Updated August 2023
Indoor plumbing dates back to between 4000 B.C. and 3000 B.C. Although most people didn’t have access to it until the past hundred years, it’s now considered essential. There have been many advances from where indoor plumbing started to the devices now found in modern homes.
Invention of Indoor Plumbing
As far as is known, indoor plumbing got its start almost 6,000 years ago in India. Archaeologists discovered copper water pipes in the Indus River Valley. However, there are signs of indoor plumbing dating from 6000 B.C. in Mesopotamia.
Egypt and Rome
The Egyptians invented copper pipes for indoor plumbing in 2500 B.C. They also built sewage and irrigation systems that were used by the public. The Romans built elaborate plumbing systems about 2,000 years later.
First Flushing Toilet
King Minos of Crete is regarded as the inventor of the flushing toilet in 1700 B.C. However, there’s a village in the United Kingdom where a flushing system was discovered that dates to 2900 B.C.
Thomas Crapper
Contrary to what is popularly believed, Thomas Crapper didn’t invent the toilet. While he had several plumbing patents, he was just the owner of a plumbing company in London who stamped his name on the first toilets. His patents include the floating ballcock and an improvement on the S-bend plumbing trap.
More Recent Developments
It wasn’t until the 20th century that indoor plumbing became widespread in the United States. In 1929, it became increasingly common for homes to be built with bathrooms. Prior to that, people used a chamber pot and dumped it outside.
Indoor plumbing is now seen as a necessity. People learned in the 19th century the connection between sanitation and health. Everyone can now enjoy a cleaner environment both at home and outdoors.
Fix-A-Leak Plumbing and Heating in Hauppauge, NY, handles indoor plumbing issues for clients throughout the area. Our services include plumbing, water heaters, drain cleaning, boilers, pipe leak repair, sewer line service, kitchen, and bathroom remodels, and thermostats. We’re known for being professional, affordable and having comprehensive services. Please call today to schedule an appointment.
