Key dates
| Event | Date | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First noticed a sign (warm spot, damp, bill) | ____ | ____ | ______________ |
| Meter test confirmed a leak | ____ | ____ | ______________ |
| Water shut off (main or heater inlet) | ____ | ____ | ______________ |
| Insurer first contacted | ____ | ____ | ______________ |
| Leak located | ____ | ____ | ______________ |
| Repair started | ____ | ____ | ______________ |
| Repair tested and completed | ____ | ____ | ______________ |
| Drying and restoration completed | ____ | ____ | ______________ |
Photos to take
- Wide shot of each affected room before anything is moved.
- Close-ups of damp flooring, swollen baseboards and cracks.
- The meter reading and leak indicator, with the time visible on your phone.
- Any marked warm areas with tape and dates.
- The open slab or wall and the damaged pipe, if you can do so safely.
- Damaged belongings, before they are discarded.
Call log
| Date | Who (insurer, plumber, city utility) | Person's name | What was said or agreed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ____ | ______ | ______ | ______________ |
| ____ | ______ | ______ | ______________ |
| ____ | ______ | ______ | ______________ |
| ____ | ______ | ______ | ______________ |
Building the folder
- Start it today.Use one paper folder or one digital folder. Put this sheet on top.
- Add the water story.Bills from several months before and after, plus your meter worksheet.
- Add the plumber's documents.Location findings, the written estimate, the final invoice and test results.
- Add permits and inspection.If a permit was required, the permit and inspection sign-off.
- Add restoration.Drying, flooring and drywall invoices, and photos after the work.
Questions to note answers to
- Does the insurer want to inspect before repairs start?
- Which documents does the insurer need from the plumber?
- Are access costs, pipe repair and resulting damage handled separately?
- Is there anything I should not throw away yet?
Common questions
Should I stop the leak before calling my insurer?
Yes. Stopping water protects the house. Close the main or the heater inlet, photograph what you see, then call.
Do I need the damaged pipe?
Some insurers may want to see it or photos of it. Ask before it is thrown away.
Who handles water bill questions?
The City of Fullerton's water utility. Check with the city about its current leak billing policies.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.