When plumbing is mentioned in New Port Richey, FL, the first things you’re likely to think of are pipes and drainage systems. Baths and showers, toilets, and kitchen sinks are all part of the plumbing system.
While you can conveniently access water from your fancy faucet, do you know where all these systems all began? Here’s a brief history of indoor plumbing and how it has evolved over the years.
Ancient History of Indoor Plumbing
The first evidence of plumbing was discovered by archeologists in the Indus River, in the present day India. The occupants of this area constructed water supply systems to redistribute water to homes that couldn’t easily access the river.
In 1700, the Minoans in Greece invented water supply and sanitary systems using clay tubes covered with glass. These tubes helped in wastewater disposal as well as supply clean water. Being advanced, they had a canal, and a toilet wash to flood a storm sewer.
After this, the world was more aware of plumbing systems and the first washer was invented for Queen Elizabeth 1. Alexander Cummings created the first flush toilet that had an S-trap which was used to waterproof the water outlet in the tank; it also prevented the air from coming out of the sewer.
Roman and Egyptian Inventions
The Romans are credited with being the leaders in mass inventors of aqueducts. Being lovers of bathing, the Romans constructed miles of aqueducts to supply water from miles away to public wells and private homes.
Although most of their plumbing systems were created using lead, some of them used terra cotta pipes. The collapse of the Roman Empire also led to decline in plumbing.
European regarded bathhouses as places of debauchery and sanitation decreased in value. This led to diseases like cholera and typhoid up until people realized the value of plumbing systems.
It wasn’t until the 1800s when people realized that poor sanitary conditions led to diseases. Having sewer systems and toilets was a way to control human waste and became important for medical experts, inventors, lawmakers, and the general public.
Modern Plumbing Trends
-Tech Toilets
Modern toilets are high-tech. You can now find toilets that don’t require paper or hands. They have temperature controlled water, automatic dryers, and spritzing wands.
Furthermore, you can find toilets with motion sensors to raise and lower the lid. Some toilets have LED lights and toilet seat warmers. With antimicrobial seats and self-cleaning toilets, you’re in luck if you’re a germaphobe.
-Showers and Tubs
A state of the art bathroom wouldn’t be tricked out without a fancy shower. You can find LCD shower panels that allow you to control the temperature, music, steam, and water flow. Some showers have different heads for various functions.
There was a time when Jacuzzis were the in thing, however, times have changed. Standalone soaking styles are replacing standing room only showers. Modern tubs are smaller in size and have no shower surround. Moreover, some have mood enhancing lighting and have an air bath fitted with massaging jets.
Plumbing has changed over the years. You can now appreciate how far plumbing has come and revel in modern day systems that are energy efficient, convenient, and most of all stylish