Plumber handoff guide

What to Photograph Before Calling a Plumber

A few clear images can save explanation time, but no photo is worth approaching gas odor, electricity, sewage, active flooding, or an unstable surface.

Check this drain problem

What this pattern often looks like

The area is dry, stable, and safe to approach.
A leak source, water line, fixture label, or affected surface is visible.
You can document the scene without moving fittings or recreating the problem.

Signs to stop and call

Gas odor, hissing, electrical danger, rising sewage, or structural movement is present.
A photo would require entering water or standing beneath a damaged ceiling.
The situation is actively worsening while you document it.

Safe checks

Start with one wide photo showing the fixture and surrounding area.
Add a close photo of the first visible moisture, residue, or connection only from a dry location.
Photograph appliance model labels, prior repair tags, or accessible service records without moving equipment.

Do not do this

Do not recreate a backup, run an appliance, or open a fitting for a better picture.
Do not include unrelated personal documents, faces, access codes, or valuables in shared photos.

What to tell the plumber

I have wide and close photos showing [fixture/visible water/source area]. I did not recreate the problem or approach any active hazard.

Related visual tip

Contain the drip before chasing the fitting.

A bucket buys time and a clear photo helps identify whether water appears while the fixture fills, drains, or sits unused.

These are general observations, not a diagnosis. Active flooding, rising sewage, water near electricity, gas smell, or structural damage requires qualified local help.