Yeah, those plastic tags are a pain. I’ve seen them turn brittle and snap off after a couple years, especially in damp spots. I started using those little brass tags from the hardware store—bit old-school, but they hold up. Sharpie just turns into a smudge after one good leak anyway...
Brass tags, now there’s a throwback. I tried those once, but my handwriting’s so bad I ended up with a bunch of mystery pipes anyway. One time I used duct tape and a paint pen—looked like a ransom note, but at least it survived the leaks. Plastic tags just dissolve into goo in my basement. Honestly, half the time I just follow the drips to figure out what’s what... not exactly textbook, but it works.
Brass tags are definitely old school, but I’ll take them over duct tape any day—at least they don’t peel off when things get damp. I’ve seen some wild labeling jobs over the years, though. One guy used nail polish on copper pipes... lasted about a week before it flaked off. Honestly, if you can read your own notes, you’re already ahead of most folks. Following the drips isn’t the worst method, but I’d recommend a metal engraver if you want something to actually last.
