Modern plumbing is an invention that many people take for granted. We use our sinks, toilets, and showers every day without thinking about how just over a century ago, only a small percentage of households had running water. Chugach Sewer and Drain of Anchorage, AK, works with plumbing every day and can tell you that there’s a lot to appreciate about these advanced systems.

What Modern Plumbing Means for You

It Is Far More Sanitary Than Old Methods of Waste Removal

There was a time when chamber pots were used in place of toilets. Removing the accumulated waste was not very sanitary—the pot’s contents were often tossed outside through windows or poured into gutters. People walking in the streets knew to tread carefully to avoid the mess.

It Moved Us Away From Outhouses

After chamber pots fell out of favor, people looked for other ways to relieve themselves. The development of the outhouse kept waste out of homes. These structures were built close to houses for safety purposes, but far enough away to be sanitary. They were easy to construct, but difficult to maintain and uncomfortable to use in cold weather. Modern plumbing has allowed us to switch from outhouses to indoor bathrooms.

It Makes Doing Laundry Easier & Quicker

In the early days, laundry was always done by hand and with very few tools. A washboard, a bucket of hot water, and basic soap were all that was used to clean a family’s clothing. Laundry could take hours or even an entire day, depending on the size of the household. Modern plumbing gives us access to washing machines that use hot or cold water to protect clothing and linens while getting them clean. 

The next time you take a hot shower, go to the bathroom, or wash a load of laundry, take a moment to appreciate what modern plumbing has done for society. We’d all be living very different lives if it hadn’t been invented! Chugach Sewer and Drain has been active in the industry for years and can help with any drain cleaning or plumbing repairs your system might need. Call (907)-929-5072 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services.