5 Shocking Indoor Plumbing History Facts

In this brief article brought to you by High Speed Plumbing, we’d like to switch things up and share five shocking historical facts about indoor plumbing that might just leave you grateful for your modern bathroom.

If you ever need a trained plumber in Alhambra, CA to get your indoor plumbing back on track, you can trust the plumbers at High Speed Plumbing are ready, willing, and able to help at any time of the day – or night.

The First Toilets Were Over 5,000 Years Old

When you think about ancient history, you might picture people living in rudimentary huts and handling their business outdoors - but the people of the Indus Valley Civilization (in what is now India and Pakistan) were ahead of their time over 5,000 years ago.

They had flush toilets connected to sophisticated drainage systems. These toilets were made of bricks and featured a water channel to carry waste away – a clear precursor to the modern sewage system. While the Indus Valley’s plumbing infrastructure faded with the fall of their civilization, their innovation remains a testament to human ingenuity.

The Romans Were Obsessed with Public Bathrooms

The Romans were known for their engineering prowess, and plumbing was no exception. They built elaborate aqueducts to supply water to their cities and installed public baths and toilets everywhere. Here’s the shocking part, however: Roman public toilets were communal, and privacy wasn’t a priority.

Imagine sitting side-by-side with strangers on a stone bench with holes and chatting about business while doing your business. To top it off, toilet paper didn’t exist; instead, Romans used a sponge on a stick (called a tersorium) which was rinsed in a shared bucket of water. Hygienic? Hardly.

Medieval Castles Had Indoor Plumbing… Sort Of

If you’ve ever toured a medieval castle, you might have noticed the "garderobes.” While they’re technically indoor toilets, these "toilets" were often simple stone seats with holes that emptied straight into the moat or the ground below. The waste sometimes piled up around the castle’s foundation, causing a terrible stench and inviting diseases.

Adding to the oddity, the waste chute of garderobes doubled as a weak point in the castle’s defenses. Attacking armies occasionally used this as an entry point by crawling through the muck to infiltrate fortresses!

The "Great Stink" of 1858 Changed Everything

By the mid-19th century, London had become one of the most populous cities in the world. Unfortunately, its plumbing system hadn’t caught up. Raw sewage flowed directly into the Thames River which also served as the city’s primary water source. This led to frequent cholera outbreaks and the infamous "Great Stink” during the summer of 1858.

The heat intensified the smell of sewage so severely that Parliament had to be suspended. This shocking event finally spurred lawmakers into action, leading to the construction of London’s modern sewage system.

Thomas Crapper Didn’t Invent the Toilet

You’ve probably heard the name Thomas Crapper associated with the invention of the modern toilet. It’s funnier than it’s true. The flush toilet was actually invented in 1596 by Sir John Harington, an English courtier. To his credit, Crapper’s claim to fame was in his work as a plumber and businessman who popularized and improved existing designs.

A Modern Fact: High Speed Plumbing is a Leader in the Industry

If you’re looking for a reputable plumbing company with a history of delivering top-tier customer service and reliable plumbing service, then consider the professionals at High Speed Plumbing.

Our local plumbers are not only experienced but also regularly trained on the latest standards, codes, and techniques so that you can rest assured you’re getting dependable service and long-lasting results.

Call or message High Speed Plumbing at any time of the day – or night. It’s not just in the name, we can dispatch to your home or business ASAP!