A Brief History Of Plumbing Systems

We have only enjoyed the benefits of indoor plumbing for a short period in human history. Most people only think about their plumbing if there is an issue, but there is a rich history behind this modern amenity. The following is a brief history of sewers, toilets, and other aspects of plumbing that lead to our modern-day plumbing systems.

Aqueducts and sewers

The complex, modern system of water mains and sewers we use everyday did not develop overnight. Although a number of ancient cultures used a form of plumbing, none are quite as complex as what we have today.

Civilizations in China, Central America, India, and the Middle East all designed systems to provide clean water and remove waste. Ancient Rome was found to have the most advanced plumbing systems. Rome had giant aqueducts that delivered water to city centers and even individual homes. The city had underground sewers, much like the ones we have today, to carry wastewater away.

Upon the collapse of the Roman Empire during the 5th century, these plumbing methods were lost. Europe used chamber pots and outhouses rather than plumbing systems. This condition lasted for over 1,000 years. Dirty drinking water and poor sanitary conditions led to diseases like cholera, typhoid, and the plague.

The spread of sanitation

Plumbing eventually made a comeback and helped push the Western world into a more sanitary era. London received fresh water in the city during the 17th century, while many other large cities lagged behind. Cities in the U.S. slowly integrated their own fresh water systems. The White House received running water on the first floor in 1833. Chicago was the first U.S. city to install a complete sewer system in 1855.

Many people were still using rain buckets and wells to get water at the turn of the century. Public fountains and water trucks began providing water to those living in the cities, and water access and sewage removal became a necessity. There were several attempts to build a flushing toilet throughout the century during the 20th century. It was not until Thomas Crapper’s designs at the end of the 19th century that toilets became a commodity.

Modern plumbing

Nearly all U.S. homes are equipped with indoor plumbing and running water. The systems we use today are constantly being improved through new developments in engineering. The preferred material for plumbing has changed from lead to copper and finally to plastics. Engineers have designed more efficient shower heads and faucets so the modern home can use less water. Future innovations will likely be centered on water conservation and efficiency as well.

Next time you have an issue with the plumbing in your home, take comfort in knowing you can simply call professional plumbers for help. If you would like to learn more about plumbing systems, contact the experts at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical, Inc. in Amarillo, Texas today. We provide residential, commercial, and heavy industrial services throughout the Texas Panhandle and Tri-State area, including Amarillo, Borger, Dumas, and Pampa. Call us today at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email for more information. You can also stop by our location at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo, Texas for more information.