Based largely on pressure and gravity, your plumbing system brings fresh water into your home and takes waste away from it. It’s true that a lot of people take their plumbing for granted and overlook it until something goes wrong. Homeowners may have cause to curse their plumbing now and then, but it has a long and fascinating history. Here are some interesting facts.

The Origin of Plumbing

The word “plumbing” comes from the Latin word for lead, which is “plumbum.” That’s because in ancient Rome, and indeed until surprisingly recently, lead was used for plumbing pipes. This was due to the substance being plentiful, cheap, very ductile, and non-reactive, although it did turn out to be a bit toxic. Even today, the symbol for lead is Pb for the Latin name.

Bringing the Fresh Water

The ancient Romans were not the first people to use lead for plumbing pipes, even though they did give them their name. Historians believe the first folks to use lead for plumbing were the ancient Egyptians. However, these pipes for bringing in fresh water and for drainage were a bit rudimentary. It was the Romans who built underground sewers that took waste from buildings and houses and dumped it, unfortunately, in the Tiber River. They also famously built aqueducts, some of which still stand and function. Ancient Rome wasn’t the first civilization to build aqueducts. The Minoans were building them as long ago as 2000 BC, but the Romans perfected them. These Roman aqueducts served private houses, farms, gardens, public baths, mills, latrines, and other areas.

Origin of Plumbers

Ancient Rome also had professional plumbers who got their name because they worked with lead. These men were kept busy maintaining the latrines and public baths in Rome. They were also artisans and were responsible for creating the beautiful water spouts that delivered water from the aqueducts into the public pools.

About Modern Plumbing

Modern plumbing can be as simple or complex as the homeowner and zoning regulations specify. Contemporary homes not only have basic freshwater-vent-drain plumbing but also such accouterments as:

• Water softeners
• Garbage disposals
• Ice makers
• Hot water heaters
• Dishwashers

All of these appliances are dependent on the plumbing system.

Gas Line Plumbing

The gas line that connects to your stove, heater, backyard grill, and other appliances is considered part of your plumbing system, which is why our professionals at All-Out Plumbing can install, maintain, and repair it. They are plumbers who are trained specifically in how to work with gas lines. Gas can be dangerous, so it’s imperative that the installation and maintenance of gas lines be done correctly.

Rely on All-Out Plumbing for Help

The more you learn about what goes into your plumbing, the better you are able to maintain it. This is important in a place like Albuquerque, where the water is hard. It has minerals that can clog plumbing pipes with limescale and cause problems. If you need your plumbing serviced, don’t hesitate to call on our professionals at All-Out Plumbing today.