How much does Carpet repair cost?

Wall-to-wall carpeting adds an undeniable coziness to a home’s living areas. It’s an affordable, quick-to-install floor covering that quiets a room, brings warmth and softness underfoot, and adds color and style. 

Despite these benefits, however, carpeting is prone to stain and damage. Many carpet owners—especially those with pets—know how quickly a new carpet can collect fur and dirt, or become soiled or snagged. 

Repairing a carpet takes skill, so it’s not typically a DIY task for homeowners. A carpet installation or carpet repair professional typically has the tools and expertise to do the job right.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the typical costs of professional carpet repair.

The national average cost of carpet repair ranges from $130–325, including materials and labor. 

Small areas of damage—burns, rips, small holes, or snags under 12 inches long—can be fixed relatively easily by an experienced carpet pro for $80–120. On the high end, water damage might require replacing the entire carpet and carpet padding in a large room, at a cost of $1,100–3,500. 

Here’s what you’ll typically pay for common carpet repairs:

Carpet patching. If carpet patching is needed for a repair, expect a cost of $115–260, depending on the area of damage and type of carpet. The trick is to find a matching piece for a patch. If you don’t have matching remnants from your original carpet installation, a repair pro may be able to poach a replacement piece from an inconspicuous area, such as a closet. 

The poached piece can then be replaced with carpeting that’s a close match. This process may add an extra hour or two, which will be reflected in labor costs of $60–80 per hour, plus the price of new carpeting. 

Loose or bunched-up carpeting. This is typically caused by improper installation, high humidity, or the carpet’s age. Carpet pros can tighten up a carpet and remove wrinkles and bumps by using a technique called carpet stretching (or carpet restretching). Many pros use a tool called a power stretcher, which makes the job easier. Stretching costs about $35–85 per room or $0.20–0.40 per square foot.

Carpet stains. For pet stains or areas that look dingy due to heavy use, carpet cleaning might be all that’s needed. The average price of professional carpet cleaning is $0.20–0.50 per square foot or $20–80 per room. 

Water damage. Damage from flooding or roof leaks can wreak havoc on carpeting. If the water is clean, drying out the carpet is a viable option, but don’t wait. Over time, water can seep in and harm surrounding areas and subfloors, greatly increasing project costs for repair. To prevent mildew and mold from forming, be 100% sure that the carpet fibers and carpet pad dry out completely. Drying a carpet usually requires special fans, and for the room to be well ventilated for several days. Professional carpet drying costs an average $100–300. 

Carpet replacement. This may be necessary if carpeting is badly damaged, or if it’s old or out of style. Purchasing and installing new carpet can run $1.50–7.00 for nylon and other synthetics, and $6–18 per square foot for natural fibers such as wool. 

The following factors can affect the total cost of carpet repair: 

Here are some ways to reduce your carpet repair costs:

Is it cheaper to replace or repair a carpet? 

This choice usually depends on the condition of your carpet and extent of damage. In cases where there’s a defined tear, repair shouldn’t be a problem. But if your carpet has widespread damage or is old and worn, replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.

How much does it cost to fix a foot of carpet? 

For rips or tears in 1 square foot of carpet, professional repair typically costs $80–120. But the exact price depends on the type of carpet you have, and whether replacement material is readily available or must be purchased.

How much does it cost to replace a square of carpet?

Replacing a small area of carpet with a fresh piece, usually referred to as “patching,” typically costs $115–260 when performed by a carpet pro. 

Learn more about carpet services:

Find a carpet repair and cleaning professional in your area.