HANDY SHORTCUTS FOR FINDING PLUMBING INFO QUICK
Man, I hear you on the label maker tape. I had high hopes for those—felt all professional sticking them on, but then half of them ended up curled into little plastic noodles after a summer in the basement. The hot water lines are especially brutal. I tried cleaning the pipes with rubbing alcohol first, thinking maybe I just had dusty pipes, but even then, it was hit or miss.
Honestly, scratching notes right onto the PVC is underrated. Not exactly HGTV pretty, but at least you know it’s not going anywhere. One thing I’ve done in really tricky spots is wrap clear packing tape over the label—kind of like laminating it in place. Not perfect, but it buys you a little more time before the humidity wins.
Yogurt lids is a new one for me, though. Might have to give that a shot... assuming I can justify eating more yogurt for “plumbing research.”
- Totally agree, those label tapes just don’t hold up in damp spots.
- I’ve switched to using old plastic containers too—yogurt lids, margarine tubs, whatever’s around. Cut them into tags, punch a hole, and zip tie them on. No sticky mess, and they’re basically free.
- Sharpie straight on PVC is my go-to for anything hidden. Not pretty, but it works.
- If you want to skip plastic altogether, aluminum can scraps work too—just scratch info in with a nail. Never had one curl up or fade yet.
- Honestly, I’d rather reuse junk than buy more tape that’ll end up in the trash...
Honestly, I think the aluminum can trick is underrated—never had one fail on me either. I get why people want to cut down on plastic, but sometimes it just makes sense to use what’s already lying around. I’ve seen some folks try those fancy label printers, but in a crawlspace or near a sump pit? That tape peels off in a week, tops.
Here’s something I’ve wondered: when you’re labeling stuff that’s gonna be hidden behind drywall or under floors, do you even bother with tags? Or is it just Sharpie and hope for the best? I’ve started jotting notes right on the studs or joists when I can, but I’m not sure if that’s just making life harder for whoever comes next. Anyone actually go back and find their old marks years later, or does it all just get covered up and forgotten?
I’ve started jotting notes right on the studs or joists when I can, but I’m not sure if that’s just making life harder for whoever comes next.
Honestly, I just use a Sharpie too. If it’s hidden, I don’t see the point in fancy labels—those aren’t lasting behind drywall anyway. I’ve actually come across my own notes a few years later when opening stuff up, and it was a lifesaver. Doesn’t help the next guy unless they open it up, but at least it’s something. If I’m really worried, I’ll snap a pic for my files, but usually it’s marker and move on.
I’m with you on the Sharpie—quick, simple, and it’s not like anyone’s going to see it unless they’re already tearing into the wall. But I do think snapping a photo is underrated. I’ve had to hunt for shutoff valves before and wished I’d kept better records. Honestly, I started keeping a digital folder with pics and notes for every project. It’s a bit of a hassle in the moment, but if there’s ever a leak or you need to trace something fast, it’s way safer than guessing. Plus, less demo means less waste, which is always a win in my book.
