How Much Does Fireplace Repair Cost?
Typical Range:
$181 - $1,017
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 8,824 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
How We Get This Data
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- Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.
- When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.
- We compile the data and report costs back to you.
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Updated April 16, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.Highlights
Fireplace repairs can involve complex electrical, gas, or cleaning tasks, making professional intervention safer and more effective.
Gas fireplace repair costs average between $200 and $1,000, while wood fireplace repairs range from $160 to $2,500.
Fireplace repair cost is impacted by type of fireplace, parts needing replacement, labor, and the extent of damage.
Common materials for fireplace construction include cast iron, brick, concrete, metal, and stone.
Fireplace repair can address burner issues, door gasket failures, firebox fixes, mantel upgrades, and chimney flue replacements.
Highlights were summarized from this existing cost guide text using automation technology and were thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Fireplace repair costs $599 on average, or between $181 and $1,017. Prices will vary depending on the problem and what fuel it burns, but you can pay up to $5,000.
Gas, wood, and electric fireplaces bring comfort and warmth during the cold winter months. But when they fail to light, you’ll need to look into repairs. If you notice water in your fireplace, smoke not filtering through the chimney, or any other oddity, stop using your fireplace and call a pro. These could be signs of hazardous issues.
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| National Average | $599 |
| Typical Range | $181 - $1,017 |
| Low End - High End | $95 - $2,790 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 8,824 HomeAdvisor members.
Fireplace Repair Cost by Fireplace Type
Different fuel types come with varying repair problems and associated prices. The following table covers the average repair costs depending on the fireplace type. We'll dive into more detail below.
| Fireplace Fuel Type | Average Cost Range to Repair |
|---|---|
| Gas | $200 – $1,000 |
| Wood | $160 – $2,500 |
| Electric | $100 – $300 |
| Pellet | $150 – $800 |
Gas
Gas fireplace repair costs $200 to $1,000 on average. Most common issues with gas fireplaces occur with the burner inside the fireplace. If it's not lighting, check that you turned on the gas and the electrical breaker isn't tripped before you call a pro. Note that gas fireplace installations cost around $2,300 to $10,000.
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Wood
Wood fireplace repair costs around $160 to $2,500. Most often, you’ll need it cleaned since burning wood creates creosote, which can clog the chimney and cause a fire hazard. Less commonly, you may need to replace the gasket or handle or fix a door hinge.
Common Wood Stove Repairs
Wood stoves are made from cast iron and are every bit as functional as they’re decorative. The most common issue with wood stoves is a door gasket failure. The gasket keeps smoke from billowing out into the room, and while they’re designed to withstand heat, they break down over time. Luckily, gaskets are easy to replace. Proper wood stove maintenance can extend the life of your stove.
| Wood Stove Repair Type | Average Repair Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Smoky coating on glass door | $0 | Eliminate coating with ashes and rag |
| New stove smell | $75 – $130 | Often smells like fresh paint for about a week |
| Smoking stove | $0 | Usually caused by wet wood |
| Chimney obstruction | $120 – $360 | Creosote buildup, animal nests, and wind-borne debris are common culprits |
| Stovepipes coming loose at joints | $75 – $130 | Inspect all joints annually and after earthquake |
| Failing gasket | $20 – $50 | Due to age or faulty gasket glue |
| Improperly installed wood stove insert | $3,000 – $4,000 | When not installed correctly, gases won’t safely vent outdoors |
Electric
Electric fireplace repair costs $100 to $300 on average. They're essentially electric heaters that display an image of a fire or simulate a fire. They're often used as slide-ins that can fit flush inside a wall and are safer since there's no actual flame.
Pellet
Pellet stove repairs cost approximately $150 to $800. They're not as much of a fireplace as a stove and heater with excellent efficiency. But they're more complex than a traditional fireplace, meaning there are more parts that may fail. Pellet stoves often have thermostats with automatic pellet dispensing from the hopper to the combustion chamber. A wood or gas fireplace has no moving parts outside the damper.
Fireplace Repair Cost by Part
Fireplace repairs cost a wide range of prices primarily due to the parts you might need replacing. A gasket replacement might run only a few dollars, with another $50 or more in labor to put it in, while resleeving a chimney might hit $5,000.
| Fireplace Part | Average Cost Range to Repair |
|---|---|
| Firebox | $150 – $1,000 |
| Panel | $200 – $300 |
| Mantle | $500 – $1,200 |
| Masonry | $500 – $2,500 |
| Chimney sweeping | $130 – $380 |
Firebox
The firebox houses the fire, with one side open to you. It can be an insert or a built-in brick, concrete, or metal design. Fixing a firebox costs around $150 to $1,000. A stone firebox that needs rebuilding can cost upwards of $1,500 or $2,500.
