We've come a long way since the days of smelly outhouses. Outdoor “plumbing” in the modern world has pretty much become a thing of the past. But a mere two generations ago, using the bathroom meant going outside to do your business. Even acquiring fresh water meant a trip to the hand pump or well.
Most of us take for granted the hidden pipes in our dwelling and work structures. Since we rarely see them, why would we think about them? But those pipes not only bring convenience to our lives, but also minimize the spread of harmful bacteria through the safe introduction of potable water and the extraction of waste. And because of this, in consideration of all the building trades, plumbing is probably the one that has contributed the most to the advancement of modern civilization.
A quick study of the history of plumbing reveals its importance to society. And yet somehow plumbers are considered to be located pretty far down the food chain of societal status. When thinking of plumbers, I think the image of “plumber's butt” comes to mind more often than that of one who crafts the water system we press into use on a daily basis. Trust me, as a general contractor I've seen plenty of dodgy plumbers I wouldn't let into my own home. Yet the man is not bigger than the trade he represents. In other words, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. The importance of plumbing and the respect we give to those who ply this craft should never be overshadowed by a misinformed elitist attitude.
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