Pro tip: Check the damper before you start sweeping a fireplace in an old house.

Last week in a 1920s colonial in Akron, I spent 20 minutes trying to push my brush past what I thought was a bad offset. The homeowner finally mentioned the damper handle was broken off years ago, and the plate was stuck shut. Has anyone else run into a hidden damper like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

benwilliams2mo ago

Broken off years ago? I mean, what.

king.jordan1mo ago

Yeah that "I mean, what" part is exactly how I feel too. Like how do you even get to a point where you're still hung up on something from years ago? I get that some things stick with you but at a certain point you gotta ask yourself if you're holding onto it or if it's holding onto you. It's like you're letting someone live rent free in your head long after they moved out. Is there really nothing else going on in your life worth putting that energy into instead?

seanlewis1mo ago

Seriously, just let it go. They're not worth the brain space after this long. Focus on what's in front of you now.