Photograph and video everything before anything is moved or thrown out, keep the part that failed, save every receipt, and keep a written log. Good documentation is the single biggest thing you control in a water claim.
Photos and video, before anything moves
- Start wide, then go close. Shoot each room from the doorway, then each wall, ceiling and floor, then close-ups of damage.
- Show the source. The burst pipe, failed hose, water heater label or roof opening.
- Show the water line. How high water rose on walls, cabinets and furniture.
- Narrate a video. Walk through slowly and say what you're seeing. It's timestamped and hard to dispute.
Keep the evidence
Save the broken pipe section, the split hose or the failed part. Don't throw out damaged belongings until the adjuster has seen them or tells you in writing that you can. If something has to go for health reasons, like soaked carpet pad, photograph it first and keep a small cut sample.
Make a list of damaged belongings
For each item: what it is, brand and model if you know, age, where you bought it and roughly what it cost. Phone photos of receipts, online order history and credit card statements all help. Go room by room so nothing gets missed.
Save every receipt
Fans, tarps, plumber visits, hotel nights, meals out above your normal cost, laundry and storage. Many of these costs can be part of the claim.
Get the drying records
Ask your water damage company for moisture readings, drying logs and their photos. They show the damage was real and that drying was done properly.
Keep a claim log
Date, who you talked to, what was said. Follow important calls with an email. Keep everything in one folder, paper or digital.
Common questions
Can I clean up before the adjuster comes?
Yes, and you should start drying right away. Just document everything first, and keep damaged items or samples when you can.
What if I don't have receipts for my belongings?
Use photos of your home, bank and card statements, online order history and manufacturer prices to show what you owned and what it's worth.
How many photos is too many?
There's no such thing. More is better, and it costs nothing.