Even the ugliest hand-drawn map beats trying to remember which pipe does what when you’re half-asleep and the heat’s out at 2am.
Totally agree—my “map” is basically a mess of arrows and scribbles, but it’s saved me more than once. I’ve wondered if using recycled aluminum tags would hold up better than plastic or paper, though? Seems more sustainable, but maybe overkill for a small setup. Anyone tried that? Also, I’ve started using painter’s tape for temporary labels—sticks well but peels off cleanly, which feels like a win for both clarity and waste.
I’ve wondered if using recycled aluminum tags would hold up better than plastic or paper, though? Seems more sustainable, but maybe overkill for a small setup.
Honestly, I get the appeal of aluminum tags, but for most home setups, I feel like it’s a bit much. I tried metal tags once and they just clanged around every time I bumped a pipe—drove me nuts. Painter’s tape is underrated, honestly. Quick, cheap, and you can scribble new labels when you inevitably change your mind about which pipe does what... again.
Painter’s tape is underrated, honestly. Quick, cheap, and you can scribble new labels when you inevitably change your mind about which pipe does what... again.
Can’t argue with the painter’s tape hack—been there, done that, and it’s saved my sanity more than once. I do like the idea of recycled aluminum for the eco points, but honestly, my pipes have seen more label changes than a thrift store clearance rack. Sometimes simple wins, and if it’s not broke... well, you know.
Can’t argue with the painter’s tape hack—been there, done that, and it’s saved my sanity more than once. I do like the idea of recycled aluminum for the eco points, but honestly, my pipes...
I get the appeal of painter’s tape, but after a couple years in my basement, those labels just curl up or fade. I switched to heat-shrink tubing with a Sharpie—takes a bit more effort, but it actually stays put. Guess it depends how often you’re relabeling...
I switched to heat-shrink tubing with a Sharpie—takes a bit more effort, but it actually stays put. Guess it depends how often you’re relabeling...
Heat-shrink tubing, huh? That’s a step up from my usual “hope the tape sticks” approach. I’ve had painter’s tape labels end up on the floor more times than I’d like to admit. Ever tried those little metal tags with wire loops? I found a box in my grandpa’s garage and they’re still hanging on after decades. Wondering if anyone’s had luck with color-coded zip ties or is that just asking for confusion down the line?
