Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The History of Plumbing Tools



Plumbing can be found in ancient cities, where lead pipes were used to carry water into primitive sewage systems. Ancient tools were the stepping stones to modern PVC pipes and heavy-duty wrenches used in today's commercial plumbing. Each of the tools listed here was essential to the development of new inventions that made managing water systems easier and more efficient.

The Earliest Tools
The history of plumbing tools begins in ancient Rome, where the first modern water systems were used. During these early times, most cities experienced plagues and disease because of contaminated water, whether from waste water poured into the streets or poor quality drinking water. The first plumbing tools were those designed to bring in clean water to public bath houses, and to maintain drainage systems that removed waste water.

The Production Of Metal Pipe
In ancient Rome, aqueduct systems that ran through public and private spaces to wash away waste water. This rustic system carried the waste into large cesspools through a system of wooden, clay, or lead pipe that was open on top, much like a trough. Modern plumbing inventions like lead pipe and water backflow stoppers helped to bring plumbing to private homes as early as the 1800's. Lead pipe isn't as easily repaired as wood or clay pipe, however. The history of plumbing tools began rapidly advancing after the introduction of mass produced metal pipe. Tools such as pipe wrenches, fittings to connect pipes, and water meters all helped to provide clean indoor water supplies to people living in cities. Early water pipe made from lead was also later found to be toxic. Lead pipe did change the world of plumbing by making clean water easily accessible to anyone living within reach of a water supply. In 1986 lead pipe was banned in the United States, although copper began replacing lead as the main source of indoor pipe much earlier.

Easy, Convenient PVC Pipes
While copper is less toxic than lead, copper still had the disadvantage of corroding and leeching into drinking water after several years of use. Copper is also expensive. The introduction of PVC has made piping water more affordable and accessible than ever.

The Changing World of Plumbing
The history of plumbing tools isn't complete without looking at drainage and venting. Before the 19th century, indoor plumbing wasn't very beneficial because toilets often didn't work properly or weren't vented, which caused foul odors. With the publication of The Sanitary Drainage of Houses and Towns in 1876, the proper use of drainage systems allowed for a better understanding of plumbing and helped create sanitary, safe conditions for those living in urban cities. In fact, plumbing has had a huge impact on human health since late 1890 by significantly reducing dysentery, cholera, and other water borne illnesses in areas where water sanitation systems are in place.

The history of indoor plumbing shows more than the particular tools that were used; when you examine the history of the items that made plumbing possible you also find that each new, safer and cleaner change in indoor plumbing made healthier, cleaner living possible for the people in society.

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2 comments:

  1. Such an informative post. To deal with any critical plumbing problems, nowadays plumbers use the latest equipment and tools. If you also face clogged drains or slow drainage problems, get an expert affordable plumber in Houston.

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