Event though we use plumbing systems multiple times on a daily basis, the average American knows little to nothing about the system they use. As long as our toilet flushes we have hot water we’re willing to never both with learning about the ins and outs of our plumbing systems. The truth is that like any nuanced system that consists of multiple components, the act of plumbing is not simple profession to master. Learning how to repair a leaky faucet or detect a leak isn’t something you learn in one day. Understand the ins and outs of plumbing is something that takes years to master. While you may not become a maven of plumbing the least you can do is learn a few facts about the system that you use everyday.
Plumbing Has Ancient Roots
The first signs of sophisticated plumbing can be found as far back as 5,000 years when the Indus Valley Civilization dominated the Bronze Age of South Asia. Here archaeologist claim to have found the first device resembling that of a flush toilet. Toilets would be flushed by pouring a jar of water down a brick pipe into a drain that would flush out the waste form the toilet. Sewage wasn’t just flushed out onto the streets but was carried through underground drains that would lead out to waste areas found outside of the city. Even though the system in use was fairly basic, it has many similarities to modern day plumbing used in Paradise Valley.
Einstein’s Second Love
Alberto Einstein is easily the most famous physicist that might have possibly walked the face of the earth. But had Einstein not decided upon being a leading man in science he wouldn’t chosen to become a plumber. In fact, once this information was made public, Albert Einstein became an honorary member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union in Washington, D.C. A local NY plumber also gifted the renowned scientist a set of gold veneer plumbing tools. While Einstein won’t be fixing your pipes anytime soon, Paradise Valley’s top plumbers are a phone call away.
A Drippy Faucet Could Quench A Paradise Valley’s Thirst
Most of us just consider a leaky faucet a nuisance. But it turns out that along with keeping us up late at night, they can also drip out over 180 gallons a month, which would mean 2,160 gallons every year. Don’t make the assumption that leaked water isn’t showing up on your water bill, With dollars dripping out of your wallet everyday, it’s time you called your local plumber.
140 Degree Fahrenheit Water Can Burn Skin
Your water has a set temperature that is determined by the homeowner. It’s advised that even though we all want hot showers, the temperature stays below 125 F. Water above 125 F will be extremely uncomfortable and water up to 140 F can burn skin in just a second. You wouldn’t want such water being shot at your hair, eyes, and hands at cups per second.
Paradise Valley Hot Water Comes From Water Heaters
The fact that this needs to be listed speaks to how little the average person knows about our plumbing systems. While someone is likely able to guess that the water is heated inside the house they may fail to tell us how and from what source. Many a home is equipped with either a gas or an electric water heater. These heaters allow water to fill in a tank before the burner gradually heats up water. A coil is used so that the heat can be felt throughout the entirety of the tank rather than just at the bottom where the burner is located. The shape of the coil allows for hot air to gradually rise through the pipe that allows for the heating of the entire pipe.
9,000 Gallons of Faucet Water Is Wasted Every Year
On average the American family will use 9,000 gallons of water just waiting for the faucet water to heat up to a likeable temperature. This translates to 15% of annual heating costs going towards the heating of water that will never be used. This money-waster may simply come down to the use of a less than stellar water heater.
Sir Thomas Crapper Didn’t Invent the Toilet
In 1861 Thomas Crapper founded a plumbing and sanitary engineering business. While Crapper was influential in the plumbing world –in part for opening the first bathroom showroom- he didn’t’ invent the modern toilet. Toilets designed by Thomas Crapper’s company were however so popular that it’s thought that the origin of the word ‘crap’ to describe defecation derives its meaning from the pervasiveness of Thomas Crapper’s toilets.