I hear you on the laminated tags and pipe markers, but I’ve seen those solutions go sideways too.
That’s true, but in emergency repairs, I’ve had tags vanish or get so coated in grime they’re useless. Sometimes, snapping a quick photo with your phone (assuming you’re allowed) is the only thing that saves you later. Not perfect, but at least digital notes don’t smear or fall off.“if you’re in a spot with a lot of vibration, they can work loose—but it beats trying to decipher my own chicken scratch months later.”
Sometimes, snapping a quick photo with your phone (assuming you’re allowed) is the only thing that saves you later.
- 100% agree on the phone pics. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to scroll back through my camera roll to figure out what went where after a messy job.
- Tags and markers are great in theory, but like you said, they get filthy or just disappear. I’ve even had laminated tags melt a bit near steam lines—total mess.
- For spots with heavy vibration or grime, I’ve started using metal stamped tags with wire. Not perfect, but they hold up better than plastic or paper.
- If you’re in a facility that’s strict about phones, sometimes a quick sketch on a notepad (with a date!) is all you can do. Not ideal, but better than nothing.
- One trick: if you’re using tape markers, wrap clear heat-shrink tubing over them. It keeps the label readable longer, even if things get greasy.
Honestly, there’s no perfect system. You just have to layer your methods and hope at least one survives until the next time you need it.
I get the appeal of layering methods, but honestly, I’ve had more luck just drawing a big, ugly diagram on the wall (pencil, so it wipes off later). Not pretty, but at least it doesn’t melt or fall off. Anyone else try that?
I’ve done the same thing, except mine was on the basement ceiling joists—sharpie, not pencil. Figured if I ever sell, it’s a bonus for the next poor soul who has to fix my “creative” plumbing. Beats sticky notes that end up in the laundry.
Figured if I ever sell, it’s a bonus for the next poor soul who has to fix my “creative” plumbing. Beats sticky notes that end up in the laundry.
Honestly, labeling with a Sharpie on joists is way more helpful than most folks realize. I’ve seen everything from cryptic arrows to full-blown diagrams scrawled on beams. Ever tried to follow someone’s “map” where hot and cold lines cross three times for no reason? Makes you wonder if they were plumbing or playing snakes and ladders. Curious—did you mark where shut-offs are too, or just the maze of pipes? Sometimes I wish everyone would at least label which way’s “up” on those old vent stacks...
