Painter's tape is handy, but honestly, I've found that labeling connections with a sharpie directly on the pipes or fittings works best for me. A quick arrow and note like "hot," "cold," or "drain" saves me from deciphering my own chicken scratch later. Photos are great until your phone takes an unexpected swim—been there myself, unfortunately.
Another thing that's saved me headaches: colored zip ties. Red for hot, blue for cold, green for drain lines. They're cheap, waterproof, and easy to spot even in dim lighting under sinks or behind appliances.
Sketches aren't bad either, but I usually end up losing notebooks or smudging the ink with wet hands. Whatever method you use, consistency is key...and keeping things simple enough that future-you won't curse past-you when you're cramped under a sink at midnight.
Great tips—especially the colored zip ties. I've been managing rentals for years and never thought of that one. Sharpies are my go-to as well, but I've had a few fade over time (maybe I bought the wrong kind?). And yeah, photos are awesome until your phone decides to go swimming in a toilet... ask me how I know. Keeping it simple definitely saves future-you from some colorful language late at night.
