We can’t imagine life without plumbing. In an emergency, a plumber should be regarded as a service that is available 24/7. Imagine how your life would be without the ability of a hot bath or toilet flush. Although we think of plumbing as a modern concept, it has been around for many thousands of years.
Crete is where it all started. The Minoan Palace was the oldest structure known to have water pipes and a working sewerage system. The pipes were hidden in the walls, just like they are today. And taps could run both hot and cool water. Even the toilet flushed! For times when you might need replacement Copper Pipe for your plumbing systems, visit https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/
The Romans were also known for their clever plumbing skills. The Latin word “plumbum” means lead. Lead pipes were the first pipes to prove effective during the Roman era for plumbing systems.
Why didn’t we have better plumbing earlier? Unfortunately, most of the technology was lost with the fall of Rome. It wasn’t until the 1500s that public water supply and sewerage system concepts were discovered. The first toilet that was recognisable wasn’t patented until the 1700s, and houses started to be connected to the main water supply system and sewerage systems.
In the 18th century it dawned upon public health officials to improve waste disposal methods in order to contain or stop the spread of epidemic diseases. In the past, waste was simply dumped on the ground or in rivers. The introduction of an underground water supply and a proper sewerage network has put an end to open sewage ditches and the spread of diseases like typhoid and cholera, for example.
Today, if we experience any problems with our water or heating systems, we can easily call a plumber for assistance. And for that, we should be thankful!
Today, our cities and towns pipe their waste to sewage plants where it is separated from the water and partially purified. Then, the sanitised water waste is pumped into rivers and streams. In the 20th century, awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning grew. Lead was, therefore, no longer used to pipe water. Instead, copper pipes were introduced to make water pipes safer and more efficient.