Quick answer
Photograph the source, affected areas and damaged belongings if it is safe, and do so before moving or cleaning where possible. Keep original images and note when and where they were taken.
Safety before evidence
Do not approach water near electrical fittings, touch wet appliances or stand under a bulging ceiling to take pictures. If safe, turn off power at the consumer unit from a dry location and shut off water. Safety takes priority over photographs.
Do not delay urgent action to capture evidence. If you need to move items or contain water, take pictures first only when this can be done safely and without making damage worse.
Capture the scene clearly
- 1Take a wide view showing the room and where the damage sits in relation to doors, windows or fixed fittings.
- 2Take closer views of staining, dripping, the suspected source and affected surfaces. Include a scale only if it is safe and does not obscure the damage.
- 3Photograph damaged belongings and any visible labels or appliance connections, without disturbing unsafe equipment.
- 4If a repair involves opening a surface, record the area before work and the exposed pipe or fitting after access, where safe and permitted.
Keep a useful record
Keep the original image files where possible. Avoid edits that change what the image appears to show. A separate note can record date, time, room, what is visible and any action taken.
Photographs show appearance, not necessarily the cause or extent of hidden moisture. Tell the insurer what is known and what remains uncertain. Save reports, contractor details, call references and receipts alongside the images.
Ask your insurer whether it needs images uploaded in a particular way or further evidence. Do not send sensitive images through an unverified link.
When to call a plumber
- Water is still escaping and needs safe isolation.
- You cannot safely reach the affected area to document it.
- Hidden damage needs professional assessment or leak tracing.
- Your insurer needs a report in addition to photographs.