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July 14, 2025 61 mins

Y'all had some STRONG thoughts on our episode about PEX last year, so who better to straighten things out than Master Plumber Eric Aune of  @mechanical-hub  and  @buildshow ?! If you haven't followed him yet, he's a plumbing and heating expert from Minnesota... and you absolutely should follow him! On top of hosting and contributing on both sites, he's also the host of the Make Trades Great Again podcast.

In a nutshell, if you have questions on plumbing, this guy has answers, and this week we discuss the evolution of plumbing technology, particularly focusing on PEX and its comparison to Polybutylene. Eric shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, including the importance of adapting to new technologies and the challenges faced by professionals in the field. The conversation also touches on the significance of audience engagement through social media and podcasts, highlighting the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the plumbing industry.

The Links:

Register for Inspection Fuel (September 8-10 in New Orleans) here: https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register

Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

Check out  @mechanical-hub  there.

Check out The Build Show Network here: https://buildshownetwork.com

 The TLDR:

  • Discussion on the evolution of plumbing technology.
  • PEX is often compared to Polybutylene, but they are not the same and one is vastly superior. 
  • The industry has learned from past mistakes with Polybutylene.
  • Engagement with the audience is crucial for industry professionals.
  • Social media plays a significant role in sharing knowledge.
  • Continuous learning is essential in the plumbing field.
  • Innovations in water heating technology are emerging.
  • The importance of adapting to new technologies is emphasized.
  • Eric likes a hybrid system and installs both PEX and copper.
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