The world of plumbing is, unsurprisingly, a lot more interesting than it might initially appear. A deep dive into this realm reveals a wealth of surprising facts and tales that can leave one astounded. We’ll take a look at some of the most fascinating pieces of plumbing trivia out there.
Let’s explore these pieces of trivia about the interesting world of plumbing.
- Water Swirl Facts: The direction in which water spirals down your drain actually has nothing to do with what hemisphere you are in.
- Truths About Thomas Crapper: Contrary to popular urban myth, Thomas Crapper did not invent the flush toilet; he merely improved upon the pre-existing flushing mechanism.
- Serving Presidential Plumbing: Did you know that plumbers have played a key role in the White House? Richard Nixon even had his very own plumber’s unit!
- Swimming Rats Fun Fact: It’s true – rats can indeed swim up your toilet pipes and find their way into your bowl.
- ‘Alive Goldie’ Myth Busted: It might sound like an urban legend, but sadly flushing your pet fish alive can cause them significant harm and distress.
This is just a glimpse into the intriguing world of plumbing trivia. There are plenty more oddities and facts out there for the keen learner.
Discover More Plumbing Trivia
If you’re intrigued by these tidbits and want to delve deeper into the wonders of plumbing, you can check out this comprehensive guide on frequently asked questions about plumbing.
Light-hearted trivia aside, understanding plumbing is crucial for homeowners. It can help you handle minor issues without needing professional help.
Also, knowing more about plumbing could aid in making informed decisions when it comes to home improvements or renovations.
Lastly, a solid knowledge of plumbing can prevent mishaps and ensure the efficient use of water resources at home.
Contents
Test Your Plumbing Trivia
The concept of plumbing encompasses an amalgam of knowledge touching on water waste, supply, elements of history, and plumbing components. Let’s delve in.
Water Waste: The Shocking Statistics
One drip per second from a leaky faucet squanders more than 8 gallons in a day. This insidious waste accumulates to a whopping 3,000 gallons yearly.
Constant temperature changes to fulfill your comfort can cost more than 40k litres of water per annum. Certainly a wake-up call for the ‘perfect temperature’ seekers!
Ignoring those seemingly harmless ‘little’ leaks could potentially incur costs between $150 to $600 each month. Addressing them promptly could save not only water but also your pocket.
Delving into Water Supply and Plumbing History
Freshwater predominantly comes from municipal systems or well-based systems. Fun fact: New York City relies on an impressive watershed that spans roughly 2,000 square miles in Upstate NY.
The term “plumber” owes its origin to the Latin word ‘plumbum,’ meaning lead – the staple building material used in ancient plumbing systems.
The first flush toilet was created by Sir John Harington in 1596 while Thomas Crapper popularized it later during the1880s.
Anatomy of Plumbing Components and Pipes
A ‘snake’ or drain auger is your best friend when clearing pesky clogs. Its corkscrew-style head drills into blockages, easily breaking them up.
A crucial protective element is the T&P valve (temperature and pressure relief valve). Installed within water heaters, it safeguards against excessive heat pressure.
Materials used in making pipes vary. Copper pipes are a stalwart due to their durability, resistance to bacteria, and reliability for carrying potable water.
PEX pipes and PVC pipes offer alternatives offering flexibility, chemical resistance, and suitability for diverse applications such as radiant floor heating and sewage transport.
Facts About Water Swirls
The seemingly ordinary act of water swirling down your drain hides some interesting physics principles. Let’s delve into this phenomenon.
People often believe that the hemisphere they’re in affects how water swirls. In reality, this isn’t the case. It’s more about design than geography.
In terms of toilets, the swirling direction is influenced by their structure and how the water enters the bowl. It has little to do with the alleged Coriolis effect.
Our sinks present a similar scenario. The design of the basin or drain affects how the water behaves when draining. Regular observations might lead you to assume that water always drains in the same direction. This uniformity can be traced back to subtle water movements before you pull the plug, not to any geographical or astrophysical effects.
| Myth Vs Reality |
|---|
| It’s believed that the hemisphere determines water swirl direction. |
| It’s not about geography but design. |
| The toilet swirl direction is influenced by its structure and water inflow, not the Coriolis effect. |
| The sink’s design and subtle pre-drainage movements influence its drain-swirl direction. |
| The highlighted points debunk common misconceptions related to water swirling in drains. |
To further exemplify, try filling your sink and stirring it before draining. You’ll observe that it generally drains in the stirred direction, proving how minor existing movements can decisively influence swirl direction!
