Wooden tags sound nice, but honestly, wouldn't moisture eventually warp them, even with beeswax? I've been using copper tags—easy to stamp, weatherproof, and still recyclable. Haven't had to redo mine yet, and it's been almost five years...
Copper tags do sound like a solid idea, especially if you're stamping them yourself. I hadn't thought about copper before—does it ever develop that green patina over time? Not that it'd be a bad thing, just curious if that affects readability at all.
I've been using aluminum tags myself. They're pretty easy to write on with a permanent marker, and they hold up surprisingly well. Had mine in place for about three years now, and they're still going strong. I tried wooden tags once, thinking they'd look nice and rustic, but yeah... moisture was definitely an issue. Even with sealant, they started warping after just one winter.
Still, copper sounds interesting—might have to give it a shot next time I redo things. Wondering how the cost compares to aluminum though...
Copper tags seem like they'd hold up nicely, but I wonder if readability might become an issue over time, especially in damp environments like basements or crawlspaces. Aluminum sounds practical, but I'm curious—has anyone tried using plastic tags or labels? I recently moved into my first home and want something durable yet easy to update. Plastic might not look as nice as copper, but maybe it's safer around plumbing lines?
Plastic tags can work but honestly, I've seen them turn brittle and crack after a few years, especially in colder basements. I'd recommend stainless steel tags—durable, readable, and corrosion-resistant. Not the cheapest option, but saves headaches down the road...
I've thought about stainless steel tags too, but honestly, the price always makes me hesitate. Sure, plastic can get brittle, especially in colder spaces—I learned that the hard way when half my labels snapped off after just three winters. But stainless steel seems a bit overkill for something that's not exposed to much moisture or harsh conditions. I've had decent luck with aluminum tags; they're cheaper than stainless steel, still corrosion-resistant, and hold up pretty well over time. Plus, you can easily engrave or stamp them yourself if you're into DIY.
Another trick I've used is pairing plastic tags with a laminated backup chart taped near the plumbing area. That way, even if a tag breaks or fades, there's still a reference point handy. It's not perfect, but it's budget-friendly and has saved me some frustration more than once...
