THIS IS PLUMBING
The Romans utilised lead pipes, which at the time made vast
improvements in sanitary conditions. In around 52AD, Rome
boasted an estimated 370km of aqueducts, pipes and water
channels used to supply baths, homes and public wells. The
water channels were powered by gravity and carried fresh
water for Rome's citizens.
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1810
The English Regency shower was first introduced. The water
was plumbed through a nozzle and then sprayed at shoulder
level. The water was then collected and pumped through the
shower again.
Tremont Hotel of Boston was the first hotel of its kind to
feature indoor plumbing for guests. Eight water closets were
built by Isaiah Rogers. Until 1840, indoor water closets were
commonly found in the homes of the rich and luxury hotels.
Soon, soap was introduced during bathing and this caught
on for hygiene purposes.
The engineers who designed aqueducts used gravity
to keep the water moving. If the channel was too
steep, water would run too quickly and wear out the
surface. Too shallow, and water would stagnate and
become undrinkable.
There follows a long period in which no further innovations
were made, and which indeed the entire world went
backwards in terms of civilisation.
1455
For the first time, iron pipe was installed in Siegerland,
Germany. German craftsmen had learned how to build fires
hot enough to melt iron and pour it into castings to make
hollow pipe.
1596
Sir John Harington, godson to Queen Elizabeth, invented the
first flushing water closet for the queen.
1664
In Versailles, France, King Louis XIV ordered construction of a
cast-iron main plumbing line. This was to carry water about
15 miles from a pumping station to the palace fountains and
surrounding area.
1829
An ancient water heater.
1870s
The first water heaters were developed in private homes and
small buildings. Circulation pipes were installed between
water-heating units and hot water storage tanks to make
pressurised hot water available in volume.
1874
The Venting Theory was proved. By connecting a vent pipe
to the drain at the trap outlet, the air pressure was kept the
same. This method prevented objectionable odours and
sewer gases from escaping at fixture waste outlets.
1891
Thomas Crapper (that’s correct) patented his valve-and-
siphon design, updating the modern toilet in the process. His
work revolutionised the modern concept of plumbing.
1910
The elevated water tank became the most contemporary
closed toilet water tank and bowl that most people have in
their bathrooms today.
Everything else is probably still to be found in modern homes
and buildings. PA
1600 – 1700
The castles of the 17th Century housed privies, with the
plumbing systems dumping directly into the surrounding
moats.
An old castle with surrounding moat.
The prototype for the modern toilet was first developed by
Scottish inventor Alexander Cummings. Sir John Harrington’s
water closet was able to flush, but it did not have a water
trap. Cummings’ prototype included an S trap (which was
a sliding valve between the bowl and the trap) that allowed
some water to stay in the bowl. As a result, the water no
longer smelled like sewage, and the bowl could be easily
cleaned after every use.
October 2019 Volume 25 I Number 8
1775
All great early civilisations developed efficient plumbing, including Petra in modern Jordan.
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