Although we rely on indoor plumbing on a near-constant basis, we don’t often give much thought to just how complex and fascinating this topic is. There are a lot of interesting plumbing facts out there, like the fact that the average family of four uses about 300 gallons of water every day. You might not realize that the most common reason a plumber is called is for plumbing maintenance, as most people think plumbing help is most often sought out for only the big things. With plumbing, even the little things matter.

Did you know that local plumbers can help conserve thousands of gallons of water a year just by fixing five leaky faucets a year? There is probably a lot you do not know about plumbing.

Interesting Facts About Plumbing History

The word plumbing comes from the Latin word plumbum, which is what the metal lead was called. Pipes were historically made of lead, which may not have been the best idea. Still, no one has voted yet to change the profession’s name to something else.

he idea of carrying waste away from the home started with the Romans. They are largely accredited with the first functioning sewer system. It surprises a lot of people to find out that the first toilet that flushed was invented back in the 1500s. Of course, they were costly, so many people still relied on the outhouse in the U.S. well into the 19th century.

Speaking of flushing toilets, the entire world has come up with some catchy names to refer to the bathroom or the toilet, including “the John,” “the loo, “dunny,” “comfort room, “restroom, “powder room,” “latrine,” and others. No one is really sure why the bathroom has been given so many different names, but it is likely because people feel uncomfortable admitting that they must relieve themselves of waste.

Now For the Weird Stuff

Many times, local plumbers will get emergency plumbing requests to remove a priceless engagement ring that has gotten lodged in a sink trap. Other times, the problem is a bit different. The strangest things can wind up clogging a toilet.

Plumbers have reported pulling miniature alcohol bottles, civil war bullet casings, dentures, and even dogs in clogged toilets. One thing’s for sure: local plumbers don’t have an easy job!

One Fact Remains

If you take care of your plumbing with help from a professional plumber, your plumbing will take care of you. Get the service you deserve from your trusted local plumbers.