When using your bathroom or toilet, do you ever stop to think where it all started? Unfortunately, most people take modern plumbing for granted, not realizing that it hasn’t always been so convenient.
Understanding where indoor plumbing began will help you appreciate the strides we’ve made in plumbing over the years.
PREHISTORY
During the Neolithic era around 6500 B.C., people dug wells, from where vessels would be filled and carried by hand. Archeologists also discovered early evidence of public water supply and sanitation in the Indus Valley in Asia.
The city had private toilets that were connected to a covered sewer network. Their sewer system was made of brickwork and was held together with a gypsum-based mortar, the underground drains built with bricks were used to dispose of sewage.
They also had a water management system that was used to supply water. Their sophisticated drainage systems, street ducts, and rainwater harvesting channels were also discovered by archaeologists in parts of Gujarat and Pakistan.
THE EGYPTIAN AND ROMANS CONTRIBUTION TO PLUMBING
The Egyptians constructed an extensive system of sluices, canals, and dikes to divert the course of the Nile back in 2500 B.C. Moreover, they had to dig through 400 feet of rock to tap into clean water.
Being adept with drainage construction, the Egyptians also constructed bathrooms and drainage systems in tombs, as they believed that the dead had just passed from one state of life to the other. Scientists also discovered a brass drainpipe in the pyramid temple that connected the outer temple to the main river.
The Romans were not left behind when it came to indoor plumbing; they had a system of pipes and aqueducts that connected public wells and fountains to homes. They used lead pipes to distribute water, and this is believed to be the cause of lead poisoning in the Roman Empire.
GREEK CIVILIZATION
The Greek civilization was the first to use underground clay pipes for water supply and sanitation. They had a well-organized system that brought in clean water, took out wastewater, and stormed sewage canals when there was heavy rain.
The Crete was also the pioneers of the flush toilet back in the 18th century. In addition, they had an indoor plumbing system that provided pressurized showers.
MODERN PLUMBING TRENDS
Plumbing has evolved over the years to feature more efficient and convenient systems. Some of the advances include:
-Modern Toilets
Water conservation was a priority when it came to toilets. However, new toilets not only conserve water, but they also help make life comfortable as well as improve functionality.
You can now find smart toilets that eliminate the need for toilet papers, while others automatically flush themselves or close the seat once you’re done.
-Showers
Showers and tubs have not been left behind when it comes to plumbing technology. Today’s shower systems feature different nozzles able to do different things. The ability to save your preferred temperature settings and water pressure makes modern shower systems luxurious and convenient.
-Faucets
Are you tired of always switching your water on and off from a faucet? You can now find touchscreen faucets that make your work easier. Furthermore, some have wireless control capability that allows you to operate them from your computer or phone.
The modern plumbing systems in our homes are a result of creative designs that have evolved over the years. You can easily access water and drain wastewater out safely in Ocala, FL without harming people. The next time you wash your hands in a sink, remember how far plumbing has come.