PLUMBING

Tristan Tanguid
BTLED 1-A

ABSTRACT
This paper discusses the overview about plumbing. It will also discuss the history, how it
was progressed and purposes of plumbing in industrial arts. This paper will provide some
examples to explain the importance of plumbing and the positive changes of plumbing in
constructions.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. History of Plumbing
- Prehistory-Middle Ages
- Early Modern Plumbing
- Modern Plumbing
3. Purposes of Plumbing
4. Importance of Plumbing in Constructions
5. Conclusion
6. References

Introduction
Plumbing is the practice, materials and fixtures used for installation, maintenance and
altering pipes that was connected with sanitary or storm drainage facilities, venting system and
water supply systems. In other word, it is a system of installed pipes and fixtures in buildings and
cities to transport drinkable water and the removal of water wastes.
The word plumbing fixture includes not only showers, bathtubs, lavatory basins, and
toilets, but also washing machines, trash disposal units, hot-water heaters, dishwashers, and
drinking fountains.
 History of Plumbing
Plumbing was originated on ancient civilization which includes Greek, Roman, Persian,
Indian and Chinese. While they were improving their areas including their villages and cities,
they also find a way on how to water their crops and provide public baths, water waste removal
and portable water. Below is a timeline of the major historical events that explains the progress
of plumbing.

Prehistory-Middle Ages
During this age, plumbing system were made up of baked clay and straw and the first
copper pipes were made by the Egyptians. They have also invented water wheels with a deep as
300 feet.
When Greek mastered the science of hot and cold running water, they have built the first
shower technology that was used by the athletes for their Olympic games. Roman built channels
which carried water from the mountains and distributed underground to the city with lead lines
and this was considered as their most significant accomplishments. This accomplishment helps
to shaped the modern plumbing systems that we know today.

Early Modern Plumbing

John Harington invented the first flushable toilet on 1596. Harrington proudly showed-off
and gifted his new invention to Queen Elizabeth I. She tried it out and impressed with his
invention but she was too scare to use it because of its terrible rushing water sounds.
In America, Boston pioneered the first water system in the mid-1600’s and in 1738, J.F.
Brondel invented the first valve-type flush toilet. Alexander Cumming based the modern toilet in
the flush toilet in 1775.

Modern Plumbing
In 1810, the first shower was invented and it constantly pushed the same water waste
from the bottom basin to the top, where it was discharged immediately over the bather head. In
New York Street in 1830, the first public water main was installed. It aims to store adequate
water supply for firefighting.
 In 1814, National Public Health Act was passed in England which was the role model in
plumbing codes around the world which scope the required development of plumbing practice,
design and installation of the plumbing system.
In 1856, America built its first integrated sewer system in Chicago to provide the
contamination of water into Lake Michigan, which is one of the supplies of city’s drinking water.
Water saving laws started to be introduced in 1978 which limits the usage of water in
California more than 3.5 gpf. To support this law, lo-flow toilets were created in 1992 which
flush about half the water level compared to other models.

Purposes of Plumbing
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency which responsible for
international public health. Based on the WHO’s principles of effective plumbing systems, there
are three main purposes of plumbing system: to maintain sufficient drinking water supply, to
remove liquid wastes efficiently and to train and manage the public authorities such as plumbers
and operators. These three main purposes were based upon the need to preserve health, safety
and well-being of the people in plumbing system.
Maintain sufficient drinking water supply. Every community or group of homes
should have a pipe for drinking-water supply which has proper sanitary transports and proper
waste treatment and disposal to maintain safe domestic and community environment. It should
also continuous and should meet national standards or WHO drinking water guidelines.
Remove liquid wastes efficiently. Liquid wasted should be disposed properly and
hygienically by having drainage facilities to prevent the accumulation of water waste and
spillage which leads to contamination. Wastes should be quickly removed from fixtures to
prevent any further human contact.
Train and Manage the Public Authorities such as Plumbers and Operators. Pipes,
joints, fixtures and other material for a plumbing system should observe the quality and
performance standards, and should be sufficiently durable to give satisfactory for long time.
Persons and public authorities also should have proper training and should be fully responsible in
selecting and installing the plumbing systems. It should also ensure that all personnel have
achieved and demonstrated the appropriate levels of competency.
 Importance of Plumbing in Construction
During the ancient era, plumbing is one of the important things in construction and
development of cities. According to Plumber in London (2016), here are five reasons why
plumbing is important in construction:
Utilization of one of the most important resources. Water is one of the most important
natural resources. Plumbing helps to maintain the clean water for our health and hygiene
Water Consumption is reduced. is an effective innovation to reduce the water
consumption and at the same it will also save water resources. A proper plumbing item, such as a
faucet, toilet, or shower, allows us to save money by lowering our water expenses.
Comfort. Plumbing item with modern designs enables the home and lives to be
comfortable and attractive.
It prevents rot and mold. Appropriate plumbing prevents the pipes from leakage which
can lead to rot and molds that could damage to the house.
Hygiene. Plumbing makes the home and lives would be more sanitary because it
separates the water waste and drinking water to prevent contamination. It will also prevent types
of illnesses and diseases caused by unsanitary homes and contaminated water.

Conclusion
Plumbing is one of the most important things while planning to construct any building. It
will also contribute to the building's beauty and strength, as well as ensure the safety of those
who use it. No building can be completed without the plumbing

All buildings, homes and places should maintain plumbing system in order to save
resources and reduces expenses. For example, defective or leaking pipes can produce moisture,
which can lead to mold and fungal growth. Toilets and sink should also be check daily to prevent
clogged. In this way, it will ensure that the plumbing systems of house and buildings can run
properly. No building can be completed without the plumbing

Reference

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Chapter 9: Plumbing. Cdc.Gov.
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/cha09.htm
Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Plumbing. Britannica. https://britannica.com/technology/
Plumbing
Plumbers London. (2016, July 27). 5 Reasons Why Plumbing Is Important. Retrieved March 27,
2022, from https://www.local-plumber.london/blog/5-reasons-why-plumbing-is-
 important#:~:text=A%20reason%20why%20plumbing%20is,on%20the%20walls%20and
%20floors.
Sir John Harrington - inventor of the toilet or loo. (n.d.). Historic UK. Retrieved March 26, 2022,
from https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Throne-of-Sir-John-Harrington/
The History of Plumbing. (2021, August 16). Reddi Plumbing. Retrieved March 26, 2022, from
https://reddiplumbingwichita.com/blog/plumbing/the-history-of-
plumbing#:~:text=Plumbing%20originated%20during%20ancient
%20civilizations,wastewater%20removal%20and%20portable%20water.
World Health Organization (n.d.). 6. principles of effective plumbing systems. Retrieved March
26, 2022, from https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/plumbing6.pdf