I've tried colored electrical tape before, but honestly, it didn't work out too well for me. Maybe it's just my luck or the brand I used, but after a few months in a damp basement, the tape started peeling and curling up. Ended up being more confusing than helpful—especially when you're trying to trace a leak at 2 AM and half your markers have fallen off onto the floor.
"I've done something similar with colored zip ties—cheap, easy, and they won't peel off like tape sometimes does."
Zip ties are definitely a step up from tape. I switched to them myself after the tape fiasco. They hold up great in humidity and even survive accidental bumps with tools or ladders. But one thing I noticed is that if you need to change or update your labeling system (like when you add new lines or rearrange plumbing), cutting off zip ties can be kind of annoying—especially if they're tucked behind pipes or fittings.
What I've settled on now is a combination approach: colored zip ties for general quick reference (hot/cold/gas), and then small plastic tags attached with twist-ties for more detailed info like line numbers or shut-off locations. The twist-ties are easy enough to remove and update without having to reach awkwardly behind pipes with cutters. Also, I picked up some cheap plastic tags online that are meant for gardening—they're waterproof and hold up surprisingly well in basement conditions.
Funny story though... I once had an apprentice helping me label lines in an apartment complex basement. Told him "blue for cold, red for hot," pretty straightforward, right? Well, he got creative and decided yellow would mean gas lines. Great idea until we found out later that another maintenance guy had already used yellow zip ties to mark lines scheduled for replacement... talk about confusion! Took us half a day to sort that mess out.
Anyway, whatever method you choose, just make sure everyone working there knows the system clearly—otherwise you'll end up like me, scratching your head at midnight wondering why your "gas line" is suddenly scheduled for removal...
Colored zip ties are definitely better than tape, but I still find them a bit annoying when you need to update labels—especially if you're working in cramped spaces. I've had my fair share of scraped knuckles trying to snip those things off behind pipes.
I ended up going with those little plastic key tags—the kind you'd normally use for keys or luggage. They're cheap, waterproof, and easy to write on with a sharpie. Plus, they're super easy to swap out if you need to update something. I just attach them loosely with twist ties or small zip ties, so they're easy to spin around and read without having to contort yourself into weird positions.
Funny thing though, I once had someone helping me who decided to label everything with abbreviations only he understood... like "HWL" for hot water line, but also "HWL" for heating water loop. Took me forever to decode his system at 3 AM when the boiler went down. Lesson learned: keep it simple and clear, especially if other people might need to read your labels later.
Those key tags are a pretty clever idea, actually. I've been using colored electrical tape for years, but you're right—updating labels is a pain, especially when you're wedged behind a water heater at midnight. I once inherited a job where the previous plumber labeled everything with Roman numerals... seriously, who does that? Took me forever to figure out "IV" was actually the main shut-off valve. Keeping it simple definitely saves headaches later. Might have to give your key tag trick a shot next time I'm labeling pipes.
- Roman numerals on plumbing labels? That's next-level dedication to confusion, haha.
- I've been using zip ties with little plastic tags lately—cheap and easy to scribble on with a sharpie.
- But honestly, half the time I end up just snapping a quick photo on my phone and scribbling notes digitally.
- Ever tried using QR codes? Saw someone mention it once, but seems like overkill... or maybe genius?
"Ever tried using QR codes? Saw someone mention it once, but seems like overkill... or maybe genius?"
Actually, QR codes aren't as complicated as they seem. I gave them a shot last summer on a bigger job, and honestly, they saved me a ton of headaches. Here's how it went: label pipes with simple printed QR stickers, scan with your phone, and boom—instant access to notes, photos, even short videos explaining tricky setups. Bit nerdy maybe, but beats flipping through blurry phone pics when you're elbow-deep in a mess...
