Plumbing is more than just toilets, sinks and showers. Each of these systems is connected to a system of pipes, which are essential for transferring water from one place to another and disposing of waste. There are two main types of pipes in a plumbing system: sanitary drainage and stormwater drainage. In most cases, these pipes are made of copper, brass or lead.
Plumbing systems are crucial for the quality of life in our homes. If they break down, our daily activities become impossible to do. This system is responsible for many household tasks, yet most of us don’t realize just how important it is. We turn a handle, push a button, and we expect water to come out at the temperature and pressure we set.
The early days of plumbing were marked by the rise of the Roman Empire, who introduced expansive aqueduct systems and tile waste removal. They also used lead pipes with inscriptions on them to discourage water theft. While plumbing and sanitation continued to improve through the centuries, the improvement was slow and limited. Not until the 1800s did public health authorities begin to push for better systems.
Plumbing has evolved to meet the needs of today’s homeowners and businesses. Water pipes carry water to a building, often from a municipal system. Copper pipes are more durable than their counterparts and can last up to 50 years. Copper is also the best material for water quality protection.
