The only time I’d say metal tags are worth it is if you’ve got a maze of pipes or you’re labeling something that gets a lot of wear and tear.
I get where you're coming from, but I actually ran into a situation where the cheap zip tie and Sharpie combo failed me. Had a leak behind the wall, and by the time I got in there, the marker had faded and the tag was brittle. Ended up tracing lines by hand—total pain. For anything tucked away or hard to reach, I’d rather overdo it with a metal tag than deal with that hassle again. For visible stuff though? Yeah, Sharpie all day.
For anything tucked away or hard to reach, I’d rather overdo it with a metal tag than deal with that hassle again. For visible stuff though?
Totally get the frustration—been there with faded Sharpie labels too.
- Metal tags definitely last, but I’ve started using those heavy-duty plastic ones with a paint pen for spots that aren’t exposed to constant heat or moisture. Seems to hold up better than regular marker.
- For "tucked away or hard to reach" spots, like you said, overkill is better than a headache later.
Curious—anyone tried QR code stickers for tracking plumbing lines? I’ve seen them pop up in some commercial jobs, but not sure how practical they are for smaller setups.
Metal tags are solid, but honestly, they’re overkill for most of my projects. I’ve had good luck with just using painter’s tape and a fine-tip Sharpie—cheap, easy to update, and if it fades, I just slap on a new piece.
Curious—anyone tried QR code stickers for tracking plumbing lines?
I looked into QR codes, but for a small house, it felt like more work than it’s worth. If I can’t find it with a quick label or a photo on my phone, I probably made it too complicated.
Painter’s tape and a Sharpie—can’t beat that for speed. I’ve tried metal tags, but honestly, they just end up clanking around and confusing me more. QR codes sound fancy, but if you’re not running a hotel, probably overkill. Stick with what works and saves your sanity.
Painter’s tape and a Sharpie—can’t beat that for speed.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve had painter’s tape peel off after a few months, especially in the basement where it gets damp. Sharpie’s great until the label falls off and you’re back to square one. I started using those cheap plastic key tags with the little paper insert—yeah, they rattle a bit, but at least they don’t disintegrate if there’s a leak or humidity spike. QR codes are definitely overkill for most homes, unless you’re running some kind of plumbing museum.
Honestly, half the time I just take a quick photo on my phone when I’m labeling stuff. That way if the tag disappears, I’ve got a backup. Not perfect, but it’s saved me more than once when I forgot which shutoff was for what. Painter’s tape is fast, but sometimes you need something that’ll last through a few seasons of chaos.
