Modern plumbing plays an integral part in our society, yet most people never stop to think about its origins and the technological advances that make it possible. Nowadays, you can drive up to a plumbing supply store and pick out any parts you need to complete a job. Before you head into Vancouver for plumbing supplies this week, you may want to take a second to appreciate how far our plumbing materials have evolved through the ages.
The First Indoor Plumbing Systems
The earliest known instances of modern plumbing are found in the Roman Empire during 2600 BC. At this time, piping made of clay and lead began delivering clean water into amphitheaters, bathhouses and even private residences throughout the area. Rome’s plumbing systems were considered the most advanced of their time and consisted of a series of bridges, tunnels and pipes.
Plumbing in Medieval Europe and England
As the Roman Empire fell and the world entered the Middle Ages, there was a notable decline in plumbing technology. People reverted to using open ditches and cesspools for toileting and hygiene. Around the 16th century, plumbers across Europe began using cast iron pipes to design water closets, beginning the next wave of advancement in plumbing. As the Renaissance period continued, new interest in hygiene and safer sanitary practices prompted the dawn of indoor plumbing.
Looking Forward: Plumbing in the 20th Century and Beyond
While clay piping systems were still commonly used in sewage through the 1960s, they eventually gave way to more modern systems using materials that were less time-consuming and labor-intensive to repair. As the standard usage of water only increased, the need for plumbing systems that would handle larger water demands continued to grow.
In the 1980s, PVC and ABS replaced older piping materials due to their durability and ease of maintenance. Now, when you visit Vancouver for plumbing supplies, you’ll find an abundance of modern technological plumbing solutions, durable yet lightweight parts and “smart” plumbing fixtures designed to save water, detect leaks and maximize efficiency.
As modern plumbing continues to evolve, Noble BC will be there with you every step of the way to help you find the right materials for the job at any of our plumbing supply stores. Noble BC is your “one-stop-shop” for high-quality plumbing parts and expert advice at all of our locations across Vancouver, Mission, Kelowna, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Sechelt or Surrey. If you want it, we got it!
