"Might be worth a shot if humidity's your nemesis."
Humidity's always been my enemy too—had labels peel off after just one summer. Started using paint markers directly on pipes a few years back, never looked back. Simple and effective, especially in damp basements.
I tried paint markers too, and they're definitely a step up from labels. But honestly, after a few years even those started fading on me—especially in that one basement that's basically a swamp every spring. Eventually, I just bit the bullet and started engraving numbers right into the pipes with a cheap rotary tool. Sounds a bit extreme, I know, but it takes seconds per pipe and lasts forever. Now when tenants call about leaks or pressure issues, there's no guesswork or squinting at blurry labels involved. Plus, it's oddly satisfying carving into copper...makes plumbing feel almost artistic, haha.
"Eventually, I just bit the bullet and started engraving numbers right into the pipes with a cheap rotary tool."
Engraving directly on pipes definitely sounds like a permanent solution, but honestly, I cringe a bit at the thought of carving into perfectly good copper. I've had decent luck using aluminum tags instead—small metal discs stamped with numbers and attached to the pipes using zip ties or thin wire. Sure, it's an extra step initially, but they've held up surprisingly well for me, even in damp crawlspaces. Plus, if you ever need to rearrange or replace sections, you won't have old engravings staring back at you.
I totally get the appeal though...there's something oddly satisfying about permanently marking your territory in plumbing land. But for me, flexibility wins out over permanence every time.
I see where you're coming from with the aluminum tags, but honestly, I've tried something similar and it ended up being more hassle than it was worth. Zip ties snapped over time, and tags got knocked loose whenever I had to squeeze into tight spaces. Eventually, I caved and labeled directly onto the pipes with a paint marker—still removable if needed, but way more durable than tags. Not as satisfying as engraving, but it's held up pretty well so far...
That's a good point about the tags—I've had similar frustrations myself, especially in tight crawl spaces. Paint markers do seem practical, though I've found that over time, even those can fade or smudge if the pipes sweat a lot or get handled frequently. Have you noticed any issues with moisture or temperature changes affecting the marker labels? Curious if anyone's tried clear coating or sealing over the marker to protect it better...
