An average adult uses the bathroom at least 6 to 7 times a day. But, like all other routines, we don’t really think about it that much. Has it occurred to you how all these modern-day bathroom amenities came into being?
All the bathroom amenities, HVAC, water supply, and body waste disposal come under the category of plumbing. Hence, plumbing is responsible for keeping our bathroom and therefore our home clean, contamination and disease-free.
While modern-day plumbing is a recent development in human evolution (not more than 200 years old), the earliest use of plumbing dates back to 3500-4000 BC. In this article, we would discuss the evolution of plumbing.
Clover Services is one of the pioneers in Plumbing services with licensed professionals, who can serve all your plumbing needs and provide a safe and clean living condition to you and your family.
History of Plumbing and Major Milestones
Plumbing has played a major role in the growth of many ancient civilizations. Starting from the Indus Valley civilization and Roman Empire, plumbing has come a long way. But from the very beginning of these civilizations, humans started to understand why plumbing is important to maintain hygiene and keep diseases at bay.
Let’s look at the timeline to understand how this plumbing revolution slowly unfolded.
4000-3000 BC – The Origin Of Sewage System
The first evidence of plumbing was in the form of sewage found around 3500 BC. Historians have long credited the town of Mohenjo-Daro (present-day India and Pakistan) as the birthplace of sewage systems.
Every household used to collect water from wells and the wastewater was cleared through covered drains that were connected to the main drainage system along the main street. All the houses, even the most insignificant ones, were connected to the public drainage system, thereby confirming the importance of sewage at that time.
500 BC-AD 476 – Developed Plumbing System
During the Roman Empire, simple plumbing structures evolved into complex and sophisticated systems that paved the way for modern-day showers, sinks, tubs, and toilets.
From the countryside, water was transferred via aqueducts to water storage tanks. Then the water was supplied to individual houses through pipes. They had hot and cold water and extensively developed sewage systems.
The only mistake was the replacement of old pipes with lead pipes that led to lead poisoning and innumerable deaths.
1596 AD – First Flushing Toilet
In 1596, Queen Elizabeth I’s godson Sir John Harrington invented the flushing toilet and he has been credited with that since with calling the flushing toilet itself “The John”.
1829 – First Hotel with Plumbing
The Tremont hotel of Boston was the first hotel to design and incorporate indoor plumbing in the US. The hotel offered indoor toilets with running water and the guests had the opportunity of taking a shower indoors.
1848 – National Public Health Act
The National Public Health Act was passed in England for water safety and health concerns after a severe cholera outbreak. This has been regarded as the first public health act which has been followed in many countries ever since.
The 1930s – Development of Plumbing Codes
The 31st president of the US, Herbert Hoover, and Dr. Roy B. Hunter have been credited with the development of the first Plumbing codes. It was named Hoover Code in honor of Herbert Hoover.
2003 – First International Standards
The non-profit International Code Council has been formed to develop model codes, regulations and formats to be implemented throughout the world for safe, durable, and affordable plumbing systems.
Plumbing Regulations
In modern days, most of the inhabited places follow a plumbing regulation by the government or quasi-government agencies due to their effect on public health and safety. The installation and repair work usually require licensed professionals certified by the authorities.
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency along with the local and state governments regulate the necessary codes of building regulations. They ensure compliance with all Safety and welfare acts including the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Interesting Facts About The History Of Plumbing
There are several interesting facts about plumbing that not many people know.
Leaky faucet
The US has the water conversation law and the US Energy Policy Act, which are in place to regulate the wastage of water which even controls the water flow rates in your plumbing fixtures including the toilets.
However, did you know, a leaky faucet, dripping only two times a minute can waste one gallon of water in one week? And with a faucet dripping every second, you can waste up to 2000 gallons of water every year?
Forbidden Winter Bath
In the Mid 19th Century, some towns made it illegal to bathe in the winter without a registered doctor’s permission, because of low sewage regulation. There were chances of diseases due to dirty and unsafe water conditions.
Toilets with sensors
Toilets with sensors came into being long ago–around 40 years ago in Japan. However, they have been adopted in regular homes very slowly since then.
Famous Plumbers
Apart from Mario and Luigi, the two famous characters from the world of games, there have been several celebrities who have been associated with plumbing and some who wished they were a plumber.
Ozzy Osbourne was a plumber’s apprentice before he turned towards music. Michael Caine was also a plumber before he started acting.
And once even Albert Einstein said, “If I Had my life to live all over again, I’d be a plumber.”
How Did Plumbing Change the World?
Plumbing has been responsible for keeping us safe from diseases and an unhygienic environment. Soon after the fall of the Romans, these safe plumbing practices were tossed and hence followed a plague that killed one-third of Europe. There have been several instances where cholera caused thousands of deaths.
Due to modern-day plumbing and plumbing regulations, these plagues have been largely eradicated and our overall living standards have become better multifold.
Endnote
So that was all about the history and evolution of plumbing over the centuries. The modern plumbing codes and regulations have been hugely successful wherever they have been applied and the future promises the development of plumbing systems that require less water and maintain hygiene.
Tiles for walls are more than just practical elements of your home interiors—they are design statements that bring both beauty and functionality to your spaces. Have you ever wondered how a simple change in wall tiles can transform an entire room? With endless options in materials, textures, and designs, tiles can enhance any room, from […]
Creating the perfect wardrobe design for your bedroom interiors can feel like a challenging puzzle. After all, this piece of furniture isn’t just for storing clothes – it’s also a defining feature of your room’s style and a key element of organization. It’s not just a practical necessity; it’s also an essential element that contributes […]
Given a marble’s beauty and timelessness, the variety and types of marble are extensive and boundless in the modern world. Different types exhibit different colors, patterns, and textures based on their origin. That being said, selecting the right type and variety that suits your space is crucial to justify the beauty of marble. Regardless of […]
Marble bathroom designs transform your bathroom interiors to a great extent, considering marble’s purity, shine, and grace. With bold veining, rich texture, and different colorations, marble can transform an ordinary bathroom into a different level of refined relaxation. From sleek, minimalistic designs to strong statement pieces, marble suits your styles, rendered to be equally complimentary […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
As soon as you enter a space, walls define its boundary, volume, style, and experience. Interior wall designs are crucial in determining the mood and aesthetic appeal of an interior space. To create a one-of-a-kind space for occupants and guests, the interplay of interior wall designs and their volume is key. To evoke a feeling […]
In small bathroom layouts, every square inch counts. Without a thoughtful plan, a small space can quickly become cluttered, making it feel even more cramped. The right bathroom layout not only enhances functionality in interiors but also creates a sense of openness. Think about it—how frustrating is it to move around a bathroom where the […]
Do you enjoy keeping games, books, and ornaments in your hallway? This carefully chosen collection of living room storage ideas will complement your interior decor and be suitable for Indian homes. These are chosen from a shortlist of different product designers’ living room storage designs on Archioo. The following living room storage concepts have been […]
Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]
Are you worried about the small space left in your kitchen? In parallel kitchen design, the layout divides the kitchen into two parallel counters. Including the parallel kitchen design, the work sequence includes store, wash, prepare, cook, serve, eat, and be followed by clear and wash up. From the sequences, we learn that three appliances […]