Can’t tell you how many times I’ve crawled under the house, found a faded label, and had no clue what I was looking at. Tried those “weatherproof” markers—total joke after a year or two. I’m with you on the aluminum tags, though. I started using old soda cans cut into strips and a ballpoint pen to emboss info right into the metal. Not fancy, but it survives the damp and spiders. QR codes sound cool in theory, but honestly, I just want something I can read without pulling out my phone or worrying about tech failing me down there.
I started using old soda cans cut into strips and a ballpoint pen to emboss info right into the metal. Not fancy, but it survives the damp and spiders.
That’s actually genius. I tried the “permanent” marker route too—by the time I get back under there, it’s like the label never existed. I’ve seen people use those plastic tags, but they just get brittle and snap off after a couple winters. Honestly, as long as I can crawl under and still read what’s what without a flashlight app or guessing game, I’m happy. Spiders are bad enough without mysterious pipes thrown in.
Honestly, I’m with you on the marker thing—it’s like the damp just eats ink for breakfast. I’ve tried those “weatherproof” paint pens too, but they’re hit or miss. The soda can idea is clever, though. Metal tags are basically indestructible compared to anything plastic or paper down there.
I get a little paranoid about sharp edges, so I’d probably sand ‘em down or fold the corners just to avoid slicing a knuckle when I’m crawling around. But yeah, anything that saves me from playing pipe roulette in a cramped crawlspace is a win. Last time I had to trace a mystery line, it turned into a full-on game of Twister with cobwebs and insulation dust... not my favorite way to spend an afternoon.
It’s wild how something as simple as labeling can turn into such a hassle. At least you found something that works and doesn’t vanish after one season.
Last time I had to trace a mystery line, it turned into a full-on game of Twister with cobwebs and insulation dust... not my favorite way to spend an afternoon.
Been there—except I usually end up with a mouthful of insulation and a new appreciation for tetanus shots. Ever tried those plastic zip ties with the little write-on tabs? I thought they'd be the answer, but the ink faded in like two months. Do you think there's any labeling method that actually survives more than a year in a crawlspace, or is it just wishful thinking?
Honestly, labels just don’t last in those conditions. I’ve tried everything from zip ties with tags to laminated stickers and even paint pens. The crawlspace always wins—humidity, dust, and critters seem to eat up anything you put down there. The only thing that’s held up for me is using metal tags with stamped numbers, and then keeping a matching legend sheet in a sealed bag near the access point. Even then, I check it every year or two because stuff still gets grimy or knocked loose.
I hear you on insulation—last time I crawled under a house, I spent half the day sneezing and the other half worrying about what I might’ve inhaled. At this point, I just assume every trip under there means another round of shots and a shower that lasts forever. Documenting plumbing is a pain, but at least if you’re careful with your system, it saves you (or the next poor soul) a massive headache later on.
