Being a 24/7 plumbing company in Santa Rosa means we’ve seen it all. From emergency pipe bursts on New Year’s Eve to early morning backflow testing after a heavy rain, there’s never a dull moment in our world.
With over 40 years of experience, we’ve picked up some strange, fascinating, and downright hilarious knowledge from the world of plumbing. Here are some of our favorite (and surprising) facts:
Plumbing Fact #1
Plumbing isn’t a modern convenience—it dates back as far as 2700 BC. Ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans used clay and lead piping to carry drinking water and remove wastewater. Even then, they understood the importance of clean water and drainage.
(Source: wikipedia.org)
Plumbing Fact #2
Some historians speculate that the Roman Empire’s downfall may have been partially caused by their widespread use of lead pipes. Chronic lead exposure could have contributed to serious health problems among Roman elites.
(Source: arstechnica.com)
Plumbing Fact #3
The first flushing toilet was created almost 3000 years ago by King Minos of Crete. It had a wooden seat and a working drainage system. The idea vanished for centuries before being revived in the 16th century.
(Source: theplumber.com)
Plumbing Fact #4
The modern flushable toilet made its royal debut in 1599, invented by Sir John Harington for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I. Despite its innovation, indoor plumbing wouldn’t become widespread for centuries.
(Source: thevintagenews.com)
Plumbing Fact #5
The first flush toilet patent was granted in 1775 to Scottish inventor Alexander Cumming. He designed a water-sealed trap to prevent odors from escaping into the home—a concept still used today.
(Source: history.com)
Plumbing Fact #6
Albert Einstein once remarked that, if given the chance to start over, he’d choose to be a plumber. He even became an honorary member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union in the U.S.
(Source: ias.edu)
📞 Need a plumber near you in Santa Rosa? Call Super Service Plumbing at 707-544-6444—we’re always ready to help with expert service, any time of day.
Plumbing Fact #7
Men spend an average of 2 years and 125 days of their lives in the bathroom. Women? About 2 years and 40 days. That’s a lot of time near plumbing—so make sure yours is working right!
(Source: infographicsarchive.com)
Plumbing Fact #8
Mario and Luigi, everyone’s favorite video game plumbers, were originally designed as carpenters. Nintendo changed their job titles to better fit the underground adventures of the game.
(Source: techraptor.net)
Plumbing Fact #9
King George II of Great Britain died while using the toilet in 1760. It’s one of the most infamous (and unfortunate) plumbing-related deaths in royal history.
(Source: wikipedia.org)
Plumbing Fact #10
Before he was the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne trained as a plumbing apprentice. Rock stars—just like pipes—have humble beginnings.
(Source: wikipedia.org)
Plumbing Fact #11
Despite the popular myth, water in toilets does not flush in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere. The Coriolis effect isn’t strong enough to make a difference in household plumbing.
(Source: washingtonpost.com)
📍 Looking for a reliable plumber near me in Santa Rosa? Super Service Plumbing is on call 24/7 for emergencies, repairs, and installations. Call 707-544-6444 to schedule today.
Plumbing Fact #12
The Tremont Hotel in Boston became the first hotel in the U.S. to install indoor plumbing in 1829. It helped set a new standard for hospitality.
(Source: bostonmagazine.com)
Plumbing Fact #13
Why are manhole covers round? So they can’t fall through the opening! The circular shape also makes them easier to roll and reposition, which is helpful for utility crews.
(Source: mentalfloss.com)
🚿 Whether you’re curious about plumbing history or just need your shower fixed, Super Service Plumbing is your go-to plumber near you in Sonoma County. Call 707-544-6444 and let us take care of it—fast, clean, and done right the first time.
Proud to help our Sonoma County communities including:
Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Cloverdale, Sebastopol, Cotati and beyond.