I’m curious—do you ever run into issues with the grease pencil smudging if you brush against it? Or does it hold up pretty well over time?
Grease pencils do smudge a bit, especially if you’re working in tight spaces or if the pipes get damp. I’ve found they last longer than Sharpie, but nothing’s perfect in a basement. For pipes behind walls, I’ve started snapping a photo of the open wall during renovations and printing it out for my “house binder.” Not exactly high-tech, but it’s saved me from guessing later. I also try to note pipe runs on my diagrams, even if it’s just a dotted line where I think they go. It’s not foolproof, but it beats tearing into drywall every time.
For pipes behind walls, I’ve started snapping a photo of the open wall during renovations and printing it out for my “house binder.” Not exactly high-tech, but it’s saved me from guessing later.
I do something similar, but I use my phone to mark up the photos digitally—just basic arrows or notes about which pipe is which. It’s not perfect, but at least I don’t have to worry about losing a printout in the shuffle. Have you tried using painter’s tape for temporary labels? It doesn’t smudge like grease pencil, and it’s easy to peel off when you’re done. I know it’s not eco-perfect, but it’s reusable if you’re careful.
Painter’s tape is a decent call for quick labels, but I’ve seen it peel off if the area gets humid or dusty—just something to watch for. That said, snapping photos is underrated. I’ve lost count of how many times a homeowner’s old picture saved me from opening up a wall again. Digital markup’s handy, but I still like a hard copy in the binder for backup. You never know when your phone’s gonna die right when you need it most...
Painter’s tape is a decent call for quick labels, but I’ve seen it peel off if the area gets humid or dusty—just something to watch for.
Yeah, painter’s tape is hit or miss for me too. Ever tried using a Sharpie right on the pipe (if it’s PVC or copper)? It’s not pretty, but it sticks around even in damp crawlspaces. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those label maker tapes—they claim to be waterproof, but I’m skeptical.
Label maker tape actually holds up better than I expected. I used some (the “industrial” kind) on my sump pump lines about two years ago, and it’s still stuck tight—even after a couple minor floods. The print hasn’t faded either. Sharpie’s great for quick jobs, but if you want something that looks halfway tidy, those label makers aren’t a bad investment. Just make sure you wipe the pipe down first—dust or oil and nothing sticks.
