March 11th is World Plumbing Day! This little-known holiday is a day to celebrate modern plumbing and its role in public health, as well as all of the amazing plumbers out there who keep our world running smoothly.
In honor of World Plumbing Day, we explain what the honorary holiday is all about and why it’s important. Furthermore, we’ll tell you how you can get involved!
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
What is World Plumbing Day (and why should we celebrate it)?
The origins of World Plumbing Day
How can we participate in World Plumbing Day?
What's In This Guide?
What Is World Plumbing Day (And Why Should We Celebrate It)?
Thousands of years ago, plumbing was horribly inadequate compared to modern plumbing. Yes, the rudimentary plumbing techniques created foul odors. However, more important, they created unsanitary conditions.
In ancient times, many people didn’t have access to proper bathroom facilities or toilets. Some people answered the call of nature wherever they found themselves, such as a nearby river. Locals may play or wash in the river shortly after.
If the person who used the river to relieve themselves had a disease, anyone who inadvertently contacted the waste might contract it. Locals used the same river for drinking water, only further spreading disease throughout the community thanks to the water contamination. (This still happens in some parts of the world, today.)
Societies continued to improve plumbing systems as they saw the connection between exposed bodily material and illness. They created holes designated for bathroom needs and simple pipe systems throughout the city that provided running water.
Then they created chamber pots and outhouses to keep waste contained until someone developed the toilet. While it took some time, residential indoor plumbing systems entered the homes as we know them in modern society. Next, the water heater was invented to provide hot water throughout homes.
Pipes needed to be strong, flexible, and resistant to corrosion. Copper worked great, but it was too expensive for many uses. Old pipe materials were still widely used, and Lead pipes became popular.
Unfortunately, lead started to enter the drinking water, causing health problems in high concentrations. Finally, stainless steel or plastic water supply lines provide clean drinking water with the assistance of filtration systems.
After all of the trial and error we endured, we finally have durable and safe plumbing systems. World Plumbing Day celebrates the leaps and bounds we’ve made in plumbing and public health.
We also celebrate the plumbers who maintain these good plumbing systems for the city, commercial buildings, and residences when we experience a leak or a drain clog.
The Origins of World Plumbing Day
World Plumbing Day was created by the World Plumbing Council in 2010 in conjunction with the World Health Organization and the international plumbing community. The goal is to raise awareness of the importance of plumbing, fresh water, plumbing safety, and good plumbing sanitation.
The relatively new annual event is also meant to celebrate all of the amazing plumbers out there who keep our world running smoothly.
How Can We Participate In World Plumbing Day?
There are a few ways you can participate in world plumbing day.
First, you can spread the word about the day to help raise awareness. Many people take advantage of their modern plumbing system, especially in first-world countries where most homes have adequate plumbing.
You can also volunteer with a local organization that works to improve plumbing and sanitation conditions in underserved areas. Most places with plumbing needs are located far away, but the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, indicates that we need assistance here at home, too.
Did You Know? More than 2 billion people don’t have access to basic sanitation.
If you can’t volunteer, you can donate to a charity that works to provide clean water and sanitation to people in need of good, quality plumbing.
Finally, wish your plumber a Happy World Plumbing Day with a gift card or increased tip the next time they provide you with plumbing service. They play an important role in your day-to-day comfort.
No matter how you choose to celebrate world plumbing day, be sure to appreciate all of the hard-working plumbers out there! They play a vital role in keeping our world running smoothly. Thanks for reading and we hope this has helped you learn everything you need to know about world plumbing day!
Did you know? Facts about plumbing:
In honor of World Plumbing Day, we will leave you with these fun plumbing facts:
The word “plumber” derives from the Latin word “plumbum,” which means “lead.”
Plumbing dates as far back as 2700 B.C.
Sewer covers are round because if they’re turned sideways, they can’t fall into the opening.
10% of homes waste 90 gallons+ per day due to a leak
How to find a great plumber
If you are in need of a plumber, you will find a lot of people in your area who work in the plumbing industry. You want a great plumber who is reputable, qualified, and experienced in your area.
First, you can ask your friends and family for recommendations. This is a great way to get started because you will be able to get first-hand accounts of people’s experiences with specific plumbers.
You can also check online reviews to get an idea of what others have thought about different plumbers in your area.
Finally, you can contact your local plumbing association or contractor to get a list of qualified plumbers in your area.
If possible, opt for a Master Plumber, as Master plumbers must have proven experience and pass advanced certification procedures compared to standard plumbers or plumbing contractors. Master plumber requirements vary from state to state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is National Plumbers Day?
World Plumbing Day has been on 11 March since it originated in 2010.
What is the purpose of World Plumbing Day?
The purpose of World Plumbing Day is to appreciate modern plumbing along with the innovators behind modern plumbing technology and the public health benefits it provides.
We also want to celebrate the plumbing apprentices, plumbing contractors, plumbing handymen, and Master Plumbers who keep systems running properly.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
