finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?

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.