MEP Plumbing

This episode is sponsored by LEGEND
In this episode of The Risinger Build, we’re diving into the world of plumbing with a special focus on innovative products and expert techniques. We’ll be working with PERT pipe from Legend’s HyperPure line, a flexible alternative to traditional PEX. Joining us is Master Plumber Eric Aune from Mechanical Hub, who will team up with us to break down the latest advancements in plumbing fittings and systems. From ensuring all your plumbing is prepped before the pros arrive to smart framing practices for future-proofing your home, we cover it all such as ClearLOC which is a new PTC (Push-to-Connect) fitting system using advanced engineered PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) resin, the same as standard PEX fittings. ClearLOC’s unique transparent body lets you see connections as they’re made. They install up to 50% faster than other push-fits by eliminating the need to measure and mark insertion depths.
We’re showcasing LG’s sleek dual inverter heat pump water heater, a stylish upgrade from traditional models. Designed for efficiency, this unit combines a heat pump with dual heating elements for rapid hot water recovery, making it perfect for high-demand situations like gatherings or post-vacation. We’ll explore its installation in a closet and discuss its ventilation needs, including the innovative use of cool, dehumidified air to enhance home cooling. Plus, learn about its Wi-Fi capabilities and user-friendly app integration for seamless control and monitoring.
We’re also unveiling the Thermo Drain, a cutting-edge drain water heat recovery system designed to boost your water heater’s efficiency. This passive system utilizes a dual-wall heat exchanger to capture and reuse heat from wastewater, raising the incoming water temperature and reducing energy consumption. We’ll break down its construction, including the flattened copper pipe for improved heat transfer, and discuss its ease of installation in both new and existing homes. Learn how this simple yet effective technology can save you money and energy over time, making it a smart investment for long-term efficiency.
We highlight the benefits of stainless steel hose bibs over traditional brass, including improved insulation and durability. Watch as we discuss creating easy access panels for future maintenance and the importance of completing all trades before siding installation. We also explore the use of bend supports in plumbing to reduce turbulence and eliminate extra fittings. Plus, get a sneak peek at beautiful cast iron tubs and the efficient use of plumbing systems in the home.

Legend Valve

Builders FirstSource

LG

Thermo Drain

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Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Builders FirstSource, Polyguard, Huber, Rockwool & Viewrail for helping to make these videos possible! These are all trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years and trusts their products in the homes he builds. We would highly encourage you to check out their websites for more info.

[jackjmaheriii]

DUDE!!! I am legit excited. Every time there’s a plumbing episode I’m like, “Please cover PE-RT!!!” I don’t think it’s because of me, but I’ve been requesting it since before he killed Risinger Goes Rogue.

[Tyler-xdhh]

I've never read all the comments before... These are great thanks guys

[jonnimr]

Hey Matt, you do know the Oatey Access Panels can be flipped for new construction and installed prior to drywall right? Just flip the cover. Saves the extra steps you added and is a much cleaner look when finished and painted. (fan and fellow GC in Iowa)

[Justin-qzrs]

Experimenting with push to connect on a new construction is wild

[Philadelphia]

I used pert on a heating system 4 years ago. Working fine

[morninboy]

Those Kohler cast iron tubs have both the lowest curb height and the deepest spill over level. Best tub there is from my experience. I also insulate mine

[jt]

The first thing I think about when installing plumbing is how will I get rid of it.

[OriginalJetForMe]

I wish appliance makers would put Ethernet ports on their products. WiFi for fixed devices is dumb.

[BLKMGK]

Sounds like I just found a good candidate for running airlines in the garage! PVC is awful, copper expensive, and iron rusts but something like this might be damn nice to use.

[OriginalJetForMe]

I would put my heat pump water heater in the same closet as my network rack.

[MakeMeThinkAgain]

Seeing that heat recovery system for the drain pipe reminds me of a shower water recycling system that was part of an experimental Tiny House on display in Berlin years ago. This is probably more practical, but the idea of taking an endless hot shower without wasting either energy or water would be easy to sell in places like California. If we had "Unit" baths like they do in Japan it would probably be a built in feature.

[jt]

It's a bit hard to believe that water falling through that vertical Thermo Drain copper pipe for 2.5 feet at 19.5 ft/sec (most of it not making contact with the copper wall itself) would be able to transfer any appreciable amount of heat to make this worthwhile.

[ryansoo]

Hi Matt, great video! I have two questions:
1. In the upstairs bathroom it looks like there is a double exterior wall in the shower to possibly make room for a shower niche (minute 30:20). I’ve seen some of Corbett Lunsford’s videos where he recommends never putting a shower or tub/shower combo on an exterior wall and I’ve also seen a Steve Baczek video where he talks about one of his builders installing a “wall within the exterior wall” around a tub or shower in order to better isolate it from a cold exterior. Although it is quite warm throughout the year in Austin, why would you put the shower niche in an exterior wall and are there any special details you have to include in regards to possible moisture issues?
2. Also in one of Corbett Lunsford’s videos he talks about the little known fact that homeowners are supposed to run water through their PEX pipes (and discard it) for at least two weeks before they move into a new house in order to flush chemicals and pieces of microplastics out of the pipes. Are there any similar issues with these kinds of contaminants needing to be flushed out of Pert pipes?

[thehouse]

If you are only going to insulate one water pipe, make sure it is the COLD line. This house is in a very humid climate and unless you are keeping it fully conditioned 24/7, condensation on the pipe (even plastic pipe) is the issue.

[shenmisheshou]

If you bought $700 worth of a high paying dividend stock (Getting 5% is easy), you would get $35 a year to pay put toward your utility expenses. If the Thermodrain cost $600 (which is around the cost I saw for it), and $100 to install, for a total of $700, and saved $25 a year, you would clearly be doing better to buy the stock. This device likely simply does save enough money to justify it's cost. If the motivation is to be green, putting that money towards a more efficient heat pump ($700 will buy a couple of SEER2 Units more) is a much better investment.

[TIMI]

Differences to consider PEX is BPA-free and doesn't contain harmful chemicals that could leach into water. However, some studies are ongoing into potential health risks related to chemical leaching from PEX, especially when used in hot water

[luke]

I'm so old I remember when Matt Reviewed products that weren't a̶d̶s̶ the show sponsor.

[helmanfrow]

Wait, is this a new house for the Risinger clan? What's wrong with last year's house?

[danielwhatley]

Why do you use zip system with external insulation vs using Zip-R. What are the situations I should choose one vs the other?

[staudtj]

As a Kohler Customer in the past I was disappointed in not being able to get some color coordinated
toilet seats from Kohler. I was told the Toilet colors were dated and the matching seats unavailable.