Plumbing History

Plumbing is one of the most important aspects of modern civilization. Without it, it would be considerably difficult, and perhaps an impossibility, to sustain a working network of cities and structures, as people would constantly be fending for themselves and battling health hazards in every direction.

Plumbing has a long history, dating back at least 5,000 years. The ancient society of Babylonia is considered by many to be one of the first modern civilizations to successfully operate day-to-day. They can be considered successful in large part to having a good, organized plumbing style and system. The plumbers of the day used clay and straw to create the first bathrooms which, back then, were literally "bath rooms," in that people went in these rooms primarily to bathe and clean themselves. Naturally, Babylon being a caste-driven system with clear divisions of wealth and distinction, only royalty had bath rooms in their palaces, which is obviously not the case today.

The first toilets were created roughly 2000 years ago by plumbers in China; these toilets had armrests, running water, working pipelines to direct the water and waste elsewhere. Like with the Babylonians, these were primarily used by royalty; one such toilet was discovered in the tomb of an ancient Chinese ruler, who ordered it placed in the tomb so he relieve himself comfortably even in death. Previously, self-contained modern toilets were thought to have been invented as little as a 100 years ago, by an English plumber named Thomas Crapper. The contributions of Crapper, from his inentions, to his name being an inspiration for much toilet-related terminology, to his every existence, is in constant debate even today.

Of no debate, however, is the importance of plumbing to all forms of civilization, both ancient and modern. It is almost inconceivable to imagine life without bathing, toiletries, and functioning pipelines, and we can thank plumbers and the art of plumbing that we have it in such abundance today.

Plumber Reviews at Atlanta Plumbers Online

In the last post I did a little outline of some external plumbing resources that can help many of you do-it-yourselfers and aspiring plumbers master certain basic plumbing tasks. In the event that you have concluded that plumbing is just not for you then I would like to share another resource with you. The resource is a site called Atlanta Plumbers, and it is a place where consumers can get both plumbing tips and reviews of Atlanta plumbing companies. I'd highly recommend that you prepare yourself in advance for a possible plumbing emergency. This means checking out local companies in your area and also reading review sites like Atlanta Plumbers. This can take a lot of the stress out of a plumbing problem when you realize that you are no longer under the gun to get the problem fixed by the first company that can come out. You should have a list of 2-3 companies that you would be comfortable calling in the even of a major issue. When you are not faced with an immediate need, you can much more calmly assess the pros and cons of each company and select a company that you feel good about.

Now what are some of the best ways that you can find information about plumbers in your city? Well of course there is always the internet. You will likely know the names of some of the bigger players in your area and a simple google search for their name should yield some fairly relevant results. If they are listed with the Better Business Bureau that is usually a good thing and you can check out their record with them. In addition the BBB, you will also want to check with your state licensing board to evaluate any complaints on their license. Now of course it goes without saying that if you are going to hire a plumber then you should hire a professional and a license is an absolute must.

OK folks well thats all for now, if you have any other resources you would like to share with the community please feel free to post a comment!

External Plumbing Resources

On this site I do my best to try and share as much information about plumbing and related resources as I can. It is my goal with this site that you are able to not only learn some plumbing basics but to also improve your overall home improvement knowledge. If you do need to at some point hire a plumber it is my hope that you will have gained some basic knowledge that you can use to select a reputable company in your area. I wanted to take the time with this post to provide you with some additional plumbing resources that I have come across while perusing the internet. Let's start with a few blog posts that I found:

1. Plumbing Emergencies: What to do for a Burst Pipe

Folks, it is unfortunate that plumbing pipes will burst at some point during winter when they are not proper winterized. It is not a question of if, but rather when. That post can really help you if you ever find yourself in a situation where a plumbing pipe has burst in your home. The information is top-notch and it definitely is worth a read.

2. The Basic Rules of Plumbing Repairs

Here is some great information from Seven Stories Institute. Let me be the first to tell you that common sense should be your guide whenever you make plumbing repairs for the first time. However, this information is often lost on many do-it-yourselfers. Not only does this article describe some effective common rules but it also provides invaluable information so its another must-read.

