It’s Time To Learn a Little About Plumbing History!
Plumbing has a long and rich history. English businessman and plumber, Sir Thomas Crapper, is often credited as the inventor of the modern flushing toilet, but this is not true! The true creator was author Sir John Harrington, who made the indoor model for his grandmother Queen Elizabeth I. The word “plumbing” comes from the Latin word “plumbum” which translates to “lead.” People who worked with lead were called plumbarius back then. Homeowners can learn even more about plumbing and the industry below!
Plumbing and American History
The history of plumbing in America dates back to 1804 Philadelphia, where the first citywide waterworks were built with cast iron pipes for sewage systems. In 1840, the historical Tremont Hotel was the first hotel to feature indoor plumbing for its guests. Prior to this, indoor plumbing was reserved for the rich.
Toilet paper was also invented in America by Joseph Gayetty in 1857. Gayetty’s company produced a wet, aloe paper packaged as a medical product to prevent hemorrhoids. His name was also printed on every piece of paper. 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore, during his presidency from 1850-1853, had a modern bathroom with running hot baths and showers built within the White House.
Restrooms were referred to as “water closets” because closets were shaped to accommodate spatial commode needs.
Some Facts About Toilets
The average toilet has a life expectancy of about 50 years. Nearly seven gallons of water get used every time a toilet is flushed. The typical toilet will use more water over time due to pressure inside the tank and corrosion of factory parts. The average person spends about three years of their life on the toilet. Toilets have different names worldwide, including john, can, washroom, powder room, bog, and many more.
The word ‘toilet’ is derived from French, which means to “act of washing, dressing, and preparing oneself”. Another fun fact between plumbing and America is that the toilet is flushed more times during the Superbowl Halftime Show than at any time during the year.
Other random toilet facts include:
- People use the toilet 2,500 a year on average
- Water-efficient toilets can save homeowners approximately 18,000 gallons of water a year, which helps their water bill!
- 2.6 billion people still do not have access to a basic flushing toilet
- The toilet uses more water than any other home appliance
Plumbing Facts to Know: It's All Connected!
One of the most difficult aspects of plumbing is working on outdoor structures. Figuring out the best material required to situate each job, the manpower to finish the work, and environmental factors all go into the art of plumbing. Steel is the most favored by professional plumbers, with brass pipes (the older alternative) as a close second. Steel’s versatility makes it perfect for outdoor construction. A professional will choose a material that can withstand climate changes, high impacts via mechanical stress, resistance to ultraviolet light, water consumption safety, and many other factors.
Sprinklers and plumbing systems go hand-in-hand. Sprinklers are added to the plumbing system with specially designed, stainless steel fittings. A plumber is essential in understanding how to connect faucets, supply lines, prevent backflow (when water flows away from a structure rather than toward), and connect various water sources. The same can be said about kitchen sink plumbing work - they are all connected to the home’s water supply system.
The kitchen and bathroom faucets are linked to a home’s drain-waste-vent (DWV) for the drains. When sinks drain, the liquids exit out of drain pipes. Traps in the drains prevent sewage gases from emitting from the sink. A plumber is often called in to clear sink drains because of this.
Call Miracle Plumbing Inc. Today!
A local plumbing company provides high-quality service with a guarantee to get the job done right. Since 1992, Miracle Plumbing Inc. has provided hassle-free service for three decades in the San Jose and South Bay neighborhoods of California. They are a company of licensed, professionally trained plumbers with expertise in large and small projects. Call today for toilet plumbing service!