"Documentation is good, but simplicity and durability win out for me...especially when you're fumbling around in the dark."
I get your point about simplicity, especially in those middle-of-the-night emergencies. But I wonder if relying solely on color-coded zip ties or tape might introduce its own set of issues? For instance, what happens if someone else (like a plumber or tenant) needs to step in and they aren't familiar with your color system? Or if you run out of certain colors and have to substitute—doesn't that risk confusion too?
I've found that pairing durable labels (the kind electricians use, waterproof and fade-resistant) with a simple numbering system can strike a good balance. Numbers rarely become outdated, and even if repairs happen, updating a numbered chart is pretty straightforward. Plus, numbers are universally understood, so there's less guesswork involved.
Have you ever had issues with someone else misinterpreting your color-coding method, or has it been smooth sailing so far?
I've had mixed results with color-coding myself. It works till someone else steps in and scrambles things up...then you're back to square one. Curious if anyone's tried using symbols instead—maybe simpler than numbers or colors?
Symbols might actually be a good call—I haven't tried them myself, but it makes sense they'd be less prone to confusion. My issue with colors was always lighting conditions or faded markers making things unclear. Have you thought about combining symbols with a simple directional indicator? Like arrows or something? Could help clarify flow direction, especially when someone else jumps in and starts rearranging things...
"Have you thought about combining symbols with a simple directional indicator? Like arrows or something?"
Funny you mention arrows—I actually tried something similar when we redid our rainwater harvesting setup last summer. I thought symbols alone would cut it, but after a few months, even I got confused about which pipe went where. Adding arrows made a huge difference, especially when my brother-in-law decided to "help" by rerouting things without telling me... Definitely recommend pairing symbols with directional indicators; saved me from another weekend of head-scratching.
Symbols and arrows are helpful, sure, but honestly, nothing beats snapping a few quick photos before sealing things up. Saved me more than once when labels faded or someone "helpfully" rearranged the pipes...
