The Importance of Plumbing Moving Society Forward
Jan 15, 2016
The Importance of Plumbing
Moving Society Forward
Community’s Water Source Humans require potable water to
survive More people in a community
requires more clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing
Waste water must not contaminate the potable water
Photo courtesy of UNICEF
Water – A Precious Commodity
70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water
Only 2.5% is Fresh Water
Only 0.77% is easily available as Potable Water
Source: UTEP
Plumbing Systems The advent of plumbing systems allowed
people to live together in larger communities as fresh water could easily come in and waste water was removed.
Little consideration was given to the community downstream
Water pipe made from lead in Pompeii ruins
More People = More Human Waste
Outhouses or Privies used to be the norm
Improvements in plumbing allowed for many waterborne diseases to be controlled by removing the contaminated water from the potable water
Modern Plumbing
Indoor Plumbing Systems Bring clean water
Modern Plumbing
Indoor Plumbing Systems Bring clean water Carry away waste water
and clean it before it is returned to the environment
Historical Plumbing Innovations
Historical Plumbing Innovations
Graphic courtesy of American Standard Brands
Increased Life Expectancy Reduced infant mortality Adults live longer Better sanitation creates better
hygiene, which allows children to remain healthier and attend schools regularly
Many gains from the Industrial Revolution of the 1800’s can be attributed to a healthier population
Increased Life Expectancy
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
1700 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000
Source: US Center for Disease Control
Age
Natural Disasters Show Importance of Plumbers
Infrastructure Big Underground Fresh Water Pipes Waste Treatment Facilities Salt Water Contamination of Fresh Water
In Home/Schools/Businesses Broken Water Pipes Broken Gas Lines Broken Sewer Lines
There are many different types of Plumbers
Highly skilled trades people Contractors install pipes and fixtures Engineers design the projects to
ensure correct water pressure and volume flow
Inspectors make sure it is done correctly
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