Plumbing may seem boring to some, but it’s actually pretty fascinating!
The expert plumbers at Weather Master love sharing their knowledge of all things drains, pipes, and toilets. Read on for our top 10 list of plumbing facts you probably didn’t know …
Number 10 – Plumbing originated in ancient Greece. While we think of plumbing as modern, the first pipes, sewage systems, and drainage were invented in Greece thousands of years ago. We have the ancient Greeks to thank for today’s home comforts!
Number 9 – Your toilet seat is cleaner than your dishcloth. Uh…what? Yep! Toilets average just 50 bacteria per square inch. But dishcloths harbor over 400 times more germs! Toilets need cleaning but aren’t cesspools. Maybe swap out that sponge more often…
Number 8 – Americans spend 240 days of their life on the toilet. That’s right – the average person spends a total of 240 days sitting on the throne over their lifetime! Men spend more time seated than women.
Number 7 – Philadelphia had the first US plumbing. Way back in 1804, Philadelphia became the first American city with a modern plumbing system. We’ve come a long way since colonial times!
Number 6 – People used natural materials before toilet paper. Before TP was invented, people got creative. Options included moss, seashells, rocks, corn cobs, and even animal furs! Not so comfortable.
Number 5 – Faucet leaks waste thousands of gallons yearly. A small drip can add up fast! Leaky faucets can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water every year. Fixing leaks conserves H2O.
Number 4 – NYC steam pipes total over 137 miles long. Beneath New York City streets, there are endless mazes of steam pipes keeping buildings warm. Laid end to end, they’d stretch 137 miles!
Number 3 – Plumbers avoid plungers for sink clogs. Contrary to movie scenes, plumbers don’t reach for plungers first. Sink plungers push clogs further down the pipes. Special tools like snakes work better.
Number 2 – “Plumber’s butt” has a medical name. The infamous ‘butt crack’ sighting when plumbers bend over is formally called “intergluteal cleft exposure.” A bit wordy!
Number 1 – Plumbers must stay fit to avoid injuries. It takes strength and stamina to handle pipe repairs. Plumbers must stay active to avoid back, knee, and muscle injuries on the job.
For assistance any time with any drainage disaster or plumbing predicament, the experts at Weather Master and Mr. Plumber are ready to help Raleigh area residents. We offer way more than just fun facts! Contact us online or call us at (919) 853-7910.