I’ve used those cable tie labels a bunch on my boiler pipes. Gotta say, they’re way better than writing straight on the pipe with a marker, especially if you use the ones with the little plastic tag you write on. Here’s what I usually do:
1. Write with a fine-tip permanent marker (Sharpie works).
2. Cover the label part with clear tape—keeps moisture out.
3. Make sure the pipe’s dry before attaching.
“not sure how they hold up in damp spots”
They do get a bit grubby in really damp spots, but the tape trick helps a ton. Marker alone just fades or rubs off after a while, especially near valves that sweat. If you want something to last years, I’d look at engraved tags, but for most home stuff, labeled cable ties are solid if you prep them right.
I’ve tried those cable tie labels too, but I’m always a bit paranoid about them getting wet and unreadable. Had one fall off near the expansion tank last winter—guess I didn’t dry the pipe enough. Now I double up with tape and sometimes even jot down a backup note in my maintenance log, just in case. Not the most elegant, but I’d rather over-label than risk a mix-up when I’m checking valves. Safety first, even if it looks a little over the top...
Now I double up with tape and sometimes even jot down a backup note in my maintenance log, just in case. Not the most elegant, but I’d rather over-label than risk a mix-up when I’m checking valves.
I get where you’re coming from—seen too many “mystery pipes” over the years because someone’s label faded or fell off. I’ve started using those heat-shrink labels for anything near the boiler, especially spots that might sweat or drip. They’re not perfect, but they hold up better than tape when things get damp. Still keep a log too, just in case I need to retrace steps later on. Over-labeling might look a bit much, but it beats guessing when you’re in a hurry or it’s 2am and something’s leaking...
Heat-shrink labels are a solid idea, especially with all the condensation that happens around boilers. I’ve had tape just peel right off after a season or two. Ever tried those metal tag labels? I used them once, but they’re a pain to update if you ever re-route anything. Curious if anyone’s found a labeling method that actually lasts more than a few years without turning into a mess.
Ever tried those metal tag labels? I used them once, but they’re a pain to update if you ever re-route anything.
- Totally agree about the tape. Even the “industrial” stuff just turns into a sticky mess after a couple seasons of boiler sweat.
- Metal tags—yeah, I’ve used them. They’re basically permanent, which is both good and bad. Had to re-route a return line last year and ended up just scratching out the old info with a screwdriver. Not pretty.
- Tried paint pens on the pipes themselves once. Looked great for about a year, then faded or flaked off. Maybe I didn’t prep the surface enough? Or maybe it’s just not meant for that kind of heat/moisture.
- Heat-shrink labels are probably the best compromise I’ve found so far. They’re not indestructible, but at least they don’t peel off like tape. Downside is you need to plan ahead—once they’re on, you’re not getting them off without cutting.
- One thing I’ve seen in some commercial setups: engraved plastic tags with zip ties. They hold up better than tape or paint, and you can swap them out if you re-route. Downside is you need to order new ones every time something changes, which is kind of a hassle for home setups.
Honestly, I’m still searching for the “perfect” solution. Seems like everything’s got trade-offs. If anyone’s found something that actually lasts more than 3-4 years without turning into a science project, I’d love to hear about it... but yeah, heat-shrink’s probably the least-bad option right now.
Funny thing—my dad used to just write on masking tape and slap it on. By the time I inherited the house, all his labels were blank and falling off. Guess some things never change.
