The 100 Year Old Material That BEATS Modern Plumbing

Description:

From the SkillsUSA National Conference in Atlanta — Dennis sits down with Brian South from McWane Plumbing Group to break down everything you didn’t know about cast iron plumbing. Why it lasts longer, stays quieter, and can literally outlive your building. They also dive into how the next generation of tradespeople are changing the game and why taking risks in life pays off.

If you’re in the trades or just curious how real infrastructure is built — this one’s worth your time.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Trade Traction Podcast
00:40 – Meet Brian South from McWane Plumbing Group
01:20 – What SkillsUSA is all about
02:12 – Why more young people do want to work
03:33 – SkillsUSA: “The Olympics of the Trades”
05:10 – Cast Iron vs Plastic: What You Need to Know
06:30 – Why old cast iron isn’t “bad”
07:04 – The secret to soundproof plumbing
08:30 – How hospitals and hotels depend on cast iron
09:16 – Fire safety, durability, and cost myths
10:30 – How cast iron is actually cut and shaped
12:18 – Why restaurant pipes corrode (and how new tech fixes it)
13:00 – Introducing DuraPipe: Epoxy-coated cast iron
14:16 – The problem with low-flow fixtures
15:32 – Why relining pipes is still the “Wild West”
16:21 – Life lessons: take the risk, don’t wait
18:08 – Confidence, growth, and learning from mistakes
19:22 – Final thoughts and closing

Guest: Brian South, Cast Iron Specialist at McWane Plumbing Group
Location: Skills USA 2025, Atlanta

The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit.

Connect with me on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennistheapprentice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064205912242 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dennistheapprentice

Thank you once again for your support and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with your peers! Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way every week.