Build the symptom sheet
Record first discovery, fixture order, water appearance, temperature, sound, odor, use pattern, weather if relevant, and recent work. Tell the provider about any chemical placed in a drain.
Arrange access
Identify keys, tenants, condo or landlord approval, pets, parking, alarms, shutoffs if known, finished surfaces, stored items, and areas that should not be entered. Do not clear a path through unsafe water or sewage.
Gather records
Collect invoices, permits, inspection results, product manuals, model and serial information reached without opening equipment, water notices, usage records, plans, and earlier photographs. Mark unknown pipe materials as unknown.
Name the deliverable
Ask whether the visit provides diagnosis, testing, a repair, an estimate, permit work, video or photos, or another-trade referral. Put the boundary and charge in writing before authorizing openings.