Honestly, I’ve tried just about every trick in the book over the years. Silver Sharpie’s not glamorous, but it sticks around longer than most things I’ve used—paint pens get brittle, and tape just doesn’t stand a chance in a crawlspace or anywhere with moisture. Colored zip ties are okay for quick IDs, but they fade and get brittle too.
As for diagrams… I always *intend* to keep neat records, but when you’re deep in a repair or running late, it’s easy to just mark and move on. In commercial jobs, you get blueprints and as-builts, but for residential stuff? Most guys are winging it or scribbling notes on scrap cardboard. If you want something that really lasts, I’ve had decent luck with those metal tag labels—crimped onto the pipe with a bit of wire. Not cheap or pretty, but they won’t peel off in a decade.
Honestly though, half the time you come back later and have to play detective anyway. It’s just part of the job…
Yeah, I totally get what you mean about the Sharpie—seems like it’s the only thing that actually sticks around, even if it’s not perfect. I’ve always wondered if there’s some magic marker out there that actually survives a wet crawlspace, but I haven’t found it yet. Those metal tags sound solid, but do you ever run into issues with them getting in the way or snagging on stuff? Also, does anyone actually keep up with labeling every single time, or is it just wishful thinking? I feel like half my notes end up smeared or lost by the next visit...
Honestly, I think the metal tags are more hassle than they're worth, at least in tight spaces. I tried them once and ended up catching my sleeve on one—plus, they’re not exactly easy to read if you’re wedged under a pipe with a flashlight in your mouth. I’ve started using those heavy-duty label maker tapes (the kind rated for outdoor use), and they seem to hold up better than Sharpie, even with some moisture. Still, I’ll admit, I’m not great at keeping up with labeling every single time either... sometimes I just take a quick photo on my phone and hope for the best.
Man, I totally get it—those metal tags are a pain, especially when you’re working in cramped spots. I’ve had the same thing with sleeves catching or just not being able to read the dang things. I’m with you on the label tape, though. It’s not perfect, but it beats trying to decipher faded Sharpie. Honestly, taking a pic is probably the most “real world” solution out there... at least you’ve got a record when you need it. I keep telling myself I’ll get more organized, but life gets in the way.
Honestly, taking a pic is probably the most “real world” solution out there... at least you’ve got a record when you need it.
I hear you on that. I started snapping photos after I had to trace a hot water line behind my kitchen cabinets—never again. The label tape works for a while, but humidity in my basement just peels it right off eventually. I’ve tried using colored zip ties as a backup. Not perfect, but at least I know which line is which when I’m crawling around down there. It’s not pretty, but it saves me a headache later.
