Plumbers install and repair water, waste disposal, drainage, and gas systems. Plumbers also install plumbing fixtures (i.e., bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets) and appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters. But there weren't always plumbers among us.
Major plumbing event: The first flush toilet was invented by Sir John Harrington in 1596. Harrington invented a valve at the bottom of the water tank and a wash-down system.
Major plumbing event: In 1775, Alexander Cumming invented the S-shaped trap. It used standing water to seal the outlet of the bowl, preventing the escape of foul air from the sewer.
Major plumbing event: In 1777, Samuel Prosser invented the plunger closet, which released the waste and also sealed the soil pipe.
Major plumbing event: In 1778, Joseph Bramah invented a hinged or crank valve, which sealed the bottom of the bowl.
Major plumbing event: In 1852, JG Jennings invented the wash-out design with a shallow pan emptying into an S-trap. Jennings is credited for popularizing paid public restrooms.
Major plumbing event: In 1885, Thomas Twyford created the one-piece wash-out toilet, called the Unitas, which used a P-shaped trap.
Also during the 1880s, Thomas Crapper invented the siphonic system for emptying the cistern. Contrary to what you may have heard, Thomas Crapper did not actually invent the toilet.
Plumbing has certainly come a long way since then. Learn more about becoming a plumber, and find your place in history.
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