| 2500
B.C. |
 The
Egyptians built elaborate bathrooms inside the
pyramids for their dead to use on their journey to
another life. |
 |
| 1500
B.C. |
 On
the island of Crete fresh water sewage systems and
flushing toilets were used regularly. Rain water
was utilized and cisterns were used for storage. |
|
| 1600 |
 17th
century castles have indoor privies. Unfortunately
the plumbing system dumped directly into the
surrounding moats. Anyone who dare wade across
would surely die. |
|
| 1778 |
 Joseph
Brahma receives a patent for the float and valve
flushing system. This principle is still used in
today’s toilets. |
|
| 1782 |
 The
Stink Trap was patented to eliminate the smell in
bathrooms. It successfully eliminated the smell
but did nothing to stop the spread of disease. |
|
| 1848 |
 National
Public Health Act is passed in England. A model
plumbing code was enacted that most of the world
has adapted and continues to follow. |
|
| 1859 |
 Parliament
in London, England, was suspended for a short time
because of the unbearable stench of the Thames
River. |
|
| 1861 |
 Prince
Albert died of typhoid fever as well as thousands
of others. Sanitation soon became a public
concern. |
|
| 1880 |
 Toilet
paper was developed by the British Perforated
Paper Company. |
|
| 1904 |
 Thomas
Crapper retires from the plumbing industry. But
did he really invent the toilet? |
|
| 1933 |
 Samuel
O. Blanc invents the electric Roto-Rooter sewer
cleaning machine using a 1/6 hp washing machine
motor. For the first time, drains could be cleared
without having to dig up the ground. |
|
|