Panel
Also known as inserts, refractory panels come inside many factory-made fireplaces. Replacing a fireplace panel runs between $200 to $300, including labor. Expect to pay $350 to $750 if replacing multiple panels. They’re designed to withstand high temperatures but may bend or warp and need to be replaced.
Mantel
A new mantel costs around $500 to $1,200, including labor for an upgrade. It was invented to redirect smoke up into the chimney and keep it out of the home. But with modern fireplace designs, a mantel isn't necessary, so it's evolved into a decorative piece that sits above the fireplace.
Depending on the extent of your mantel upgrade, you may consider other fireplace installation costs. However, if you have an antique marble mantel that costs around $20,000 or more, you’ll want to speak with an antique marble repairer, which could run into the thousands.
Flue
Flue liners need replacing when they crack or break, with chimney flue repairs costing anywhere from $200 to $5,000. Some cases may call for the cost to reline the chimney, in which case you could pay in the thousands.
Masonry and Mortar
Repointing helps preserve the structure of brick and mortar, and repointing brick costs around $500 to $2,500. However, if you only need to repoint the fireplace and not the chimney, you might pay between $5 and $25 per square foot. Tuckpointing is more for aesthetics, and tuckpointing brick costs between $3 and $10 per square foot.
Chimney Sweeping
Chimney sweeping costs around $130 to $380 and is necessary to reduce the risk of house fires. Burning a log releases creosote resin, which collects in your chimney. Creosote resin is highly flammable and becomes dangerous when it builds up. Hire a local chimney sweep to clean out this resin and protect your home.
Other Common Fireplace Repairs
Brick and stone fireplaces need many of the same repairs, most frequently involving mortar. Metal fireboxes can rust if not cleaned and maintained. And outdoor fireplaces are most prone to weather damage since the mortar can deteriorate and cause bricks or stones to become loose and fall out.
Here are some other things to keep in mind for outdoor fireplaces:
Maintain glazed tiles.
Clean out the firebox regularly.
Cover metal parts to prevent rust.
Order an inspection after an earthquake if living in an earthquake zone.
Save Yourself the Hassle. Let a Fireplace Specialist Get It Done.
Fireplace Inspection Costs
You'll spend $75 to $400 for the cost of a chimney inspection and complete fireplace assessment. You generally don't need an inspection after buying the home unless your fireplace stops working, you smell gas, or your home fills with smoke. Most regular maintenance and cleaning includes an examination, but it varies depending on the fuel you burn.
Wood: Get your chimney cleaned yearly or more often if you use it as a primary heat source. Your chimney sweep will inspect it as part of the cleaning process.
Gas: You'll pay $75–$130 for a pro to check the fireplace. Note that gas fireplaces don’t have a chimney.
Electric: You typically won't need an inspection for an electric fireplace.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Unless you’re trained in dealing with electricity, gas, or cleaning creosote, it’s best to leave repairs to a professional who can handle the repair safely and correctly. Find a fireplace repair company near you to fix the problem. Not properly fixing an issue with your fireplace could result in even costlier repairs at best and a dangerous house fire at worst.
Talk to a Fireplace Expert for more information
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the pilot light goes out on a gas fireplace?
If a pilot light goes out on a gas fireplace, you’ll need to follow the instructions on your unit to relight the pilot light if it goes out. The pilot light lights the gas when you turn it on, so it serves a vital function. The thermocouple is near the pilot light, and if it senses the pilot light is off, it’ll shut off the gas to your fireplace for safety measures.
Is it more expensive to run a gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are more expensive to run than wood-burning or electric fireplaces but require less work and cleaning. They cost about $0.30 to $0.60 per hour to run continuously, or about $200 to $400 per month. On the other hand, a pellet stove costs around $35 to $45 per month to run, which is cheaper than a gas fireplace.
Does a gas fireplace need cleaning?
Gas fireplaces perform better when cleaned annually, which is also a good time to get an inspection. They don't build up creosote but do build up black soot, which should be cleaned yearly to ensure your fireplace is safe, works properly, and looks good.
Do plumbers fix gas fireplaces?
Natural gas plumbers near you can fix fireplaces, but most fireplace repair companies offer similar services regardless of the fire fuel type. Most companies do full service for any fireplace repair type, location, or fuel type. And many professionals offer yearly service contracts for a flat rate and basic maintenance and cleaning options.
How often should a gas fireplace be serviced?
Get your gas fireplace serviced every fall. Clean gas fireplaces every year, either before or after the season, since they can develop soot over time, which darkens the glass. You can often find a gas fireplace service pro you can schedule annual checkups with.
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