How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost in San Diego?

A breakdown of what homeowners can expect to pay

If you’ve had a flood, burst pipe, or leak in your home, one of the first questions you probably have is simple: how much is this going to cost me? Water damage restoration can range from a minor repair to a major rebuild, and costs vary depending on how much water got in, how long it sat, and what parts of your home were affected.

At Jakobsen Restoration, we’ve helped hundreds of San Diego homeowners handle water damage quickly and affordably. In this post, we break down the average costs for water damage restoration and the factors that influence your total price.

How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost in San Diego?

While every case is unique, here’s what most homeowners can expect:

• Minor damage (clean water, small area, no structural issues):
  $500 to $2,500
• Moderate damage (multiple rooms, some drywall or flooring removal):
  $2,500 to $7,000
• Major damage (contaminated water, mold, structural drying and rebuild):
  $7,000 to $15,000+

These are general estimates based on typical residential jobs across San Diego. For commercial properties or large-scale flooding, costs can be higher depending on square footage and required equipment.

What Affects the Cost of Water Damage Restoration?

Several key factors influence what you’ll pay for water damage repair:

1. The source of the water
   Clean water from a broken pipe is easier and cheaper to clean than sewage or stormwater, which may require hazmat-level sanitation.
2. How long the water sat
   The longer the water sits, the deeper it seeps into walls, floors, and insulation. That means more extensive drying, potential mold remediation, and sometimes reconstruction.
3. The size and layout of the affected area
   More rooms, more surface area, and more flooring or cabinetry mean higher costs. Homes with crawl spaces or basements may need additional work.
4. Materials affected
   Tile and concrete dry faster. Hardwood, drywall, and carpet often need to be replaced. Restoration costs increase with premium finishes or specialty items.
5. Emergency response time
   After-hours service or rapid-response teams (like ours at Jakobsen) may come with an additional fee, but acting fast often prevents much more expensive damage later.

What Does the Cost Typically Include?

A professional water damage restoration bill usually covers:

• Initial inspection and moisture detection
• Water extraction and drying (fans, dehumidifiers, etc.)
• Removal of damaged materials
• Mold prevention treatments if needed
• Repair or reconstruction services
• Final cleaning and sanitization
• Coordination with your insurance company (if applicable)

At Jakobsen Restoration, we provide transparent estimates and can help guide you through the insurance claims process if your damage is covered.

Will Insurance Cover My Water Damage?

It depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. Insurance generally covers sudden or accidental water damage, like from a burst pipe or appliance failure. It typically does not cover gradual leaks, poor maintenance, or flooding from natural disasters (unless you have separate flood insurance).

We work with all major insurance providers and can help you navigate your claim, document the damage, and make sure you receive a fair settlement.

Why San Diego Homes Are Prone to Water Damage

Even in our mild coastal climate, water damage is common in San Diego due to aging infrastructure, slab leaks, poor drainage, and seasonal rain. Homes in areas like Clairemont, Chula Vista, and North Park often experience water-related issues due to older plumbing and foundation settling.

Need a Free Water Damage Estimate?

Jakobsen Restoration offers free same-day inspections across San Diego County. Whether it’s a small leak or a major flood, we’ll give you a clear, honest quote and a plan to fix it fast.

Call (800) 880-2848 or schedule your estimate today.