Plumbing involves the use of pipes, tanks, valves, plumbing fixtures and other devices to carry fluids. Although waste removal, heating and cooling, and potable water delivery are related to plumbing, it comprises other applications as well.
Plumbing and heating are related to other sections of the construction industry, including the various supporting products, usually used for commercial intent. The current plumber is trained to work on both dry and wet pipes with heating systems included. Other workers in this field include pipefitters and boilers who work on piping, but their jobs include some aspects of plumbing.
History of Plumbing
During the Roman era, lead was the preferred material used for water pipes. Due to its pliability, it could be molded into the desired shape hence the word plumber. This is where the word plumbing originated, a derivation from the Latin “Plumbum,” which means lead. In later years, there was a development in health concerns, which were related to the use of lead pipes. The result was a high rate of stillbirths and infant mortality all attributed to the lead in these pipes, which found its way into the water supply.
However, in the early 20th century, lead pipes were still being used in many homes. The introduction of copper piping created a more improved and safer substitute to lead pipes. Furthermore, copper pipes were connected by tin alloy solder but in a modernized plumbing practice, tin-antimony alloy solder is used instead to get rid of lead hazards. In the industrialized world, plumbing substructure is vital to sanitation and public health and the growing awareness of lead poisoning has resulted in the use of other materials for pipes. [Read more…]
