From There to Here: Plumbing the Past 70 Years

This article provides a personal recollection of the evolution of the plumbing trade over the past 70 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the publication. The author, a third-generation master plumber from New York City, shares his experiences and observations from growing up in the trade, highlighting significant changes in materials, techniques, and union practices. The narrative begins in 1952, when the author was six years old, observing his father and grandfather installing a water tap on a wooden water main in Brooklyn. At that time, drainage, waste, and vent piping primarily used cast iron and tubular lead pipes, while galvanized steel water piping was being gradually replaced by threaded red brass. Connecting a P-trap involved "wiping" a lead joint, and water connections utilized rigid chrome-plated brass supply tubes connected to angle stops and faucets, requiring precise measurements. The author notes that any miscalculation meant either repositioning the fixture or starting the process anew. The article then delves into the influence of unions in New York City during that era. Unions heavily regulated the materials allowed in the trade, often resisting innovations that could reduce the amount of labor required from plumbers. For instance, ten-foot-long cast iron pipes were initially opposed because they reduced the number of joints a plumber had to make compared to the then-standard five-foot lengths. Copper tubing was also met with resistance, possibly due to its ease of use and lighter weight, which eliminated the need for threading equipment. The introduction of No-Hub cast iron further challenged traditional methods, as it removed the labor-intensive process of yarning, packing with oakum, pouring molten lead, and tapping joints. The author recalls learning to cut cast iron using a three-pound hand sledge and a cold chisel, a method that was eventually superseded by tools like the Wheeler snapper in the mid-1950s. The entry of PVC and ABS into the market faced even stronger opposition. These plastic materials for DWV (drainage, waste, and vent) systems were initially prohibited for residential use until the early 1970s and for commercial applications until the late 1980s or early 1990s, despite their inherent advantages over traditional cast iron. The author emphasizes that these new materials, despite union resistance, eventually became integrated into the trade. The discussion shifts to service work, which the author found particularly engaging due to its intriguing nature, quick turnaround, and effective use of his skills. Older toilet tanks featured brass ballcocks, Douglas valves, and threaded brass overflow tubes, requiring lift wires to adjust the flapper ball. Repairing these often involved replacing plungers or re-seating components rather than full replacements, and corroded Douglas valves could be "dressed" with a drill attachment and sandpaper. Copper floats were common. The author frequently rebuilt faucets and tub/shower valves, carrying a stock of seats and washers. Knowledge of specific manufacturers' products used in different types of homes allowed plumbers to anticipate and carry necessary repair parts. The article concludes by reflecting on the significant changes in the plumbing trade. Modern plumbing incorporates advanced materials, electronics, and cutting-edge technologies. The contemporary approach to service work often favors replacement over repair, driven by customer demand for new technology. While steel and cast iron pipes are still used in commercial and industrial settings, their prevalence has diminished. The author suggests that while there have been advancements, the fundamental skill set and knowledge of a plumber remain crucial. The article underscores that understanding the underlying principles of how plumbing systems work is as vital today as it was seventy years ago. #PlumbingHistory #PlumbingTrade #MaterialEvolution #UnionImpact #PlumbingTechnology #ServiceWork #CastIron #PVCABS #PlumbingHistory #PlumbingTrade #MaterialEvolution #UnionImpact #PlumbingTechnology #ServiceWork #CastIron #PVCABS