Tuesday, March 11th 2014 is World Plumbing Day! Why in the world would there be a single day celebrated worldwide for Plumbing? Have you ever thought about what a plumber really does? Many people in developed countries take the work of the plumber for granted and often find very little value in the work they do. Plumbing is often seen as a nuisance purchase when things go wrong.
Public perception of the plumber can be less than positive and many people see the plumber as the person who just unblocks drains, fixes leaks and mends heating systems. But, did you ever consider that they actually “Protect the Health of the Nation”?
A plumber’s job, and inventions in the industry, has done so much to revolutionize the health of the world. Take the toilet for example, In 1596 John Harington devised Britain’s first flushing toilet for his God Mother, Queen Elizabeth. The invention was made to replace chamber pots. The pots were currently being used in hopes of improving sanitary conditions. However, citizens would just throw the contents of their chamber pots in the street every morning. This invention is now largely ignored or taken for granted.
Even today, most of us don’t think about how the water comes out of the tap or worry about if it’s safe. We take for granted that everything is working properly and clean water is a luxury. However, there a many points in our home that could have potential cross connections where fixtures, such as faucets, are below the high water level and an air gap is required to prevent contaminated water from being siphoned back into the potable water supply:
- Laundry Tubs (where the faucet is below the top of the laundry tub)
- Water Softeners
- Washing Machines
- Dishwashers connected to a drain without an air gap
- Water Powered Back up Sump Pump Systems
- Bathroom Fixtures
- Older Bath Sinks and Bath Tubs (where the spout is below the flood rim of the fixture)
- Garden Hoses
- Backflow Preventers
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1981 to 1998 – 57 waterborne disease outbreaks related to “cross-connections” occurred. These outbreaks resulted in 9,734 illnesses! That’s why it’s so important that today’s plumber has to be trained in the installation, maintenance and, most importantly, “safety” in many areas to make sure a condition of cross connections does not take place. When you hire a plumber you should always ask if they are: Licensed, Safety Certified and Professionally Trained in all codes and regulations to protect you.
At Brothers Plumbing, Heating and Electric we make sure all of our technicians meet the requirements of being “Licensed, Safety Certified, and Professionally Trained” – that is what separates us from your “ordinary” plumber.
We ensure that your plumbing work is done right the first time, with YOUR safety in mind, and with the quality you deserve. Call us today (303) 451-5057 or click here schedule-an-appointment – WE will always be there for YOU! Happy World Plumbers Day!
