I get where you’re coming from with the old-school methods, but I’ve actually found the newer inspection cameras pretty useful—at least the mid-range ones. The cheap models are basically useless, yeah, but if you invest a bit more, the image quality jumps up a lot. I used to rely on tapping and listening too, but after misjudging a hidden joint once, I started double-checking with a camera. It’s not perfect, but it’s saved me from opening up the wrong wall more than once. Painter’s tape, though—totally agree, can’t live without it when things get hectic.
Yeah, I’ll admit the mid-range cameras are a game changer when you actually shell out for one. Still, I’ve had a couple times where the glare or dust made it hard to see much—ended up second-guessing myself anyway. Painter’s tape, though, that stuff’s basically my third hand at this point.
Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Yeah, painter’s tape is basically the duct tape of the reno world—if I don’t have a roll stuck to my wrist, something’s gone wrong. I hear you on the camera glare though. I bought one of those mid-range inspection cams thinking I’d be living in the future, but then there’s always some cobweb or mystery goo right on the lens. Spent more time cleaning it than actually finding the leak last time. Still, beats blindly poking holes in drywall, I guess.
Honestly, half the time I just end up going old-school: flashlight in my mouth, phone camera zoomed in, and a lot of muttering. If I can’t see it, I’ll try feeling around with a coat hanger (don’t judge). Not exactly high-tech, but sometimes it works better than the fancy stuff.
I will say, blue painter’s tape is a lifesaver for labeling pipes or marking where I need to cut. Once labeled my own hand by accident and spent an hour wondering why “HOT” was written across my knuckles. Pro tip: don’t do that.
Anyway, for quick plumbing info, I keep a folder of screenshots from forums like this and random YouTube diagrams. Not the most organized system, but when you’re elbow-deep under a sink, anything helps.
If anyone ever invents a camera that can see through 50 years of dust and insulation, sign me up… until then, it’s painter’s tape and crossed fingers.
Painter’s tape on the knuckles—been there, done that. I’m with you on the folder of screenshots, though I wish I was better at organizing mine. Ever tried using those plumbing apps that claim to ID fittings or pipe types from a photo? I’ve had mixed luck, but maybe I’m missing a trick. Wondering if anyone’s found one that actually works when you’re in a crawlspace and your hands are covered in grime.
I’ve tried a few of those apps in the middle of a job, and honestly, my phone’s just ended up with more grime than answers. Maybe it’s me, but half the time the lighting’s bad or the pipe’s half-buried in insulation. I still end up texting a buddy or scrolling through old photos. Painter’s tape is classic, though—beats bleeding on copper.