There are few things in life as convenient as indoor plumbing. Can you imagine having to “go” and actually leaving your peaceful abode to find the weeds outside? Good thing we have indoor plumbing.
But where did indoor plumbing originate? And when did it become popular? Where did plumbing come from in the first place?
Indoor Plumbing: A Brief History
Can you imagine how people who wanted to “ease nature” did it back in ancient times.
The Bible says that King Saul eased nature in a cave at 1 Samuel 24:3: “he went in to relieve himself* while David and his men were sitting in the recesses at the back of the cave.”
The point is that Saul was a king! Surely if a king had to use a cave, can you imagine what normal folks had to put up with?
But things began to change.
Even when America was founded, the Founding Fathers used outdoor facilities to relieve themselves. That means George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton all had to go outside to take care of their business.
But some 40-50 years after this ones died, advancements in plumbing began to take hold.
Who Made The First Toilets In America?
In slavery times, it was common for the master’s home to have all the modern amenities of the day: brick or stone fireplace, expansive kitchen and even a butler’s quarters.
By the 1850s, indoor plumbing was beginning to be installed in new homes. Right before the Civil War, advancements in comfortable home living made the indoor toilet a necessity.
The art and practice of indoor plumbing took nearly a century to develop, starting in about the 1840s. In 1940 nearly half of houses lacked hot piped water, a bathtub or shower, or a flush toilet.
Final Thoughts
Aren’t we glad that we have modern-day toilets and all the comforts of high-tech plumbing today? Homeowners aren’t the only ones breathing a sigh of relief about that. Professional plumbers are happy as well.
If you have any issues with your toilet you may be wondering what you can do about it. You may need to call a professional.
When To Call A Plumber
If you feel that your issue is something that you can handle right now, or you need the security, protection and peace of mind of knowing that a professional will do the job right, call a plumber.