The history of American plumbing dates back to 1875 when first patent for plumbing was issued. Before that time period also there were many attempts in establishing plumbing, though with moderate success. The journey of American plumbing starts with chamber pot and carries up to present modern day plumbing technological innovations. As the initial settlers were unaware of iron or lead pipes to construct toilet, they were using wood which could be sourced easily as it was available in plenty. They used logs of elm to make water pipes. As such pipes were laid below the ground, it use to cause lots of problems such as stagnation of water. Stagnation of water led to infectious diseases as a result of water borne germs and insect breeding in it.
Then cone-shaped set of hoppers arrived on the scene which was installed inside a lead trap. This was placed below the ground on the floor. Then arrived pan closet on the scene. This had lots of improvement including ceramic basin which was on the top along with a copper pan. The copper pan was shallow with 3-5 inch water for sealing at its base. Later washdown closet came into picture. In this type of closet, it was possible to flush water with the use of direct line via a storage tank hidden in the attic.
The modern day American plumbing and toilet journey began with James T. Henry and William Campbell securing patent for water closet in the year 1875. This particular closet use to resemble twin-basin water closet that was used in England. Its journey ended due to the fact that it was difficult to maintain hygiene for the person using it. During this time period and until 1890, lot of patents were secured in America for plumbing innovations as people came to realize the importance attached to plumbing and water closets and it turned out to be very popular profession. Also the later models came out with more improvement viz, three-pipe closet, siphonic closet and jet siphon closet. At that time, William Howell.s invention of water closet was very much appreciated as it functioned even though the lower tap was eliminated. The race to invent new closets and invent new plumbing devices grew very competitive as new water closet was designed every day. In early 1900s, lot of patents were granted for new innovations such as a backflow preventer, a reverse trap toilet, flushometer valve closet which was mounted on wall and had a blow-out arrangement etc.
Early 20th century witnessed the U.S. Patent Office receiving a large number of requests for patent numbering about 350 applications from the year 1900 to 1932. New patents were granted to produce siphonic wash-down closet that led to its heavy use in coming years. But it was not free from problem which led to messy overflows. This lead to new improvements and redesigning of closet and it is the one which is widely used in America today.
Modern day inventors who innovate closets are not in plumbing profession. Scientists have taken over the work of designing and inventing new plumbing and toilet equipments. In today.s America, latest designs consist of jet flush toilet technology. The latest invention is a 3.3-inch motor which comes along with a .2 horsepower pump that fits in a toilet tank. This motor adds power and speed to each flush. This motorized equipment has a bowl that is steeper as compared to other toilets. This makes it easy to flush out waste.
At last, it can be said that a humble plumbing equipment and profession has turned out to be more sophisticated in America today. This profession requires even more knowledge than ever before as latest technologies are being used by trade and industry.
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