Totally agree about the “fixes” people try to hide behind drywall. Ever found a pipe “repaired” with electrical tape and a prayer? I always wonder if folks realize how much pressure those lines are under. Also, labeling wires and pipes—why is that so rare? It’s such a simple step but saves so much hassle later. I do have one question though: do you ever bother mapping out circuits or just rely on photos? Sometimes I feel like my phone’s full of mystery wall shots from past projects...
Sometimes I feel like my phone’s full of mystery wall shots from past projects...
Yeah, my camera roll is basically a graveyard of “what was I even looking at?” photos. Here’s what I do now: grab a Sharpie and some painter’s tape, label everything as I go—wires, pipes, studs, you name it. For circuits, I sketch a quick map on scrap cardboard and stick it in the breaker box. Photos are backup, but nothing beats a labeled mess when you open up a wall again. Honestly, future me is always grateful.
I get the labeling thing, but honestly, I’ve started using a dry-erase marker right on the inside of the drywall before I close it up. That way, no extra tape or cardboard floating around, and it wipes off if you ever need to repaint. Plus, less waste—my inner eco-geek feels better about it. Photos are still my backup, but at least I know exactly where to look when disaster strikes (which, let’s face it, always happens at the worst time).
That’s actually a clever idea—never thought of using a dry-erase marker inside the wall. I usually just scribble notes with a Sharpie, but then I’m stuck with it forever (and my handwriting is terrible). The eco angle makes sense too, especially since I’ve got a drawer full of random bits of tape and cardboard from past projects. Photos are great, but in the middle of a leak, I’m not scrolling through my phone... I just want to know where the shutoff is. Might have to steal your trick next time.
I hear you on not wanting to scroll through photos when water’s gushing—been there, panicking with my phone in one hand and a wrench in the other. I tried labeling with tape once, but humidity made it peel off. Haven’t tried the dry-erase trick yet, but it sounds less permanent than Sharpie and easier to update if you move stuff around. Kind of wish I’d thought of that before I wrote “main shutoff” in giant black letters on the joist...
