My phone’s full of random pipe photos that make zero sense a month later—like, is that under the kitchen sink or behind the washing machine?
Totally get this. I’ve seen so many folks try to organize with photos or tape, but unless you’re super consistent, it just turns into a mess. Have you tried using a permanent marker directly on the pipes or valves? It’s not pretty, but at least it doesn’t fall off like tape. Also, I keep a cheap roll of masking tape in my toolbox for quick notes—seems to stick better than painter’s tape, weirdly enough. Ever thought about making a simple sketch and taping it inside a cabinet? Not fancy, but it’s saved me more than once when I can’t remember which shutoff goes where.
Permanent marker on the pipes is a classic move, even if it looks a bit rough. I’ve done the same, especially in tight spots where tape just peels off after a few months. The sketch idea’s solid too—I’ve found that a quick diagram with arrows and labels can save a ton of head-scratching later, even if it’s just a scribble on the back of a receipt.
One thing I’ve started doing is snapping a photo *after* I label stuff, so if the marker fades or the tape falls off, at least I’ve got a backup reference. Not perfect, but it’s saved me from a few headaches. Ever run into issues where the marker rubs off because of condensation or cleaning? I’ve had to go over the same valve a couple times before it finally stuck. Wondering if anyone’s found a better way to make those labels last, especially in damp spots under sinks...
Permanent marker’s definitely my go-to, but yeah, it’s not perfect—especially under the kitchen sink where it always seems damp. I’ve had the same issue with the writing rubbing off after a while. Tried a couple different brands and even “industrial” markers, but they all fade eventually if there’s enough moisture or if I’m cleaning around there.
One thing that’s worked a bit better for me is using those cheap clear nail polish bottles from the dollar store. I’ll write with the marker, then dab a thin layer of clear polish over the label. It dries quick and seems to seal it in, at least for a year or so. Not foolproof, but it holds up better than just marker alone. I’m way too cheap to buy those fancy pipe label sleeves, but I did try cutting up old plastic folders and taping them over the labels once—messy, but it kept things readable.
Photos are a lifesaver, for sure. I keep an album on my phone just for “house stuff”—plumbing, breaker box, weird wiring behind the dryer... you name it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve crawled under the sink and realized I forgot which shutoff was which, especially after someone else “helped” and moved things around.
I do get a little paranoid about safety, so I try to avoid anything flammable or that might react with cleaning products under there. That’s why I don’t use masking tape anymore—it got all gunky and gross after a few months.
Honestly, sometimes I just end up re-labeling every spring when I do my big clean-out. Not ideal, but at least it keeps me familiar with what’s what down there. If anyone’s found something that actually lasts more than a year in those damp spots without costing an arm and a leg, I’d be all ears...
Handy Shortcuts For Finding Plumbing Info Quick
- Been there with the marker labels under the sink. I swear, the only thing that survives down there is the smell of old sponges and that one mystery leak stain.
- Tried the clear nail polish trick too—works better than nothing, but I once knocked over the bottle and ended up with a “permanent” thumbprint on the P-trap. Now my plumbing has a criminal record.
- I’ve had some luck with those cheap plastic luggage tags. Write on the insert, snap it shut, and zip-tie it to the pipe. Not pretty, but they don’t smear or get gross, and you can swap out the paper if you need to. Plus, they’re like 10 for a buck at the dollar store.
- Photos are a must. I keep a folder labeled “Stuff I’ll Forget” on my phone. Last time I had to shut off the water, I spent ten minutes scrolling through dog pics before I found the right valve photo.
- I tried using painter’s tape once—big mistake. It turned into blue goo after a few months. Now I just use a label maker with the “outdoor” tape. It’s not cheap, but it’s survived two years and a minor flood.
- For the truly stubborn spots, I’ve started using a silver paint pen. It’s not perfect, but it shows up on dark pipes and doesn’t rub off as fast as marker. Downside: if you mess up, it’s there forever. Ask me how I know.
- I do a spring re-label too, mostly because I forget what half the stuff is for. Found a valve last year labeled “DO NOT TOUCH.” No idea who wrote it. Now I’m afraid to touch it or erase it.
If anyone ever invents a label that survives both bleach spray and my clumsy hands, I’ll buy stock in it. Until then, it’s a mix of cheap hacks and crossed fingers.
Honestly, I wish more folks would ditch the plastic tags and tape altogether. I switched to aluminum plant markers—write on them with a pencil, tie them on with twine. They don’t leach microplastics, they last forever, and you can actually recycle them if you ever need to. Not the prettiest, but at least I’m not adding more junk under the sink. And yeah, I’ve got a “DO NOT TOUCH” valve too... still haven’t worked up the nerve to see what it does.