The Truth Behind Thomas Crapper
Contrary to popular belief, Thomas Crapper wasn’t the inventor of the toilet. He made significant advancements in plumbing, but the origin of the flush toilet dates back to Sir John Harrington in 1596.
- Sir John Harrington: Designed the earliest mechanism for a flush toilet. It flushed waste away with a water rush by pulling a cord.
- Thomas Crapper: Noted for refining and popularizing indoor plumbing. His work made toilets more accessible and affordable for the middle class.
The contributions of Thomas Crapper to the plumbing industry cannot be understated. While Harrington was the first to conceptualize a flushing system, it was Crapper who brought elegance and functionality into bathroom fixtures.
Crapper also had a notable patent for an automatic flushing mechanism. Unfortunately, it wasn’t successful due to several design flaws. The system, despite being innovative, was prone to sticking and ended up being discarded.
His truly successful invention was the floating ballcock, a device that conserved water by stopping the inflow when a toilet’s tank was full. This demonstrated his commitment towards promoting efficiency within household utilities.
Without doubt, Thomas Crapper played a significant role in advancing plumbing systems during the industrial revolution. His designs helped enhance practicality and wide adoption of indoor plumbing without inventing the flush toilet.
Presidential Plumbing Trivia
The first trace of plumbing in the White House dates back to John Quincy Adams’ presidency when an iron pump was installed for watering the garden.
This pump drew water from a well at the nearby Treasury building, illustrating an early and practical approach to plumbing systems.
Indoor plumbing made its debut in the White House in 1833 during Andrew Jackson’s time in office. Initially, it served for drinking water and fire protection only.
The commencement of indoor sanitation was marked with the establishment of a bathing room in the East Wing.
In 1853, the first flushing toilet was installed under President Millard Fillmore’s leadership. But it took till Franklin Pierce’s term to have a completely functional modern bathroom.
Believe it or not, James Madison had the first bathtub installed in the White House in 1814, where water was heated on a stove and carried into the tub using buckets.
William Howard Taft required an extraordinary measure due to his large size: he had a custom-sized bathtub. It measured 7 feet long and 40 inches wide, weighing nearly 2000 pounds!
The term “Watergate Plumbers” came into existence during Richard Nixon’s presidency. This group of individuals was tasked to plug leaks of confidential information; their name given by a relative who likened them to plumbers fixing leaks.
Fun Facts: Can Rats Swim?
It may surprise you to know that rats, often seen as nuisances, are indeed gifted swimmers. With their ribs hinged at the spine, they can force their bodies through narrow spaces.
This trait combined with their exceptional swimming skills makes for a unique ability to explore far and wide. Some rat species, like the marsh rice rat, even hunt underwater.
Not only are rats remarkable swimmers, they also exhibit impressive climbing and jumping prowess – being able to jump up to three feet high and four feet horizontally.
Rats have a unique method while swimming – using their tails as rudders and their hind legs for paddling. This allows them fantastic navigational capabilities underwater.
An unexpected consequence? They can actually swim up through your home’s sewage system and possibly enter homes via toilets! An exceptional testament to their adaptability.
For in-depth information on the swimming abilities of rats and more fascinating facts, check out this informative article from National Geographic.
Don’t Flush Goldie Alive: Myth or Fact?
Is it OK to flush your erstwhile pet goldfish when she flips belly-up?
No, it’s not suitable at all. Despite popular belief, flushing your deceased pet goldfish is impractical and possibly harmful.
Further, there is the risk of clogs occurring in your plumbing system due to non-disintegration of the fish’s remains.
So what should be done with dead pet goldfish?
A dignified backyard burial would be a more excellent approach for dealing with your cherished finned friend’s demise.
What will happen if you try to flush a live goldfish?
Incredibly, flushing live fish can lead to their survival and eventual breeding in sewer systems, causing ecological problems.
Does this apply only for goldfishes?
No, this holds true for any live creature. Flushing any live animals down the toilet is unsound and inhumane.
Any suggestions for dealing with unwanted pets?
Pet owners are advised to seek new homes for their unwanted pets or consider donating them to an animal refuge instead.
According to data from Good Housekeeping, the only things which should be flushed down toilets are human waste and toilet paper. This advice helps prioritize the health of our ecosystem and maintains plumbing efficiency.
Believe it or not, Goldie’s cousins from the carp family have been known to cause issues in our lakes and streams!
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, our “Plumbing Trivia: Test Your Knowledge” is surely an eye-opener for many. It serves to debunk myths while enriching our understanding of the plumbing world. From historical facts to modern advancements, this trivia reminds us of the importance and indispensability of the plumbing industry in our daily lives.
