The History of Indoor Plumbing

image of outhouse history of indoor plumbing

By learning more about the history of indoor plumbing, you can gain a full appreciation for the technology and how systems have evolved over the years.

And so to help you further understand the history of indoor plumbing and its evolution, our team at Mercy Plumbing in Katy, Texas will provide a brief history lesson in this latest post.

The Early Years of Plumbing

In its initial form, plumbing was little more than a transportation system for channeling water between communities. Archeologists have discovered the remains of copper pipes in the Indus Valley, showing that ancient civilizations understood the importance of water transportation and of ensuring clean water was directed effectively for washing and waste removal.

Archeologists have discovered the remains of copper pipes in the Indus Valley, showing that ancient civilizations understood the importance of water transportation and of ensuring clean water was directed effectively for washing and waste removal.

However, among the most advanced civilizations when it came to the invention and use of pipes and plumbing were the Romans. They added onto the original Egyptian mud pipes and created a truly extraordinary system.

18th Century Flushing Toilets

In the 18th century, the flushing toilet was invented and in its first iterations, it was considered a luxury for only the rich to enjoy. One notable example is Marie Antoinette in 18th century France. She was one of the first to enjoy the benefits of the flush toilet system.

This occurred after she was walking through the streets and had waste thrown from a balcony over here by one of the local villagers. Afterward, she insisted on having her own private flush toilet installed in her royal property.

Sensor Toilets Invented in 1986

Now we get to the newest iterations of toilet technology. In Japan in 1986, teams invented the sensor flush toilets, which could sense the waste in the bowl and then flush the waste down. The technology is designed to limit contact between the person and the toilet and thereby limit potential contact with bacteria.

It’s now in use around the globe as many millions of people benefit from the health advantages the technology brings.

Low Flow Systems Now in Place Across the Country

While others have discovered the benefits that high-powered flushing systems can bring to the waste removal process, we’re now finding that toilets use a significant amount of water within the home.

It’s the reason that low flow toilets and showers are now commonplace, and are growing in use around the globe. These systems conserve a significant amount of water and help protect local natural waterways.

It’s clear that indoor plumbing systems are now evolving at a faster pace than ever before. Take time now to learn more about the options available for your home.

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