Shooting order that works
- Wide shots first.Stand in each doorway and take one photo that shows the whole room and where the water reached.
- Then the source.Photograph the broken pipe, hose or fitting from a few angles, with something for scale.
- Then the damage.Close-ups of wet drywall, swollen baseboards, lifted flooring, stained ceilings and soaked contents.
- Then the water line.Show how high water reached on walls, cabinets and furniture legs.
- Short video walk-through.Narrate the date, time and what happened while walking through each affected space.
Room-by-room checklist
| Area | Photograph | Note in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Sink cabinet, toe kick, flooring seams, appliances | Was the dishwasher or fridge line involved? |
| Bathrooms | Toilet base, vanity, ceiling below | Which fixture leaked and for how long |
| Garage or laundry | Washer valves, hoses, water heater, stored items | Which boxes and items got wet |
| Living areas | Carpet edges, baseboards, furniture legs | Approximate age of damaged furniture |
| Ceilings | Stains, bulges, drips | Which room is above |
| Outside | Wet soil or water near the foundation | Whether the meter box was flooded |
Records to keep together
- Time you noticed the leak and time the water was shut off
- The failed part, bagged and labeled
- Plumber's written invoice with cause and repair
- Contractor name and CSLB license number
- Receipts for fans, dehumidifiers, cleanup supplies and any temporary lodging
- Your water bill for the affected period
- Notes from any calls with your insurer, with dates and names
Why the failed part matters
A split washer hose, a cracked supply nut or a cut-out section of rusted pipe tells the story of the break better than any description. Bag it, write the date and location on the bag, and keep it until any claim is settled. If the plumber takes it away, ask them to photograph it for you first.
Questions to ask your insurer
- What photos or documents do you need from me?
- Should I wait for an adjuster before removing wet drywall or flooring?
- Can I throw out items that are ruined, and what proof do you need first?
- Do you need the plumber's report in a particular form?
Common questions
Should I clean up before taking photos?
Take photos first, then start drying right away. Delaying drying to wait for photos can make damage worse.
Are phone photos good enough?
Yes. Make sure the date and time are saved, and back them up somewhere other than the phone.
What if the leak was hidden for a while?
Document what you find and when you found it. Your plumber's notes on the cause help explain the timeline.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.