Facts About Plumbers
Most people don’t think of plumbing unless something goes wrong, but there is much more to this trade than meets the eye. You might be surprised to learn that the word “plumbing” comes from the Latin for lead (plumbum), or that the first flush toilet was invented by John Harington in 1596. You might also be shocked to know that you spend at least three years of your life in the bathroom, or that Albert Einstein once said that if he had it to do over again he would have been a plumber!
A plumber’s toolbox contains basic tools such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers and hammers, but they also use more specialized items like pipe cutters, tubing benders and video scopes. Many plumbers have also had training in electronics and welding.
It’s believed that the earliest plumbing work dates back to 4000-3000BC after copper water pipes were discovered in ruins of Indian palaces. It’s also believed that the ancient Romans created plumbing systems, and that they used lead pipes with inscriptions to prevent water theft.
Leaks in the home are the most common source of water waste in American households. The average household can waste up to 180 gallons of water per week from leaky faucets and showers. This is equivalent to the amount of water it takes to wash more than 300 loads of laundry!
Flushing the toilet accounts for 38% of a home’s water usage. King George II died falling off the toilet, and Elvis Presley had a heart attack while on the toilet! Richard Nixon used the code name “plumbers” for his secret agents that he sent to prevent intelligence leaks from the White House.
Some Interesting Facts About Plumbers
75% of household prefer the flap on a toilet to be down rather than up. This is because the down position allows you to lick the handle. The human body can survive weeks without food, but only days without water. In the US, we take for granted the quality of our drinking water, but in developing countries a lack of clean drinking water is a leading cause of death.
A lot of people don’t realise that the ocean is the largest plumbing system on Earth, with its water covering more than 310 million square kilometers! Seabirds such as seagulls and albatrosses can drink salt water, excrete it and stay hydrated at sea for weeks at a time.
Plumbers are the unsung heroes of the modern world, ensuring the smooth flow of water and maintaining the intricate web of pipes that run through our homes and buildings. Here are some fascinating facts about these skilled tradespeople: The profession of plumbing dates back to ancient civilizations. The word “plumber” itself comes from the Latin word “plumbum,” meaning lead. In ancient Rome, lead pipes were used to transport water, and those who worked with them were called plumbarius.
While lead pipes are a thing of the past due to health concerns, modern plumbers work with a variety of materials, including copper, PVC, and PEX. These materials offer durability, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion. Plumbers adhere to strict plumbing codes and regulations to ensure the safety and efficiency of plumbing systems. These codes vary by region and cover everything from pipe sizing to fixture placement.