The History Of The Toilet
When nature calls it is necessary to respond accordingly and if that call involves the use of a toilet then so be it. The average person will not remember many of the major changes that the toilet has undergone. It is the older generation that will remember the tank that used to sit high above their heads.
The one that had a long chain attached to it and relied on a certain amount of gravity to complete the task of flushing. Believe it or not, that was not one of the first toilets ever invented, but there are very few people who will be able to recall the outhouse.
A Case For Civilization
The similarities of the toilets of the past and today are limited to the use of water and a sewer system to get rid of the waste.
The toilet bowl itself was probably not the most comfortable to sit on. If you were unlucky enough to have to go in Roman times the public restrooms provided absolutely no privacy.
A toilet in the home was restricted to people of wealth and stature. Everyone else would have to make do with an outhouse where it was not uncommon to encounter rodents and other creepy crawly things.
Convenience Evolving
It wasn't until the late 1500s that Sir John Harrington came up with the idea of flushing a toilet. It should be noted that this idea was initially for Queen Elizabeth but it turned out to be the beginning of something beautiful.
Toilets may have been flushed at the palace but the common man still had to sit back and allow his/her waste to be handled in a less than sanitary manner. It wasn't until the early 1900s that the high tank with the chain began to evolve into the one that sits behind us as we relieve ourselves.
The Flush Of Today
Most of the toilets being used today are designed for comfort. Many of the newer toilets are made with low flush capabilities to assist the resident in saving water.
Public toilets in particular are designed to control valuable resources and the newer ones have sensors to identify when the person is finished using it.
Even with the improvement in technology, there are many third world countries that do not have the same benefits.
It is still necessary to maintain a toilet and control what is flushed through it. However, if it stops operating as it should, at least there are qualified plumbers to keep the toilet operational.
If you live in the Colonial Heights area, and are having toilet troubles, Call Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. at (804) 526-8415 and find out how you can get your toilet back!
