Photos definitely help, especially when dealing with complex plumbing setups. One thing I've noticed though is that sometimes even pictures don't capture everything clearly—like when connections are tucked behind joists or insulation. I've started marking certain key points with colored tape or labels before snapping a photo, just to highlight tricky spots. Curious if anyone else has found other methods or tools helpful for documenting those hidden or awkward connections...?
"I've started marking certain key points with colored tape or labels before snapping a photo, just to highlight tricky spots."
That's a smart move—I do something similar with bright zip ties. Also found a cheap inspection mirror handy for those tight spots behind joists...saved me some headaches more than once.
Good idea with the zip ties—I hadn't thought of that. I've been using colored electrical tape myself, mostly because I always have some lying around anyway. A couple things I've learned from experience:
- Make sure your labels or tape can handle moisture. Had a few peel off after a minor leak and it was a pain trying to figure out what went where again.
- Keep a flashlight handy too. Even with photos, shadows can make connections confusing later on.
- I also jot down quick notes on masking tape stuck to pipes—like flow direction or valve positions—just in case the photos aren't clear enough.
And yeah, mirrors are lifesavers behind tight corners. I borrowed one from my wife's makeup drawer once...didn't go over well, so now I keep my own dedicated plumbing mirror in the toolbox.
Haha, borrowing from the makeup drawer...bold move. I've been there—once grabbed my kid's toy mirror, the one with unicorn stickers all over it. Got some weird looks on that job. Curious, anyone tried using paint markers instead of tape? Seems like they'd hold up better.
Paint markers can definitely be a lifesaver, especially if you're dealing with damp environments where tape just gives up. I've used them quite a bit myself—just make sure you get the oil-based ones, not the water-based. Learned that one the hard way after my labels turned into abstract art halfway through a job... Anyway, don't sweat the unicorn mirror; we've all improvised with stranger stuff in a pinch. It's the results that count, right?
