Zip ties with plastic tags aren't bad, but honestly, I've had a few snap off or become brittle over time, especially near hot water lines. If you're serious about durability and safety, metal tags stamped with numbers or letters are hard to beat. They're pricier upfront, sure, but they last practically forever. Learned this the hard way after a zip tie cracked and left me guessing mid-repair... never again.
Had similar issues myself—zip ties just don't hold up over time, especially near heat. Metal tags are solid, but personally, I've been using aluminum tape with a permanent marker. Surprisingly durable, easy to update, and less wasteful overall... worth a shot if you're eco-conscious.
Aluminum tape's a neat idea, but doesn't the marker fade eventually, especially near moisture or heat? I've been snapping quick phone pics and labeling them digitally—easy to update, no fading, and zero waste. Maybe worth trying if you're tech-friendly...
Yeah, digital labeling's definitely handy—I started doing that last year. One thing I'd add is to back up those photos somewhere reliable, like Google Drive or Dropbox. Learned that the hard way when my phone took an unexpected swim... lost a bunch of labeled plumbing pics. Now I snap a pic, label it, and upload right away. It's quick, free, and saves a lotta headaches down the road.
"Learned that the hard way when my phone took an unexpected swim... lost a bunch of labeled plumbing pics."
Haha, ouch... been there myself. Phones and water never mix well. Good call on backing up immediately after labeling—I keep meaning to get into that habit too, but always end up forgetting until it's too late. Curious though, do you find Google Drive or Dropbox easier to manage? I've bounced between both and still can't quite decide which feels smoother for quick uploads.
