Introduction to Plumbing History

Introduction to Plumbing

• Plumbing is the art and science of installing and maintaining systems for water supply, waste disposal, and various other substances in buildings.
• This ensures the safe, orderly, healthy, and sanitary conditions essential for life and property.
• A plumber is a skilled sanitation professional.
• The term plumber comes from the ancient Roman word "plumbarius," derived from the Latin word "plumbum"

Plumbarius and Plumbum Definitions

• "Plumbarius" referred to individuals working in sanitation in ancient Rome.
• "Plumbum" meant lead, a material favored by Romans for its malleability and resistance to acid.

Ancient Plumbing History

• By 2900 BC, rudimentary plumbing systems were in use.
• In 312 BC, Romans constructed aqueducts to bring water into Rome.
• Around 100 AD, the use of lead pipes in Roman cities is thought to have contributed to the Empire's downfall.

The Dark Ages of Sanitation

• Between 500 AD and 1400 AD, after the fall of Rome, a period known as the Dark Ages occurred.
• Sanitation and hygiene were neglected during this time.
• In the mid-1300s, sanitation began improving in European cities, and the first water supply pipe was laid in London.

Plumbing Developments in England

• In 1625, England enacted the first apprenticeship laws for plumbing.
• Other countries began creating their own water supply systems.
• In 1596, one of the first known water closets was built in England by Sir Jon Harrington, godson of Queen Elizabeth I.
• However, this invention did not become widespread for another 200 years.
• In 1775, Alexander Cumming invented the S-trap, which is a precursor to modern toilet traps.
• In 1848, England passed the National Public Safety Act, setting a global standard for legislation.

Plumbing in the United States

• In 1666, after the Great Fire of London, firefighting brigades began and the city's water system was expanded.
• The United States has been responsible for significant plumbing technology advancements, plus health and safety regulation.
• In 1652, Boston developed the first waterworks, utilizing wood pipes.
• In 1804, Philadelphia started using cast iron piping for water mains.
• In the mid-1800s, American homes often used outdoor privies supplied by wells or cisterns.
• During the mid-19th century, the U.S. began developing practical water and sewage systems; wastewater treatment was still a problem for many cities.
• Scientists discovered that treating water with chlorine would kill deadly bacteria.
• In the 20th century, thermoplastic and thermoset compounds were developed.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), developed in the 1930s, became the first plastic used in plumbing.
• In 1911, the Kohler Company developed the first one-piece recessed bath, as prior to this, baths were built in two separate sections.
• In 1926, Kohler introduced the electric sink, which combined a conventional sink with an electric dishwasher.

Modern Plumbing and Sustainability

• In the 21st century, it became widely recognized that society needed to use natural resources wisely.
• Practices such as rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, and technologies like bioswales were developed.
• In 1993, the US Green Building Council developed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
• LEED helps contractors identify and implement improved green building methods.

Plumbing in the Philippines

• The birth of the plumbing profession in the Philippines can be traced back to the 17th century.
• Spaniards established the walled city of Intramuros as a model community.
• In 1902, the plumbing trade was officially recognized by the government.
• Master Plumber John F. Hass became the first chief of the Division of Plumbing Construction.
• A plumbing code based on the U.S. code was incorporated into Manila's building regulations.
• In 1935, the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) formed and registered with the SEC.
• City Ordinance 2411, also known as "The Plumbing Code for the City of Manila," was enacted with NAMPAP's consultation.
• In 1954, the 3rd Congress of the Republic of the Philippines approved House Bill No. 962, which became Republic Act No. 1378.
• On June 28, 1955, R.A. 1378, known as "The Plumbing Code of the Philippines," was signed by President Ramon Magsaysay.
• On December 21, 1999, Joseph Ejercito Estrada approved the Revised Plumbing Code of 1999.

Objectives of Plumbing

• To supply water to different parts of a building.
• To remove and discharge human waste and other substances out of the building into the public sewer or septic tank.
• Plumbing must provide an effective water supply by:
  • Supplying a sufficient amount of water to each fixture
  • Preventing the backflow of used water into the water supply system.
• Drainage systems must:
  • Rapidly remove waste with minimal leakage or stoppage.
  • Prevent the entry of house vermin and harmful gases from the piping system into the house.