Ancient Plumbing: Egyptians and Indians (4000-2500 B.C.) The first evidence of plumbing is from the ancient Egyptians and Indians. They developed systems of copper piping to transport water from natural sources like wells and springs to homes and public baths.

In the early 1700s, New York, as did Boston, had constructed a wooden pipe system under the roads, and sold water at street pumps or hydrants. It would take New York another 25 years to lay underground sewers for storm water as well.

“Modern” Plumbing ~ 1850 CE Alexander Cummings patented the first flush toilet in 1775. But it wasn't until Thomas Crapper came along in the mid 1850s that toilets found their ways into the mainstream. Around this time public toilets became available in London's Crystal Palace, leading to more widespread adoption.