Wood Stove

When getting a chimney sweep service, what are some things that one will need. I know I want it swept, at least I think I know, but a little help could go a long way. Lighting a test fire was a disaster that left smoke leaking out of the pipe (from the stove to the wall) in the the house. Also, there is a mettle thing (a cone topping a cylinder) connected to the chimney, but i don't see any screen around it for keeping birds out. I assume that the chimney is clogged. There is a glottus (what some call a flue) on the wood stove itself, but this opens/closes before you get to the exhaust pipe leading to the chimney. Other than that, I see no other blockage between the stove & chim. I know this is the building forum, but it's specific to my problem. Any solutions?

 

I would at the very least take a mirror and look up into the chimney (during the daylight) and see if you have a blockage..... Really, if this is a chimney if unknown integrity you should have your local fire inspector or fire chief check it first. It may save them a call in the middle of the night, and, give you some peace of mind.