The History of Flush Toilets

The modern toilet has been around in some form or fashion, since earliest times.

Unsanitary conditions in early Europe were responsible for the spread of communicable diseases, as human waste was emptied into public waterways. The invention of the toilet improved the sanitary conditions of England, and eventually, the world. Today, advances in science and technology continue to make the modern toilet even better.

Early History

Ancient Egyptians were among the first to use latrine-type structures.

Early Egyptians first invented latrine-type structures that date back to 2500 B.C. The earthenware pipes that removed excrement from the houses to the water, are still being used today. The Chinese also had a toilet, with a seat and an armrest, more than 2,000 years ago. As early as A.D.1189, Londoners had a type of toilet in the home which had a pipe leading outside, where excrement was emptied into the Thames River. Even with the stench and disease, little was done to alleviate the problem until the 1850s, when London's first sewer system was installed.

Modern Toilet History

Early plumbing fed into the streets.

It was not until the 1700s that the preliminary versions of the modern flush toilet were crudely designed. The first patent was issued to Alexander Cummings in 1775, who designed a system where water would enter a bowl and some would remain after each flush. Although it had a seal at the bottom, it was not airtight, and the sewer gases were overpowering. Joseph Bramah improved on these early ideas by inventing an airtight seal between the toilet and the pipes in the form of a crank. It didn't always work, and when it did, it was very noisy. In the 1860s, Henry Moule invented the "Earth Closet," where dirt and ash was spread over the excrement. It needed to be emptied by hand, but it did eliminate the odor caused by the sewer gases. Thomas Crapper opened a plumbing shop in 1861 in London, and improved on the existing toilets by using a pull-chain for flushing, and by perfecting an airtight seal between the toilet and the floor. He also patented a venting system for the toilet by way of a pipe that went up through the roof.

American Toilets

Outhouses were common until after World War I.

From earliest civilization until the late 1800s, in what is now the United States, the toilet was the great outdoors. Chamber pots were brought over from Europe and the outhouse came along in the 1800s. But it was not until after World War I that indoor plumbing came into vogue here, after U.S. servicemen were introduced to the toilet while fighting in Europe. The earliest indoor plumbing was usually installed in a closet, and kept separate from the bathing area for hygienic reasons. It was referred to as a "water closet." Although the term has fallen out of favor, builders and architects still use "W.C." on blueprints, indicating where the toilet will be placed.

Trends

Scientists are working on a motor to create a "jet flush" system to add speed and power and to reduce the amount of water used. Newer toilet bowls are steeper to allow waste water to flow out easier. There is also in development a system that liquefies waste as it happens, similar to a garbage disposal. It chops waste and toilet paper into a slush before it makes its way into the septic or sewer system. Low-flow systems have taken the amount of water per flush from 6 gallons down to 1.6 gallons.

The Future

Toilets are now available in all kinds of colors and finishes.

Today's toilet is available with many individualized options. Hinges that hold the seat on can now be removed for easier cleaning. Extras, like built-in bidets, self-closing lids, heated seats, separate rims for a child's use and a lighted bowl for night time use are now available in your local stores. On the horizon is a totally "green" machine, that turns waste into humus, so it can reenter the ecosystem in a natural fashion.

References

• Master Plumbers: Toilet Tribute
• Plumbing Supply: The Men That Made the Water Closet
• Log-homes: The Fun Times Guide
• Plumbing Point: Toilet Parts