Where we work in Puyallup
Downtown Puyallup · South Hill · Sunrise · Manorwood · Silvercreek · Gem Heights · Lipoma Firs
FAQ
Puyallup chimney questions
Is Puyallup in the Smoke Reduction Zone?
Yes. On the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's map, Puyallup and South Hill are inside the boundary. Uncertified wood stoves and inserts there can't be used and must be removed and recycled or made inoperable, unless the home has an approved heat exemption. Homes near the edge should check the map at pscleanair.gov.
Can I still use my brick fireplace in Puyallup?
Yes, when no burn ban is in effect. The zone rule covers uncertified stoves and inserts, not open fireplaces. Fireplaces must stay cold in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 bans, and Pierce County bans are called at a lower pollution forecast than King County's.
How much does a chimney cleaning cost in Puyallup?
We price the cleaning at the free inspection, after we have seen the fireplace or stove, the flue and the buildup. You get the price in writing before any work starts.
Will you take my old stove out for the $500 recycling program?
Yes. The agency requires the homeowner to have the stove removed and taken to an approved recycler, and photos are reviewed first. We handle the removal and can install the replacement.
Book online
Book in Puyallup. The inspection is free.
Free inspection in a 3-hour window: 8 to 11, 11 to 2, or 2 to 5. We call to confirm before we arrive.