If you are remodeling, repairing walls, replacing cabinets, finishing a basement, or covering plumbing areas, take photos first.

Photos of pipes, valves, drains, and water lines can be helpful later if a problem comes up or a repair is needed.

Why Photos Matter

Once plumbing is covered by walls, cabinets, flooring, tile, or drywall, it can be harder to know where pipes and lines are located.

Photos can help show:

• Pipe locations
• Valve locations
• Drain routing
• Water line routing
• Connections behind cabinets
• Plumbing behind walls
• Before-and-after project details
• Where not to drill, cut, or fasten later

Even simple phone photos can be helpful.

What to Photograph

Before covering an area, take photos of:

• Pipes behind walls
• Plumbing under cabinets
• Sink drain connections
• Toilet flange area
• Water heater connections
• Shutoff valves
• Appliance water lines
• Dishwasher and disposal connections
• Washing machine hookups
• Refrigerator water line routing
• Crawl space plumbing
• Exposed slab or wall plumbing

Take both wide photos and close-ups.

When Photos Can Help Later

Photos may help if:

• A leak appears later
• A fixture needs to be replaced
• A wall or cabinet has to be opened
• A pipe needs to be located
• You are troubleshooting a remodel issue
• You are selling or maintaining the home
• A contractor or plumber needs to understand what is behind the surface

Save the photos somewhere easy to find.