3. Plumbing 101: How to Address Clogged Drains

Now I don't have to tell you that one of the most common home plumbing problems is a clogged drain. So what are you to do when you find yourself faced with a clogged drain? Well, in my opinion, you should check out that great post from Fobitz. Yes, you've heard this before, a must-read if you are facing a clogged drain.

4. Plumbing 101: Addressing Low Water Pressure

Now as you can tell I enjoy reading these Plumbing 101 type of articles. I like to see what type of information these so-called experts are giving the masses. And let me tell you from first hand experience I know that many of these clowns that are writing articles about plumbing on the internet don't know the first thing about plumbing. Now the folks over at Just 4 Facts aren't the usual clowns you find on the internet. These folks are giving out great information and I think that you should check out their latest post onf low water pressure.

5. Plumbing Tips: For the Handywoman

Now I know there are many handywoman out there in addition to the many handymen who read this blog. Well for all you handywomen I would like to tell you that I have found a post for you! The post is called Plumbing Tips for the Handywoman. And yes even for you men, this is another must-read so head right over and check it out as soon as humanly possible.

OK folks, thats all for today, I hope you really enjoy reading those articles and please take the time to understand how important valuable free information like this is.

What Are Submersible Sewage Pumps Used For?

Submersible sewage pumps have been around for decades. These modern marvels are fully functional even when completely submerged in liquid. The designs behind these sewage pumps are ingenious, and they are utilized in both commercial and residential settings. These pumps have one main function, moving waste.

Many times gravity cannot be used to move waste as it is in many normal households and businesses. Simple physics will tell us that if we have one location which is lower than another and we need to move the liquid from that first location, the liquid is going to need some assistance. This is where the submersible sewage pump comes into play. These pumps are designed to move waste up hill where it can either be treated or moved on to a treatment center.

There are number of commercial submersible sewage pumps in operation. Many waste treatment plants will use these pumps to move a large volume of waste from one area to another. In these settings these pumps are generally made of stainless steel to hold up to a high volume of everyday use.

In residential settings these submersible pumps are often much more inexpensive. These pumps can often be found made of plastic, although they may need to be replaced more often. Many homes need a sewage pump to help transport waste uphill if the home is located at a lower elevation. These pumps can easily be installed by licensed plumbers or the homeowner with the correct knowledge. Residential submersible sewage pumps are readily available at many different outlets including home improvement stores, farm supplies, and plumbing outlets. Plumbing parts retailers will often have a much better selection of pumps available and be able to provide specialized knowledge for their installation, or referrals to a plumber which can install the pump for you.

Essential Information About Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are practically sold in two general types – the hard and soft variety. Both types come in an array of sizes, ranging from as small as ¼ inches up to as big as 2 inches. The size of the pipe that you need to acquire will immensely depend on their application. For instance, if you will use them for tub and shower supply lines, ½ inches copper pipes are the most suitable choice. But if they will be used for kitchen and bathroom taps, 3/8 inches pipes are highly recommended. Meanwhile, ¼ inches pipes are ideal for toilet supply lines. Remember that pipes with larges sizes are typically used for water supply connections.  

Aside from the fact that they come in varying sizes, copper pipes are also available in 3 different thickness. Each of which is designed to satisfy a particular plumbing purpose. They are normally marked by letters so they can be easily differentiated from one another. On that note, the three types of copper pipes according to thickness include following:

 

• Type M – These copper pipes are the most common type sold in the market today. Although they are relatively thin-walled, you are assured that they still meet standard building codes. In fact, they are widely used for creating water lines or connections for residential use. Type M copper pipes are marked with a red M lettering for easy identification.

 

• Type K –  This is perhaps the thickest type of copper pipe available. They are mainly used for running pipes from main water lines to a meter or underground water pipes . They are usually marked with an orange K lettering.

 

• Type L – These are thicker walled copper pipes that are marked with a blue L lettering. They are normally utilized when making water connections in exposed areas.

 

Overall, copper pipes can certainly be used in almost all types of plumbing applications. But since they are available in different thickness and sizes, it is critical to determine your exact requirements.

