Value Engineering Your Plumbing Systems

Nov 29, 2024

Join master plumber Eric Aune, aka @mechanicalhub, as he shares his expertise in value engineering plumbing systems. Discover cost-effective strategies that maintain quality, including the shift from copper to PEX for durability and affordability. Eric compares the pros and cons of cast iron versus PVC for drainage systems and highlights the importance of investing in trusted fixtures. The duo emphasizes practical tips for designing accessible, efficient plumbing, ensuring long-term reliability and ease of maintenance.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

AdvanTech Subfloor

Matt Risinger used plywood subflooring in 2005, which swelled after rain.
Switching to AdvanTech OSB in 2006 eliminated swelling issues, even after rain.

INSIGHT

PEX Popularity

PEX piping emerged as a dominant plumbing solution due to its cost-effectiveness.
It became popular partly due to copper theft on job sites.

INSIGHT

Cast Iron to PVC

Cast iron was replaced by PVC for drainage due to cost and labor savings.
PVC might also offer long-term advantages by reducing clogs.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Matt teams up with master plumber Eric Aune, aka @mechanicalhub, to explore the “art” of value engineering plumbing systems. They dive right into cost-effective strategies that don’t compromise quality.

Matt and Eric cover the shift from traditional materials like copper to modern solutions such as PEX and PERT, highlighting their affordability, durability, and ease of installation. They also discuss the evolution from cast iron to PVC for drainage, weighing the pros and cons of each.

For homeowners and builders, they stress the importance of investing in high-quality fixtures from trusted brands like Kohler, Moen, and Delta, to avoid costly replacements. They also explore the long-term benefits of durable options like cast iron tubs versus fiberglass alternatives.

They wrap-up with practical tips for designing plumbing systems with maintenance and accessibility in mind, such as using removable walls behind washers and adding floor drains to prevent water damage.

Whether you’re a builder, plumber, or homeowner, this episode offers practical advice on creating efficient, reliable plumbing systems. Don’t miss this engaging discussion with two industry pros!

Find Eric on the web:

Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/ericaune
Instagram: @mechanicalhub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mechanicalhub
YouTube: https://www.tiktok.com/@mechanicalhub_eric
Website: https://mechanical-hub.com/

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
TikTok: @thebuildshow
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.