Another quick and cheap trick I've found helpful is snapping a pic of the valves and labeling them right on your phone. Saved me from squinting at faded labels more than once. Plastic tags are solid too, but if you're in a pinch or just feeling lazy (like me half the time...), digital notes can be a lifesaver. Just don't forget to back them up somewhere—ask me how I know, haha.
Haha, I've definitely been there with the faded labels—why does plumbing always seem to involve squinting in dark corners or crawling around under sinks? The photo trick is pretty solid, especially since my handwriting on those plastic tags usually ends up looking like ancient hieroglyphics after a year or two. Anyone else ever try using painter's tape and a sharpie? Quick, removable, and surprisingly durable. But yeah, digital notes are great until your phone decides to take an unexpected swim...not that I'd know anything about that. Maybe keeping a shared folder on Google Drive or Dropbox isn't such a bad idea after all? How do you guys deal with labeling stuff that's outdoors or exposed to weather—any tricks that survive sun and rain better than my sad attempts?
I've had decent luck outdoors with these:
- Aluminum tags stamped with letter punches—pretty much indestructible, but takes a bit of patience.
- UV-resistant cable ties with printed labels (sharpie fades eventually, but lasts longer than you'd think).
- Clear packing tape over sharpie writing—surprisingly weatherproof and cheap.
Painter's tape is handy indoors, but outside...not so much. Learned that the hard way after a few rainy days.
I can definitely vouch for the aluminum tags—though stamping them out felt like I was back in middle school shop class, hammering away and scaring the neighbors. Tried the packing tape trick too, but apparently my handwriting is so bad even sharpie can't save it after a season or two. Lately, I've been using those plastic plant markers gardeners use, with a paint pen instead of sharpie. Surprisingly durable outdoors and easier on my thumbs than metal stamping...
"Lately, I've been using those plastic plant markers gardeners use, with a paint pen instead of sharpie. Surprisingly durable outdoors and easier on my thumbs than metal stamping..."
That's actually a clever adaptation—I hadn't considered gardening supplies for plumbing labeling. As someone who's recently moved into my first home, I'm still figuring out the best ways to keep track of everything. Your approach seems practical and cost-effective. I'll definitely give the paint pen method a try; hopefully it'll spare me from deciphering my own handwriting down the line...
