Ventilate and protect redundant chimney flues with traditional clay pepper pot inserts in red and buff finishes.
Designed to sit inside an existing chimney pot, these ventilated inserts help reduce direct rain entry, discourage bird access and maintain essential airflow through an unused flue.
Choose the required spigot size and colour below. The spigot diameter is the external diameter of the lower section that fits inside the chimney pot.
A clay pepper pot insert provides a traditional and unobtrusive way to terminate an unused chimney pot while retaining background ventilation through the redundant flue.
Suitable for: Redundant or permanently unused chimney flues that still require ventilation.
Available finishes: Choose from red and buff clay to complement common terracotta and buff chimney pots.
Important safety notice: These inserts are intended principally for redundant flues. Do not install one on a chimney serving a wood-burning stove, open fire, gas appliance, oil appliance or other live combustion appliance unless its suitability has been confirmed by a competent professional.
Measure the internal opening of the chimney pot and select an insert with a spigot that fits securely inside it. Allow for the actual shape, taper and condition of the pot.
| Spigot diameter | Approximate overall top diameter |
|---|---|
| 185mm | Approximately 300mm |
| 205mm | Approximately 300mm |
| 235mm | Approximately 320mm |
| 275mm | Approximately 340mm |
Unsure which size to order? Send us a clear photograph showing a tape measure across the internal diameter of the chimney pot. We can help identify the closest available size, although final suitability should be confirmed before installation.
Call for product advice Email a photograph
A pepper pot insert is a ventilated clay chimney terminal designed to sit within the opening of an existing chimney pot. Its perforated upper section maintains airflow while helping to limit direct rainfall, debris and bird access.
A chimney may no longer serve a fireplace or appliance but can still contain cold, moisture-laden air. Completely sealing the top without considering ventilation can contribute to condensation within the flue and surrounding masonry.
A ventilated pepper pot insert allows background air movement while providing more protection than leaving the chimney pot completely open.
A standard pepper pot insert should not be treated as a universal chimney cowl. It may be unsuitable where the flue serves:
Live flues require a terminal selected for the appliance, fuel, flue system and installation conditions. Manufacturer instructions and the advice of a competent installer should take priority.
Find a suitable chimney cowlIn many situations, effective flue ventilation requires provision for airflow at both the top and lower end of the redundant flue. Simply ventilating the chimney pot may not resolve an existing damp or condensation problem if air cannot circulate through the full flue.
A chimney sweep, experienced roofer, builder or fireplace installer can inspect the arrangement and advise whether additional ventilation is required.
Find a chimney professionalThe spigot is positioned inside the chimney pot and secured using a fixing method appropriate to the pot, insert and exposure of the chimney. Depending on the product and circumstances, this may involve a suitable exterior-grade mortar, sealant or proprietary adhesive.
Before installation, the chimney pot should be checked for:
Working at height: Chimney terminals should only be installed using safe access equipment and an appropriate working-at-height system. Do not attempt installation from an unsecured roof ladder or by leaning from a window.
Where the chimney stack or flaunching is defective, repairs should normally be completed before fitting the new insert.
Read about chimney stack repairs
Maintain ventilation through an unused flue while reducing direct exposure to rain, debris and bird access.
Flues serving live appliances require a compatible terminal. Browse appliance cowls, anti-downdraught cowls and bird guards.
Browse chimney cowls
Pepper pot inserts are frequently installed when repairing chimney pots, flaunching, masonry and weathered chimney stacks.
Chimney pot guideThe correct terminal depends on whether the flue is redundant, ventilated, connected to an appliance or experiencing a specific performance problem.
Used to close or protect unused chimney pots. Some designs retain ventilation, while others seal the opening more completely.
View chimney capsDesigned to deter birds and nesting material while allowing the flue to discharge or ventilate, subject to appliance compatibility.
View bird guardsSpecialist terminals intended to help address wind-related downdraught or unstable chimney performance on suitable live flues.
Browse all cowlsIt is primarily used to terminate and ventilate a redundant chimney flue. The ventilated clay top helps maintain airflow while reducing direct rain entry and making bird access more difficult.
Not unless the terminal has been specifically confirmed as suitable for the appliance and flue system. A live stove flue normally requires a compatible cowl or terminal selected in accordance with the appliance and flue manufacturer’s instructions.
Measure the internal diameter of the opening where the insert will sit. Compare this measurement with the external spigot diameter shown for the product. Also check for tapering, distortion or damage within the pot.
No exposed chimney terminal can necessarily guarantee that no wind-driven rain will enter. A pepper pot insert substantially reduces the open area and helps limit direct rainfall while retaining ventilation.
It helps deter access through the top of the chimney pot, but suitability depends on the dimensions of the openings and the condition of the chimney. A purpose-made bird guard may be more appropriate in some situations.
Often, yes. A redundant flue commonly benefits from ventilation at both high and low level so that air can circulate. The correct arrangement depends on the construction and condition of the chimney.
Our red and buff clay pepper pot inserts provide a durable, traditional-looking finish for redundant chimney flues. Select the required spigot diameter online or contact us with a photograph and measurements for product guidance.
Shop pepper pot inserts Contact our team
The Reclaimed Company ®
Sutton Road, Wigginton, York
North Yorkshire, YO32 2RB
