Paint markers sound decent, but have you thought about durability over the long haul? I've tried them before, and after a few years, the colors faded pretty noticeably—especially in areas exposed to sunlight or cleaning products. Maybe it depends on the brand, though. Personally, I've switched to engraved metal tags. Bit pricier upfront, but zero worries about fading or residue. Has anyone else noticed paint marker fading issues, or was I just unlucky...?
You're definitely not alone with paint markers fading—I deal with plumbing emergencies regularly, and I've seen plenty of faded labels causing headaches down the road. To be fair, some brands hold up better than others, but sunlight and cleaning chemicals are pretty ruthless over time. Engraved metal tags are a solid upgrade; I've recommended them myself to clients who can swing the initial cost. Saves a ton of confusion later...especially when you're knee-deep in a leak at 2 AM.
Ever tried deciphering someone else's handwriting on a faded label at midnight with water spraying everywhere? Yeah, metal tags sound great, but how do you convince clients they're worth the upfront cost when they haven't faced a plumbing apocalypse yet...?
"Ever tried deciphering someone else's handwriting on a faded label at midnight with water spraying everywhere?"
Honestly, no... but now I'm worried I might have to someday. Are metal tags really that pricey compared to potential water damage repairs? Seems like a decent trade-off to me.
Metal tags aren't necessarily expensive, but the cost adds up if you're tagging every single connection—especially on larger jobs. A good middle-ground I've seen is using laminated labels or waterproof markers on durable plastic tags. They're affordable, hold up well under moisture, and are way easier to read in tough conditions. Also, taking a quick photo and keeping a digital record can save you tons of hassle later on... trust me, learned that one the hard way.
