Honestly, I swear pipes breed in the walls when you’re not looking. I’ve tried the notebook thing too, but my handwriting’s so bad I end up squinting at my own notes like they’re ancient runes. Lately, I’ve been using a roll of painter’s tape and a Sharpie—just slap a quick note on the pipe itself. Yeah, it’s more plastic, but at least I can read it later.
One time I thought I’d remember which valve went where—nope. Ended up turning on the shower when I meant to fill the washing machine. Now I just label everything, even if it looks ridiculous. Maybe one day someone will invent color-coded pipes for us forgetful types... until then, it’s scribbles and crossed fingers.
Totally get where you’re coming from—pipes seem to multiply every time you open up a wall. I’ve tried the painter’s tape trick too, but sometimes it peels off if the area gets damp, which is just my luck. What’s worked for me is snapping a quick photo on my phone before I close anything up. I’ll scribble a number on the pipe with a marker, then jot a note in my phone that matches the number to what it actually does. Not perfect, but at least I’m not guessing which line is hot water at 2am.
I’ve also started using different colored zip ties for hot, cold, and drain lines. Not as good as actual color-coded pipes, but it helps when you’re staring at a mess of white PVC and copper. Honestly, I wish manufacturers would just print “hot” or “cold” right on the pipe. Until then, it’s a mix of tape, zip ties, and crossed fingers for me too.
Honestly, I wish manufacturers would just print “hot” or “cold” right on the pipe.
That would make life so much easier, right? I’ve started using those reusable silicone cable ties—they hold up better if things get damp and you can color-code them. I also keep a running sketch in a notebook, just in case my phone dies or the photos get lost. Not the most high-tech, but it’s saved me a few headaches when I’ve had to revisit a project months later.
Honestly, I get the appeal of color-coded ties and sketches, but I’ve been burned by “temporary” markers before—labels fall off, colors fade, and then you’re staring at a mystery pipe six months later. I started using a label maker with heat-resistant tape. Not fancy, but the labels actually stick around (literally). Plus, if someone else comes along after me, they’re not trying to decode my chicken-scratch diagrams.
Man, I hear you on the mystery pipe thing. I tried using sharpies once—looked great for about a month, then the labels just became smudgy blobs. Label maker with heat tape is genius. Honestly, anything that survives a basement flood gets my vote.
