The flushing toilet has been around a long time. It has been said that Thomas Crapper invented the first flushing toilet in the 1800’s. Actually, the first version of the flushing toilet can be traced back to 1596. A British nobleman, Sir John Harrington first engineered and invented a valve that could release water from the water closet when pulled. He recommended pulling the valve once a day for sanitary purposes.
Three centuries after Sir Harrington’s invention, Thomas Crapper had a successful career in the plumbing industry. While he did not invent the toilet, he has a close connection to the first patent for the toilet. Albert Gilblin, an employee of Crapper holds the British Patent for a silent valve less waste preventer. This device was a system which allowed a toilet to flush effectively. Crapper later purchased the rights for the patent from Albert Gilblin and mass marketed the device. So even though Thomas Crapper didn’t invent the crapper himself, we still owe a big thank you to him for bringing his product to the masses.
Speaking of toilets. Here is some information about what not to flush down your toilet. Don’t flush feminine products-ever, even if it says it is flushable. Don’t flush baby wipes or any type of wipes, even though it says they are flushable. Never flush paper towels, facial tissue or napkins. Only human waste and toilet paper should go down your toilet. De Hart Plumbing Heating and Cooling, serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas, Topeka Kansas and some surrounding areas.