I’ve done the cabinet door diagram thing too—sometimes it’s the only way to keep track, especially in older buildings where nothing’s standard. I’ve tried color-coded zip ties, but they get confusing when you run out of colors. Ever tried using numbered tags with a legend? Not pretty, but it’s better than guessing which line is which under pressure.
Numbered tags with a legend—yeah, I’ve gone down that road. It’s not pretty, but at least you don’t end up tracing pipes for an hour when something leaks. I once tried using painter’s tape and a Sharpie, but the tape peeled off after a week in a damp crawlspace. Ever had a system that actually held up over time, or is it just a losing battle with entropy?
Ever had a system that actually held up over time, or is it just a losing battle with entropy?
Honestly, the only thing that’s lasted for me is using stainless steel zip ties with engraved tags. It’s overkill, but after seeing plastic tags turn brittle and fall off (or get chewed by mice), I gave up on anything less. Still, even then, the legend sheet gets lost or coffee-stained half the time... entropy always wins a little.
the legend sheet gets lost or coffee-stained half the time... entropy always wins a little.
Man, I once found a “legend sheet” taped to a pipe with duct tape so old it was basically fossilized. Could barely read it through the coffee stains and what I hope was just coffee. Stainless tags are great, but nothing survives the combo of time, caffeine, and rodents forever... You’re not alone in the battle.
Been there. Once had to trace a whole branch line because the only “map” left was a napkin sketch, half washed out and stuck behind a valve. Even when you use metal tags, someone always moves or removes them. Honestly, I think half my job is just detective work... but hey, at least it keeps things interesting.
