How Much Does Fireplace Repair Cost?

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.