Should I throw out soaked items right away?

Photograph them first, and ask your adjuster whether they want to see damaged items before disposal. If something is a health hazard, such as moldy food or soaked mattresses, document it thoroughly and ask how to handle it. A list with brand, approximate age and where it was bought helps when values are discussed.

What if I already started cleaning before taking photos?

That is common and understandable. Photograph what remains, keep any removed materials if practical, and write a short account of what you saw and did, including times. Receipts for fans, buckets or towels bought that day are worth keeping too.

How long should I keep the records?

Keep everything until the claim is fully closed and repairs are finished, and many people keep it longer in case a related problem appears later or the house is sold and a buyer asks about past water damage.

Burst Pipe Claim Documentation Worksheet for Denver Homes

Use one folder, paper or digital, for everything about the loss. Name files with dates. When the adjuster asks for something, you want to find it in a minute, not reconstruct it from memory. The tables and lists below are the backbone of that folder.

Your insurer decides what is covered. Good records do not change the policy, but they reduce back-and-forth and help make sure nothing is overlooked.

Timeline log

Copy these rows and fill in your own times and details.
Event	Date and time	Notes
Water first noticed		Where, what you saw, weather that day
Main shutoff closed		Who closed it; any trouble with the valve
Insurer notified		Claim number, name of representative
Plumber arrived and repaired		What failed, photo of pipe, invoice
Mitigation started		Company name, what was removed
Adjuster visit		Name, what was inspected, follow-up items
Drying complete		Final readings provided?
Repairs started and finished		Contractor, scope, completion date

Photos and evidence

Wide video walk-through before cleanup
Close-ups of the failed pipe in place
The removed section of pipe, kept in a bag and labeled
Water lines on walls, cabinets and furniture
Ceilings, including stains and sags
Each damaged item, with model or brand labels visible
Thermostat setting at the time of the loss
Moisture readings and drying logs from the contractor

Questions to note answers to

What is my deductible for this type of loss?
Does the adjuster want to inspect before materials are removed?
Should I keep damaged items until they have been seen?
Is there coverage for additional living expenses if the house is unlivable?
How should I submit receipts for emergency purchases?
Who should the mitigation contractor send their estimate and photos to?

Common questions

Should I throw out soaked items right away?: Photograph them first, and ask your adjuster whether they want to see damaged items before disposal. If something is a health hazard, such as moldy food or soaked mattresses, document it thoroughly and ask how to handle it. A list with brand, approximate age and where it was bought helps when values are discussed.
What if I already started cleaning before taking photos?: That is common and understandable. Photograph what remains, keep any removed materials if practical, and write a short account of what you saw and did, including times. Receipts for fans, buckets or towels bought that day are worth keeping too.
How long should I keep the records?: Keep everything until the claim is fully closed and repairs are finished, and many people keep it longer in case a related problem appears later or the house is sold and a buyer asks about past water damage.

General information for Denver, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.