The Build Show Podcast Perfect Plumbing Plan with Eric Aune
Nov 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, master plumber Eric Aune, known as Mechanical Hub, shares his extensive plumbing expertise alongside engineer Ross Trethewey of This Old House fame. They explore how smarter plumbing layouts and material choices can speed up hot-water delivery. Eric dives into the evolution of piping, comparing galvanized, copper, and PEX, and highlights the practical advantages of PEX. Their insights provide valuable strategies for builders and plumbers, focusing on improving customer satisfaction through innovative designs.
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Reduce Time-To-Tap Means Happier Customers
- The series aims to eliminate wasted wait time for hot water by optimizing layout, fixture choice, and heat source.
- Eric Aune frames the problem as reducing time-to-tap to improve user satisfaction and avoid running out of hot water.
Galvanized Pipe Memory
- Eric describes older homes with galvanized piping that produced rusty water and eventually restricted flow.
- He notes these systems can last decades but corrode and plug over time depending on water quality.
Copper Replaced Iron For Labor Savings
- Copper replaced iron after WWII because it reduced labor and was easier to install and predictably durable.
- Copper remains reliable but has become less common due to higher material and labor costs.