Plumbing may not be the most glamorous profession, but it is a crucial aspect of modern life. Without plumbing, we would not have access to clean water, sanitation, and many of the other modern conveniences we take for granted. In this post, we will explore some interesting plumbing facts that you may not have known before.
The word "plumbing" comes from the Latin word "plumbum," which means lead. This is because the Romans used lead pipes for their plumbing systems.
The first indoor plumbing system was installed in the Palace of Knossos on the Greek island of Crete around 1700 BC. This system included a flushing toilet and a drainage system.
The first fire sprinkler system was invented by a plumber named Henry S. Parmalee in 1874. Parmalee was inspired to invent the system after witnessing the destruction caused by a fire in a piano factory.
The average person spends three years of their life on the toilet. That's 1,095 days or 26,280 hours!
The flush toilet was invented in 1596 by Sir John Harrington, an English courtier and godson of Queen Elizabeth I.
The first modern shower was invented by a man named William Feetham in 1767. His design included a pump to force water through a nozzle, allowing for a more efficient and comfortable bathing experience.
The first hot water heater was invented in 1868 by a man named Benjamin Maughan. His design used gas to heat the water, and it was the first step towards modern water heaters.
The world's largest plumbing system is located in New York City. The system includes over 6,000 miles of water mains and tunnels that transport over 1 billion gallons of water every day.
The first standardized plumbing code was developed in 1928 by the Western Plumbing Officials Association. This code was designed to ensure that plumbing systems were safe and efficient.
The world's most expensive toilet is made of solid gold and is valued at over $5 million. It was created by Japanese artist Toto and is currently on display in a museum in Hong Kong.
In conclusion, plumbing may not be the most exciting topic, but it is a crucial aspect of modern life. From the ancient Greeks to modern-day New York City, plumbing has played a significant role in the development of civilization. So the next time you use the toilet or take a shower, take a moment to appreciate the amazing plumbing system that makes it all possible!
