London had the most problems since it had the largest population (close to three million). Tenements were in deplorable condition. Plumbers' salaries were three times more than that of the average working man, due to the increased demand and the serious health risks involved with the job.

In the true spirit of treating the symptom instead of the disease, the Stink
Trap was patented in 1782. It successfully eliminated the smell but did nothing to stop the spread of disease. It was manufactured solely to hide the stench of the water closets. Society simply did not know how to deal with the problems created by industrialization.