Have You Hugged Your Plumber Today?

Serving Brooklyn Since 1906

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about plumbers or plumbing very often.

But, when your pipes freeze, your tub clogs up or your toilet won’t flush, having access to a reliable plumber is the most important thing on your mind.

That’s why the Brooklyn plumbers at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Air Conditioning want to remind you to give your plumber a huge hug on National Hug A Plumber Day this April 25.

Without your friendly and knowledgeable plumber, can you imagine the mess our houses would be in?

And, while the history of plumbing itself is quite interesting, we should also celebrate the technicians who have helped invent better methods and kept the water flowing.

The Origins of Plumbing

The origin of the first plumber dates back to the Roman Empire. And, while they certainly kept water moving through lead pipes, they were often called upon to craft bullets, weights and a variety of objects made of lead.

The Latin word for led is plumbum and, from that, came plumbarius, or “a worker in lead.” From there, the word evolved to “plumier” in French and eventually “plumber” in English.

They were less the experts in the flow of water and more the connoisseurs of lead-made items. And, because of this, in England they left the word plumber behind and became known as leadsmiths.

But the Battle of Hastings in 1066 (remember that from history class?) changed all that. Once the Normans conquered England, the French-speaking upper class, who considered the English language inferior, made it difficult for upwardly mobile English speakers.

So, these leadsmiths took on the name, “plumier” to be more acceptable to their French employers.

Pathway to Modern Plumbing

By the turn of the century, both Great Britian and the United States were in the throes of the Industrial Revolution. But the innovation wasn’t limited to the factory floor. Indoor plumbing had come into fashion in urban centers and someone had to take care of the pipes.

The job fell to the leadsmiths who were already building and repairing lead pipes. This included Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning’s predecessor, Brancale and DiAmico Plumbing, Tinsmithing & Hardware, which was founded in Brooklyn in 1906.

By the early 1900s, these leadsmiths started using more materials – like concrete and plastic – to form indoor plumbing systems and began using their knowledge to repair them. They turned into the modern plumber we know today.

Today’s Plumber

By the 1970s, indoor plumbing was widespread. States and municipalities began regulating the profession and the federal government passed The Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure Americans had access to safe drinking water.

Plumbers were not only required to know how to install and repair pipes but also were entrusted with understanding the regulations that made water use in homes and businesses safe.

But, through it all, the fact is that without plumbers, we’d all be forced to use outhouses, even during inclement weather, and would have to boil creek water to get clean.

So your Brooklyn plumbers at Petri want you to consider a life without plumbers. And once you’ve thought about it, be sure and either hug your plumber, write him or her a great review or just call them to say thank you this April 25.

And, if we can help you solve a plumbing issues, call us at (718) 748-1254 or contact us online.

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Ready for top-notch Brooklyn plumbing, heating, cooling, and drain cleaning? Look no further! Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning is your trusted HVAC contractor and plumber in Brooklyn for all your home service needs. Take the first step towards a comfortable and efficient home – stop your search for “plumber near me”, fill out the form below, and let’s get started on your service request today! Your satisfaction is our priority.

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