While you might think of plumbing as a fairly recent innovation, the practice has been around for centuries. From piping and running water to sewage systems, humans have been developing sanitation systems since ancient civilization. With such a long history, there are many interesting facts you may not have known. Read on to learn about some of the fascinating aspects of the plumbing industry.

Interesting Facts About the Plumbing Industry

1. Lead Plumbing

Have you ever wondered where the terms “plumbing” and “plumber” came from? Lead piping used to be the standard material instead of today’s copper. “Plumbing” originates from “plumbum,” the Latin word for lead. This also explains why lead is “Pb” in the periodic table.

2. Origin Story

Today’s societies may believe their technology is far more advanced than any ancient civilization’s, but Egyptians were ahead of the game. Like today’s plumbers, they were using copper for piping as far back as 3000 B.C. Archeologists found evidence of indoor plumbing in Egyptian palaces from 2500 B.C.

3. Flushing Toilets

The first record of flushing toilets can be traced back to the Indus River Valley civilization during their urbanization movement, around 3000 B.C. Nearly every household had one, and an intricate sewer system ran underground. Mechanical engineer Al-Jazari takes credit for creating a handwashing device that is now used in modern flushing toilets, all the way back in 1206. In 1596, Sir John Harrington invented a flush toilet for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I. This is believed to be where the American nickname for toilets, “the John,” came from.

4. Name Change

Americans typically fluctuate between the terms “bathroom” and “restroom.” Over time and across cultures, the toilet room has gotten many noteworthy names. It has been referred to as the “house of horror” by Egyptians, the “house of privacy” in Tudor England, “necessarium” by the Romans, “la chambre sent” (smelly room) by the French, and the “house of honor” by Israelis.

5. Einstein’s Dream Job

Famous philosopher and physicist, Albert Einstein, said he would have become a plumber if he could live his life over again. The modesty and independence of the job seemed to attract him. In response to this statement, the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union of Washington, D.C. granted him an honorary membership. 

If you’re interested in gaining the skills and education you need to make strides in the plumbing industry, consider enrolling at Berk Trade & Business School of Long Island, NY. This technical institute has been providing superior adult education for over 70 years. Students are trained for the jobs they want, where they acquire practical knowledge about the trade industry and pave the way for successful careers. To learn more about their available programs, visit their website or call (718) 729-0909.