Plumbing is a trade that’s been around for centuries, and due to modern technologies and techniques has changed rapidly. Homeowners can’t live without plumbers as they can be relied upon in an emergency or for installing water systems in new builds. If you live in St. Petersburg, FL, and are searching for a plumber, don’t hesitate to contact Drain Flo Plumbing. The companies are available for all types of general and emergency plumbing services, including installations, drain cleaning, and leak detection.
This article will look at the history of plumbing and will give details of how the trade started and how it’s changing rapidly.
What Is Plumbing?
We all know that plumbing refers to the water systems in our homes and is made up of a variety of different fittings and fixtures such as pipes, drains, and valves. The plumbing system allows water to be widely distributed. The water can then be used for drinking, washing, waste removal, and heating.
Plumbers are skilled tradespeople who got their name from the Latin word Plumbum which means lead. The ancient Romans were one the first civilizations to use pipes and develop plumbing techniques; they created pipes that were made from lead.
The History Of Plumbing
The history of plumbing goes back a long way. You may be surprised to find that the first plumbing system was created in Crete over four thousand years ago. The Minoan Palace on Crete is the oldest building in the world that’s known to have a well-developed sewerage system and water pipes.
The first plumbing systems used lead widely, and this was common throughout much of the developing world. After World War II, the dangers of lead poisoning became apparent, and the use of lead started to be reduced.
Copper piping was then developed, as this was a safer, longer lasting, and more effective material than lead. Copper didn’t have any of the associated health risks that come with lead. Copper piping was designed and made first in Egypt. Egyptians are well known for their building skills and abilities, and their plumbing processes were also original and well developed at the time.
Meanwhile, in Asian countries such as China, hollow bamboo reeds were being used as pipes. These carried to the fields for agricultural use and also water and gas to the salt mines.
The Romans were the first country in the world to create elaborate plumbing systems. They used a series of pipes and fittings to transport water around their cities. They also built aqueducts, water bridges, and canals to transport water, goods and services.
The History Of The Toilet
During the Elizabethan era, the first flushing toilet was invented. It was designed and made in 1596 by Sir John Harington. Harington’s toilet was made from a deep oval bowl, which he waterproofed using wax and resin. This was then fed with water from a cistern that he installed upstairs in his home. It wasn’t until 1857 that the first commercially sold toilet paper was available, Joseph Getty invented it in the USA. In 1870 in England, potter Thomas Twyford designed and manufactured a ceramic flush toilet, which resembled the toilets we know and use today.
Plumbing expanded rapidly throughout the 1870’s and 80’s. An American called John Michael Kohler made the very first bathtub in 1983. It was a simple arrangement using a cast-iron horse trough to which he added decorative feet and covered it in enamel.
After World War II, new materials began to emerge, and a more modern plumbing system was developed. Cast iron and plastic were widely used in manufacturing, and these materials were used to improve the plumbing world. During this time, plumbing became a popular and useful trade, and many men aspired to learn the skill to make a living.
Modern Plumbing Techniques
Modern plumbing has continued to grow and expand, and new technologies are continuously being used to improve plumbing. Some of the basic plumbing techniques used today were created hundreds of years ago. Improvements in technology allow plumbers to use fiber optic cables with cameras attached to the end to diagnose faults. These can be threaded through the plumbing system to find blockages, leaks, and cracked pipes.
Another modern-day tool that many plumbers use is an Imaging Moisture Meter; this allows them to detect and measure moisture to see if any leaks have gone unnoticed.
There’s a wide selection of plumbing futures on the market nowadays which provide beauty as well as functionality. Many people will choose stylish faucets and wash hand basins as they want these products to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Modern sinks are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and finishes and are a great way to show your personality when designing your home.
Plumber, St. Petersburg, Fl
If you’re searching for a plumber locally or in the surrounding area, you may like to contact Drain Flo Plumbing. The company can carry out all types of plumbing and installation, including drain cleaning and leak detection. They can install a plumbing system in new builds or can service and maintain your residential or commercial properties plumbing system.
Darin Flo Plumbing is a team of highly skilled and professional plumbers who provide fantastic customer service and great value for money. They guarantee that all work will be carried out promptly and professionally and that you’ll be happy with the services provided. The company only employs well trained plumbers, and they keep their team up to date with advances in plumbing technology and techniques by providing additional training where necessary.
If you live locally or in the surrounding area and are looking for a plumber, contact Drain Flo Plumbing today on 813-815-7440. The company can be reached 24/7 and can provide an emergency call-out service.