Wacky True Facts About Plumbing
There are two kinds of people - those who find plumbing talk funny and those that cringe at the first mention of anything plumbing-related. There’s no need to be uncomfortable, especially after reading these fun facts.
- With a cost of $19,000,000, the toilet on the International Space Station is considered the most expensive commode.
- The popular board game, Monopoly, was played in a bathtub and lasted for almost 99 hours.
Outside of pop-culture plumbing facts, there are plenty of other interesting tidbits that play a major role in the history of our country. In this article, plumbing experts share some of the most important ones all homeowners should know.
America’s Plumbing History
The evolution of plumbing in America makes for some interesting trivia due to many firsts and successes.
- The Tremont Hotel: In 1829, this Boston hotel was the first to have indoor plumbing, including toilets and baths. The Tremont was also the first hotel to offer free soap. Talk about luxury.
- Joseph Gayetty: This American inventor is responsible for the invention of commercial toilet paper. First marketed as medicated paper to supposedly prevent hemorrhoids, Gayetty’s toilet paper was infused with aloe and was made from manila hemp. Such ingenuity!
- Millard Filmore: 13th president of the U.S. Millard Fillmore is credited with bringing flush toilets to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Now that’s what you call an executive order.
Toilet Facts for the Bathroom Reader
- People spend an average of three years of their life on the toilet.
- Some countries in Europe (France, Italy, Portugal, Spain), the South American countries of Argentina and Venezuela, and Japan prefer the bidet to the toilet. Advocates for the bidet cite financial savings since toilet paper isn’t used with a bidet.
- Toilet paper is the only paper that one should flush as it dissolves when wet, unlike other paper products like paper towels and facial tissue.
- Elvis Presley and Judy Garland died while using the toilet.
More Random Plumbing Trivia!
- Famous actress Marilyn Monroe liked extravagance and often soaked in bathtubs filled with champagne.
- The circular design of manhole covers is a safety measure because they cannot fall into the sewer if they flip sideways.
- In Kentucky, a historic law makes it mandatory for its citizens to take baths a minimum of once a year.
- The myth of alligators living in the sewers of New York City has its own Wikipedia page listed under the citation “sewer alligator;” historic talks are offered about their myth, and February 9th in NYC has been designated as Alligators in the Sewers Day.
- The modern sprinkler system is designed not to wastewater. Compared to manual watering, today’s sprinkler systems can even save water. The simple act of turning off the water while shaving and/or brushing teeth can save, on average, a staggering 6,000 gallons a year.
About Oak Plumbing
Located in the Northern California cities of Benicia and Vacaville, experts at Oak Plumbing take pride in providing excellent customer care and professional services. They specialize in commercial and personal plumbing services such as sewer systems, water heaters and filtration, and toilet repair, to name a few. In 2017, Oak Plumbing was recognized as Plumber of the Year by Angie’s List and continues today to receive five-star reviews. Call now for plumbing service!