4 Reasons Why You Should Use Brass Plumbing Fittings

Brass fittings are a popular choice among many due to their numerous advantages. They are commonly used in many plumbing applications, whether for home or industrial use. With an impressive track record, they have already proven to be one of the most efficient types of metal fittings available today. 

Brass is basically an alloy produced from copper and zinc. It has been widely used as a primary material in making pipe fittings. But like other types, they come in varying sizes and quality. That being said, careful consideration is necessary to find the most suitable option. Remember that choosing the right brass fitting will not only allow you to improve the overall efficiency of your water delivery system but this can also help to increase your home’s value.  

To enlighten you as to why you should consider the use of brass fittings, here are 4 benefits that you’ll get to enjoy with their integration: 

• Ability to withstand high temperatures – Of all the possible options, brass fittings are the perfect choice to ensure efficient hot water distribution in your home. They offer superb conductivity, thereby, promoting an efficient hot water distribution system. Moreover, they have the remarkable ability to brace extremely high temperatures, hence, making them fire-resistant.

 

• Versatility – Brass fitting can seamlessly blend with almost all types of plumbing applications, which gives them the edge over other types of metal fittings. Since they come in all shapes, widths, finishes, nd sizes, you will surely find one that will fit your exact specifications.

 

• Ductility – As compared to iron and steel, brass fittings are much easier to shape, bend and mold. Hence, it will be much easier for you to integrate them inside your home. Additionally, their maintenance work is more manageable due to their unmatched flexibility.

 

• Durability – Brass is undoubtedly a very sturdy material, which makes it perfect for all kinds of plumbing works. Pipe fittings made from brass are capable of providing years of quality service since they do not easily crack or disintegrate.

 

With the above mentioned advantages, by now, you should already be convinced that brass fittings is an excellent addition to your home.

The Basics of Sewage Pumps

I found a nice article that I wanted to share with the readers of this blog who might be interested in learning a little bit about how plumbers overcome gravity to move waste products. The article is called Sewage Pump Guide, and it is available on another major plumbing website that I've come to like. I would encourage you all to go check it out if you get a chance. That site also has information on several specific types of sewage pumps as well: grinder pumps, agitator pumps, ejector pumps, etc. It gives some nice background on each and if you are trying to decide which pump would be right for your particular situation I would encourage you to go ahead and read a few of those guides. If you are in the market to buy a sewage pump then I would highly recommend that you shop around and use some of the comparison sites that are available to consumers online. This can save you big money in the long run. OK short post today, I'm off to install my new pair of feng shui water fountains, I need some good karma!

Power Flush Toilet

One of the new innovations in plumbing is the power flush toilet. Now the power flush toilet has several advantages over traditional toilets. I found a great video again from our friend Tony the plumber that goes over a little bit of information regarding power flush toilets. Now he will cover this in the video but just to give you a little idea, the power flush toilet is a luxury toilet. It has several automation's that make it use less water, perform better overall, and offer the home-owner several conveniences. A power flush toilet is certainly not for everyone but for those of you who like to have the latest and greatest you may definitely be interested in checking it out. OK now I will hand the floor over to our friend Tony.



How did you like the video? Was it helpful, informative, entertaining? I liked it(obviously) and I hope that you found some of the information helpful. Stay tuned for more posts and videos coming soon.

Hiring a Plumber: Tips

In today's post I would like to revisit some of the points that I made a while back in the post Selecting the Right Plumber. I found a great video that I think could really expand on some of the things that I mentioned in that post and in a lot of ways cover a few new things as well. This video features a couple of master plumbers who I really think are honest guys. Not everyone in the plumbing business is a saint and these guys will help you make sure that when it comes time for you to spend your money you do so with a company that is solid. Here is the video:



I hope you were able to build your arsenal as a consumer after watching that video. You see folks the key to this is going into the situation informed. If you are ignorant then you are essentially asking for someone to take advantage of you. If you come across as knowledgeable and informed you are going to help yourself out big time in the long run. That's all for now I hope you all have a great weekend and remember to take some time and enjoy your life!