How Much Does Fireplace Repair Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $181 - $1,017
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $599 to repair a fireplace or wood stove. Depending on fireplace type, size, and material, most fireplace repairs cost between $181 and $1,017.
Fireplace repair costs between $181 and $1,017, or $599 on average, depending on the type of fireplace you have. Snuggling up in front of a roaring fire with a warm drink and your favorite book is one of the best things about the colder months. However, if your fireplace is on the fritz and you want to get it back in working order, you’ll have to pay a pro for repairs. Read on for a breakdown of fireplace repair costs.
- Average
- $599
- Low end
- $95
- high end
- $2,780
What Factors Impact the Cost of Fireplace Repair?
The total price to have your fireplace repaired can vary based on these factors:
Type: The type of fireplace you have can mean higher (or lower) repair bills when the time comes.
Repairs: The parts that need to be replaced and the extent of repairs add to the total bill.
Location: Many rural areas have higher average costs for fireplace repair than their urban counterparts.
Replacing a few spots of crumbled mortar in your firebox is a much less expensive repair than having your chimney relined. Yearly chimney inspections can help identify minor problems, like a small crack in your fireplace, and give you an opportunity to have the issue repaired before it becomes a bigger, more expensive problem down the road.
Cost of Repairs by Fireplace Type
| Fireplace Type | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas | $200–$1,000 |
| Electric | $100–$700 |
| Wood-Burning | $180–$980 |
Gas: Keeping up with general gas fireplace maintenance is the best way to avoid gas fireplace repairs.
Electric: These provide warmth with no actual fire.You’ll need to hire a local electrician to make any repairs.
Wood-Burning: You should have your gas- or wood-burning fireplace inspected annually, which costs $75 to $125 a shot.
Fireplace Repair Cost by Repair Type
The end cost of a professional fireplace repair doesn't just depend on the type of fireplace; the part of the fireplace that needs repair can also impact the final bill.
| Fireplace Part | Cost to Repair or Replace |
|---|---|
| Firebox | $160–$2,500 |
| Refractory panel (single panel) | $200–$300 |
| Hearth | $150–$800 |
| Mantel | $500–$1,200 |
| Pilot light | $100–$350 |
| Igniter | $100–$150 |
| Gas valve | $150–$300 |
| Thermocouple | $75–$350 |
| Thermopile | $75–$350 |
Firebox Repair
Firebox repair costs $160 to $750, depending on the severity of the damage. Steel firebox inserts are more affordable to repair; often, you’ll just need to find a trusted fireplace repair contractor near you to clean and restore the metal, as it can crack, warp, and rust over time.
In traditional fireplaces, the firebox may be brick or stone masonry which requires repointing when the mortar cracks or crumbles. Brick repointing costs $4 to $25 per square foot. Replacing deteriorating bricks costs $34 to $40 per square foot.
In extreme cases, total firebox replacement costs up to $2,500.
Refractory Panel Repair
If you need to replace a refractory panel inside your prefabricated fireplace insert, expect to spend between $200 and $300 per panel, including labor. These panels can warp over time, but you won’t always need to replace them all at once.
Hearth Repair
The hearth of the fireplace refers to the floor, which typically extends out beyond the firebox. Hearths can be made of several types of inflammable materials, including brick, stone, concrete, slate, and marble. Depending on the type of hearth material, repairs might include replacing a chipped or cracked tile or repointing mortar. Fireplace repair costs for hearth damage can range from $150 to $800.
Mantel Repair
Minor mantel repairs may only run a couple hundred dollars, depending on the material of the mantel itself (mantels can be made of all sorts of materials, including wood, stone, and steel). But if you want to replace your mantel wholesale for a nice upgrade, costs run between $500 and $1,200.
In modern fireplaces, mantels are no longer mandatory, but they help tie the fireplace aesthetic together (and are really fun to decorate). Here are a few fun mantel decor ideas to try all year.
If you’re savvy, you may be able to construct a mantel on your own. Here’s how to build a mantel for your fireplace, if you’re up for the challenge.
Pilot Light Repair
Gas fireplaces rely on the pilot light to get started. If your pilot light is no longer working, it may simply need to be replaced. Have a contractor inspect the unit to be sure, as there could be other reasons your gas fireplace won’t light.
If the pro determines a pilot light replacement is necessary, expect to spend between $100 and $350, including labor.
Igniter Repair
An igniter is also crucial for a gas fireplace’s operation. Without a properly functioning igniter, you won’t be able to light a gas fireplace.
Over time, igniters can wear out and stop working. A professional will charge between $100 and $150 to replace this part.
Gas Valve Repair
Gas valves control the flow of gas to your gas fireplace unit. If yours isn’t working properly, it could be letting gas filter through when it shouldn’t be—leading to a gas leak in your home. That’s why it’s crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your house, including the room with the gas fireplace. Test your carbon monoxide detector regularly to ensure it’s working properly.
If your gas valve isn’t working, a pro will be able to replace it. Expect to spend between $150 and $300, including labor and parts.
Thermocouple Repair
Replacing a thermocouple on a gas fireplace costs between $75 and $350, including parts and labor. The thermocouple is a crucial component for the safe and effective operation of the pilot light and gas valve.
Thermopile Repair
Think of thermopiles as more sensitive, yet more accurate, thermocouples; in fact, thermopiles are a series of connected thermocouples. Some gas fireplaces may use thermopiles instead; repair costs are roughly the same ($75 to $375) as they are for thermocouples.
Chimney Flue Replacement
Chimney flue repairs can be costly, averaging between $200 to $5,000. When more extensive repairs are warranted, you may need to replace the chimney liner. On average, chimney liners cost $2,500 to replace.
Repairing a Fireplace Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional
In most cases, it’s best to contact a fireplace professional in your area to handle repairs. One exception is repairing small cracks in the mortar by chiseling it out and replacing it with heat-resistant refractory mortar, which costs $30 to $60.
For collapsing bricks or extensive damage, consult with a professional chimney sweep or masonry contractor near you. A chimney sweep costs $255 for a basic inspection and cleaning.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gas-burning fireplaces need servicing to keep them in proper working order. You should call a fireplace pro to inspect and clean your gas-burning fireplace at least once per year or whenever problems arise. Servicing your gas-burning fireplace will help it function properly while also extending its lifespan. It’ll also ensure that your fireplace is operating safely.
If your pilot light goes out, you shouldn’t have to worry about gas flowing from the outlet into the air. A safety feature called a thermocouple prevents gas from escaping when the pilot light is not lit. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can relight the pilot light yourself. If not, a fireplace service can relight it—be prepared to pay around $100 for the service call.
Professional fireplace companies are your best bet to find pros who can repair gas fireplace systems. These contractors have the specific experience and skills to address many fireplace issues. If you can’t find any local fireplace repair companies to come out fast enough, try finding a gas plumber near you. Many gas plumbers also have the necessary skills to work on and fix gas fireplaces.
To determine if it’s worth fixing an old fireplace, look at how many repairs you’ve needed recently and how old the fireplace is. If you’ve been calling a pro to your home to fix issues every month, it’s time to replace the fireplace rather than repair it. Fireplaces can last 10 to 30 years, depending on the construction and maintenance, so if your fireplace is getting close to the 20- or 30-year mark, you may want to consider a replacement.
Fireplaces can last between 10 and 30 years on average. This life span heavily depends on the quality of the construction, the type of fireplace (wood-burning versus gas versus electric), the materials used, and how well you’ve maintained it. Most homeowners get around 20 years out of their fireplace before major issues start popping up.