Metal tags are definitely the way to go, even if they’re a pain to set up. I’ve had plastic ones basically disintegrate after a couple years—total waste. One thing I’d add: if you’re tracing pipes, I always take photos as I go, especially if I have to move insulation or boxes. It’s not foolproof, but it’s saved me from second-guessing myself later. And yeah, those “dead ends” are rarely as dead as they look... I once found one that was still pressurized, just capped off with an old rubber stopper. Not fun.
Totally hear you on the metal tags—plastic ones just don’t hold up. Taking photos is a great habit, too. I’ve definitely had to backtrack more than once because I forgot what was under a pile of insulation. Those “dead ends” are sneaky... I once thought I’d found a safe-to-cut line and nearly flooded my crawlspace. It’s a puzzle, but getting it sorted feels pretty good, doesn’t it?
Metal tags are the way to go, for sure. I tried using a label maker once—those things peeled right off after a couple months in the boiler room humidity. My trick now is to use a paint pen directly on the copper, then slap a metal tag on with wire. And yeah, taking photos has saved me more than once when I’ve had to put everything back together after “fixing” a leak that turned out to be coming from somewhere else entirely. It’s like a weird game of memory, but with way more sweating and swearing.
I get the appeal of metal tags, but I’ve always wondered about the environmental impact—especially if you’re swapping them out every time you change something. I’ve been experimenting with recycled aluminum tags and biodegradable wire, but it’s a bit of a hassle sourcing the materials. Paint pens are handy, but I’ve had mixed results with them fading over time. Photos are a lifesaver, though. Honestly, I wish there was a more sustainable way to keep track of all this stuff without creating more waste. Anyone tried reusable silicone bands or something similar?
Photos are a lifesaver, though. Honestly, I wish there was a more sustainable way to keep track of all this stuff without creating more waste.
I hear you—been there with the fading paint pens and random tags everywhere. Tried those silicone bands once, but they got grimy fast in my boiler room. Ended up using a label maker with removable tape. Not perfect, but at least it peels off clean.
