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Whether we call it the toilet or any other name, most of us simply take it for granted, until something goes wrong and we have to call a plumber. After all, we use it several times every day. But the flushing toilet in your home is older than you might think and has evolved over thousands of years.
As early as the 26th century BC, some type of flush toilet was being used in cities in the Indus Valley, along with a surprisingly complex sewage disposal system. Evidence of flush toilets have also been found in other ancient sites around the world, including those in Greece, Rome and the Middle East.
The flush toilet as we know it today can be said to date from the early 13th century, when an Arabian inventor devised an appliance that would flush and then refill with water when a lever was pulled. In England in the late 1500s, the device was modified further; some people refused to use it for the loud noise it made.
Many important advances in toilet plumbing were made in the 17th century, mostly in Europe. The inventor Alexander Cummings perfected the technique – still basically the same today – in which standing water remains in the bowl, partly to minimize the smell. The float valve system was invented soon afterwards and the first public toilets opened in London in 1851.
Perhaps no name is associated as closely with the toilet as that of Thomas Crapper, an English plumber. Crapper improved the siphon system that emptied the tank, invented the ballcock and helped to pioneer the idea of the bathroom showroom. He received a Royal Warrant for his achievements.
The flush toilet concept was improved further over the next 150 years, most notably with the invention of a self-cleaning toilet bowl in 1907. And perhaps no culture has embraced the idea of the toilet like the Japanese, with their high-tech seats containing various gadgets and adjustable cleaning options.
So the next time you visit the smallest room, spare a thought for all those pioneers who helped to make it possible.

There are many projects around the house that the unskilled or new homeowner can do. There is a certain sense of pride when you can do your own small repairs and improvements. Basic plumbing is something that the average person can accomplish with little stress.

As with all home repairs, it is important that you do not go outside of your comfort level. Before it even gets to this point, it is best to get a licensed and competent service person. Plumbing is no exception to this rule. Water can easily damage your prized possessions, so know what you are getting into.

If basic repairs are going to be made, there are many great plumbing guide books out there. The local hardware store or bookstore should have these. The guide books will give basic step by step instructions and provide you with pictures of the job at hand. The nice thing about the basic guide books is that they will also caution when there is an area that should really addressed by a licensed plumber.

When doing basic repairs, there are a few tools to have and some general guidelines. A pipe wrench is often needed for removing, loosening and tightening fittings. Newer sink traps and joints will often be of PVC pipe and have quick release wing nuts on them that easily come off by hand. Also to have on hand is seam tape. If you replace a fitting that should have tape on it, you should tape it back up. This white plumbers tape helps to reduce and stop leaks.

When working with pipe in the existing plumbing structure, it is important to turn off and drain out the pipe in the area that you are working. Depending on the house, you may be able to shut off the water to certain zones of the house or you may have to turn off the water for the entire house.

With some common sense and some good guide books, you will be able to make simple plumbing repairs with ease. If you get in over your head, look for a site like Plumbing Atlanta, where you can research local professionals to assist you in completing the job.