A Short History of Shower Head Design
It can be very interesting to see how far we’ve come when it comes to the things we take for granted. One of such things are our fixtures, such as shower heads. When you contact one of Yorba Linda’s reputable plumbers to install or replace this fixture, you rarely stop to think about where it originated and how it developed throughout the years. We’re here to remedy that with a brief history of the shower head.
What is the history of the shower head?
Modern shower heads have existed for two and a half centuries, and not much has changed in that time, save for the introduction of the water-saving variety. However, it’s important to know where we’ve come from to appreciate the modern amenities we often pay little attention to. Let’s explore the history of the shower head.
The origin of the bathroom
The majority of ancient civilizations had some form of plumbing. The ancient Egyptians created one of the olders plumbing systems based on the water from the river Nile. When it comes to the Romans and the Greeks, they even had heated plumbing systems. However, it’s only during the Victorian era that a room in your home would be reserved for bathing and showering, which was a point of great extravagance and reserved only for the wealthiest.
During the middle of the nineteenth century, scientists discovered that drinking the smallest amounts of water infested with fecal matter would cause severe diseases, enticing officials to create the first clean-water plumbing infrastructure through one pipe while removing sewage through another.
Soon after that, most modern households gained access to running water, even if they’re earnings were modest. So, by the turn of the twentieth century, a bathroom with running water, flushing toilets, bathtubs, and sinks became a standard.
Early shower heads
One of the first modern bathroom shower heads that looked similar to the one we have today first appeared in 1907. in the J.L. Mott Iron Works of New York City’s catalog. This is also one of the first examples of contemporary shower head design. The shower heads present in this catalog had a single nozzle connected to the water pipe with a round part that had small holes in it.
The force of spraying with this initial shower depended on the number, the size, and the shape of holes in question. What’s most interesting is how little the design of the 1907. Shower heads have changed so little over the many years of use. However, the year 1992. is the year that marked the biggest advancement in shower head technology.
1992 is an important year
This year is significant because it was when the federal government enacted water flow standards as part of the U.S. Energy Policy Act. This document described the minimum standards of efficiency for toilets, showers, urinals, and faucets. Shower heads could no longer exceed 2.5 gallons of water flow per minute at 80 psi of pressure.
From there, we’ve arrived at low-flow shower heads that carry the EPA WaterSense label and which don’t exceed 2.0 gallons per minute. However, even more water-efficient shower heads exist that use as little as 1.5 gallons of water per minute, saving substantially more water than standard shower heads.
Who are Yorba Linda’s leading plumbers that can install my shower head?
Knowing the history of the shower head, as well as the modern trends can help you choose the right type of shower head by understanding the principles of operation. Whenever you’re unsure about what fixtures you should buy for your home or office, it’s important to assess all the important characteristics of different models to ensure you’re purchasing the most suitable one for your property.
However, in case you need professional advice on choosing the fixtures for your residential or commercial property, reach out to OneStop Plumbers. We’ll help you choose the right fixtures that suit your specific needs and requirements. Even better, our plumbers will come to your home to install them and set everything up, whether your property is near Carbon Canyon Regional Park or another location. Call us today!