5 FASCINATING PLUMBING FACTS

We love learning fun facts about our industry and we see that many people don’t know just how interesting plumbing history can be! Below are five fascinating facts about plumbing you probably didn’t know:

1. Lead solder was used to fuse plumbing pipes together, however it was thought the amount of lead that could potentially leach into the water was too small to harm humans when ingested. We know now this is not true, however the solder was used until the 1980s.

2. Upon inventing the flushable toilet in 1596, Sir John Herrington called the invention “Ajax,” a shortened version of “a jakes.” This was a common slang term for toilet in that period. Can you guess which term stuck?

3. In Ottawa, Canada sewer explosions terrified the community in 1929. They originally concluded that methane buildup caused the blasts. However, later it was discovered that the gas buildup along with shop owners pouring flammable oils down drains were actually part of the cause.

4. When you think of a plunger, what comes to mind? Probably the well-known wooden handle and red, circular bottom. Well, that is actually a sink and drain plunger! Toilet plungers have a narrow bottom to fit down the toilet drain.

5. Henry Parmelee, a piano factory owner, invented fire sprinklers in 1864 originally to keep his pianos safe from fire. He even patented the idea, but by 1883 had only installed them in 10 factories.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your plumbing or HVAC needs please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Plumbing NJ toll free at 888-315-5564