Leak Evidence Log and Stain Tracker

What to put in the log

One line per thing, dated on the day. Photos taken and what each shows. The size of a stain or damp patch, measured the same way each time. A meter reading with its time. Every call, message or visit about the leak, with who and what was said.

The log is only as good as its habit. A few lines written as things happen are more use than a long account written later from memory.

Be specific and stick to what you observed. "Brown stain on the bedroom ceiling, about 20 cm across, damp to the touch" is better than "big leak upstairs". Leave out guesses about the cause, or label them as guesses, so that the record stays a record of facts.

Tracking a stain

A stain that grows tells a different story from one that stays the same. Measure the width and height at the widest points, note whether the edge is dry, damp or wet, and measure from the same fixed point each time, such as a corner of the ceiling. Take a photograph from the same spot with a ruler or a coin in frame.

Add an entry every day or two while it is changing, and weekly once it has settled. Mention what changed in the house that day: a shower, a tap, heating on. That pattern is useful to whoever looks for the leak, because a stain that grows only after the heating comes on points somewhere different from one that grows after every flush.

Who may ask for it

An insurer, a landlord, a managing agent, a neighbour or a builder may each want to know when the problem started and what you did about it. A dated log gives a straight answer. It does not decide who is responsible or what any policy pays: that is for them and for the policy wording.

Your leak letters can draw on it too. The letter generator builds a plain notice from the same facts.

Where the log is kept

In this browser, on this device, and nowhere else. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else. If you clear your browser data or use another device the log will be empty, so copy or print it when you need it. Keep the photographs on your phone and record the date and what each shows.

When you book a visit, the log and the meter readings are exactly what to describe. One fixed price of £480, every method included, agreed before we attend. No VAT is charged. See what is included for the written report.