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Believe it or not, toilets are still developing to this day. Smart toilets with heated seating, touchless flushing, and integrated bidets are at the cutting edge, but it’s been a long journey for the toilet. In fact, the history of toilets goes back even further than the invention in 1775 of the flush-toilet with the S-bend.
In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we explore the history of the toilet from millennia ago to today. If your toilet installation is giving you problems, or you need a professional toilet replacement, then call the uniformed plumbers at Mr. Rooter for reliable and affordable service.
Some of the earliest evidence of sanitation systems dates as far back as 3000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia. These early lavatories were typically pit-style toilets, or holes in the ground, lined with a bit of stone for that extra bit of luxury. Ancient Egyptians also had rudimentary toilets made from limestone and sand beneath to absorb waste.
A couple of millennia later, the concept of public bathrooms flourished in ancient Rome. Roman citizens, famously known for their engineering skills, had multi-seated communal toilets made of stone or marble and water flowing underneath to carry waste away.
As the Roman Empire declined, so did the concept of plumbing. In medieval Europe, castles and homes had “garderobes.” These were essentially a hole leading to an outdoor pit – or to the moat if you owned prime real estate. Some castles even had waste chutes that would funnel out waste down the walls. You’re probably appreciating public toilets today a little more now.
In 1596, Queen Elizabeth I’s godson, Sir John Harington, designed the first flush toilet for his godmother. His invention, which he dubbed the “Ajax,” featured a raised cistern that allowed water to flush waste into a cesspool.
Though it was groundbreaking, it wasn’t widely adopted, partly because plumbing systems couldn’t yet handle the influx of water. Still, Sir John Harington gave us one of the earliest glimpses into the modern flush toilet.
The 18th century brought an innovation we still rely on today: the S-bend. Invented in 1775 by Scottish watchmaker Alexander Cumming, this clever feature used a water-filled curve in the pipe to create a seal and keep odors from escaping into the bathroom. This bend became the cornerstone of modern plumbing. Suddenly, bathrooms became far more pleasant!
The Victorian era saw significant progress in sanitary technology, largely driven by a need to curb diseases like cholera that spread through poor sanitation practices. By the 19th century, indoor plumbing became more common in urban homes and new buildings.
The toilet as we know it took shape in the early 1900s. Manufacturers like American Standard and Kohler started producing ceramic toilets; these were easy to clean and looked presentable enough to bring inside the home. For most of the 20th century, toilets remained relatively simple fixtures with the same basic design.
Innovations began to trickle in during the latter half of the century though. Japan, for instance, came out with high-tech toilets featuring a bidet function, heated seats, and even a blow-drying option.
Fast forward to today and toilets have reached the digital age. Today’s smart toilets are packed with technology: touchless flushing, night lights, automatic lids, and deodorizing fans. Some even feature Bluetooth speakers and remote controls while others, like those in some luxury Japanese homes, can analyze your health based on urine and stool samples.
Despite the long history, toilets are still far from perfect. They can succumb to a host of issues, and you might find yourself looking for toilet repair in Waco, TX more than you’d like.
Fortunately for residents in Waco, TX and surrounding cities, plumbing service is just a call away. Homeowners and businesses can call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to schedule a convenient appointment today.
If you need emergency assistance, you can message or call Mr. Rooter to request a nearby plumber at any time of the day. Our team is ready when you are.
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