Living a healthy life requires access to clean and safe water, and plumbing plays a critical role in achieving this goal. In recognition of its importance in how we live today, a global celebration called World Plumbing Day is observed annually since 2010.
The World Plumbing Council has designated March 11 of every year as Plumbers Day. The event brings together professionals and individuals from within and outside the plumbing industry to share their knowledge, learn new skills, and make connections to improve access to clean and potable water. Contests and workshops usually form part of the annual celebration.
When is World Plumbing Day?
The concept behind this special day was to encourage people worldwide to take a moment on March 11th each year to recognize the crucial role that a plumber plays in preserving our health and way of life. Since it was first celebrated, Plumber’s Day has since grown, gaining popularity in many parts of the world.
Currently, events are being organized in Australia, Europe, and Africa to commemorate the day and emphasize the significance of good plumbing and sanitation. In countries like China, India, Canada, and Germany, industry leaders, policymakers, governments, and community-based organizations are promoting and supporting World Plumbing Day.
How Plumbing Began: The Timeline
The plumbing business started thousands of years ago, dating back to pre-historic times. Below is a brief look at how ancient man addressed their plumbing concerns and the evolution that eventually followed.
1. Ancient Plumbing
Water pipes made of copper alloy were first developed by ancient Egyptians around 2500 B.C. These were used mainly to control the waters of the Nile River.
In 500 BC Rome, people built aqueducts so water could be transported to the capital city from the countryside. The aqueducts were connected by ancient pipes to tunnels so water could flow to toilets, fountains, and bath areas.
2. Pre-19th Century Plumbing
Queen Elizabeth I’s godson, Sir John Harington was said to have invented the first toilet with a flush in 1596. The invention impressed the queen so much that she asked her godson to build the same fixture at Richmond Palace where the toilet was referred to as “the John”.
Although Harington was credited for the invention, it was Scottish Alexander Cumming who worked on getting the flushing toilet patented roughly 200 years later. By adding a device which connected the flush to the inlet valve, the toilet pan gets emptied before it can be refilled.
3. 19th Century Plumbing
In 1815, Philadelphia introduced the first safe water supply system with the assistance of Fairmount Water Works. A dam with water wheels was built, its pipes running across the Schuylkill River. and straight into residential and commercial spaces.
In the mid-1800s, the Illinois and Michigan Canal was built in Chicago to reverse the flow of water coming from the city’s main river. Sewer lines were also installed to raise city streets so swampy conditions can be prevented. This allowed Chicago to become an important trade center in America.
4. Modern Plumbing
In 1992, water rates for plumbing fixtures in America were lowered with the passage of the United States Energy Policy Act. The law also made it illegal to use low-flush toilets that consumed over 1.6 gallons of water.
In the early part of the year 2000, the International Code Council was established, tasked to produce worldwide plumbing code models that will serve as the basis for building safe, resilient, and durable plumbing structures.
World Plumbing Day Facts
March 11 is officially celebrated globally as a special day for plumbing professionals. The day, however, is also known for the following:
1. The 70th Day
March 11 is the 70th day of the year. This means that there are only 288 days left before Christmas and 295 days before you welcome the next new year.
2. COVID-19
In early 2020, the corona virus made global headlines. Later, on March 11, the World Health Organization or WHO announced that COVID-19 has spread so rapidly that it can already be considered as a pandemic.
3. Japan Earthquake
On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake ripped through Japan, claiming more than 18,000 lives. The tremor also damaged the Fukushima nuclear plant, considered as history’s second-worst nuclear accident.
4. Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day
Waffles were first introduced to Americans by the Pilgrims. This makes the annual celebration of National Oatmeal-Nut Waffles Day every 11th of March as significant as Thanksgiving.
5. Hug a Plumber Day
The March 11 celebration of Plumber’s Day is actually the first of two special days set aside for plumbing experts. The other is National Hug a Plumber Day, which is celebrated a little over a month later, April 25.
Key Takeaway
There’s hardly any doubt that there’s a close link between efficient plumbing and good health. Plumbers play a crucial role in ensuring that this connection will not be lost. For this reason, World Plumbing Day will always be worth celebrating.
Without plumbers, bathrooms will be unclean, kitchen sinks will be clogged, and safe water cannot be guaranteed. Every homeowner understands that the plumbing business is not just about making money, but also about making sure that the home is safe and sanitized. With just one call, plumbing companies will be at your doorstep to provide you with the solution to your plumbing problem.
Trust A Better Plumber for all your urgent plumbing requirements.
As Plumber’s Day draws near, take the time to send a message of gratitude to the best plumbers in town. It’s also the perfect time to get your plumbing inspected. For this, A Better Plumber is your best choice.
Reach out to our plumber in Aurora, Colorado for any plumbing concerns that you may have. Rest assured that you will be assisted to your complete satisfaction. Call us now.
