WHERE DID THE NAME “PLUMBER” COME FROM?

Most people are familiar with the basics of what a plumber does, but many may not be aware of the history of this profession. During the time of the Roman Empire, the material that is known as lead today, was called “plumbum” back then. This is why the symbol for lead on the periodic table is “PB”. Lead, (a.k.a.-plumbum), could be found in buildings and pipes all over Rome.

In those days, anyone who worked with lead was called a “plumber”. Today, the title belongs solely to professional pipe fixers and toilet tamers. If you have a problem with your drains (or any dilemma having to do with water), these are the people to call.

To become one of these skilled professionals, one must go through years of training or gain a lot of experience by working under someone who is already trained and knowledgeable in the field. You must be able to know how to read drawings and specs of any given plumbing system, waste system or venting system. You will also need to learn how to thread pipes and measure accurately.

In many places, when you choose to enter into this professional, eventually you could end up making a really good living at it. One of the reasons it might pay so well, is because it can be extremely dirty work. When dealing with sewer problems, the possibility of being covered with urine, feces and other unsavory materials is very common.

Many people don’t want to get under the house and deal with fixing pipes or wade through any junk that might be unpleasant.  Plus, more people don’t have all the equipment necessary to get the big jobs done. Simple clogs can sometimes be taken care of with a liquid that dissolves the clog. A plunger can also be used to loosen simple clogs, but for the things liquids and plungers can’t do, you can be sure a plumber can.

Although we now know that lead is not something to be messing around with, it may be interesting for some to know how the plumbing trade came to be. This line of work has played a very important role in making the lives of many societies much more comfortable and it continues to play the same role today.

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