Who Invented the Toilet? History and Fun Facts

A couple of millennia later, the concept of public bathrooms flourished in ancient Rome. Roman citizens, famously known for their engineering skills, had multi-seated communal toilets made of stone or marble and water flowing underneath to carry waste away.

Middle Ages: Backwards in the future

As the Roman Empire declined, so did the concept of plumbing. In medieval Europe, castles and homes had “garderobes.” These were essentially a hole leading to an outdoor pit – or to the moat if you owned prime real estate. Some castles even had waste chutes that would funnel out waste down the walls. You’re probably appreciating public toilets today a little more now.

16^th Century: Sir John Harington’s flush toilet

In 1596, Queen Elizabeth I’s godson, Sir John Harington, designed the first flush toilet for his godmother. His invention, which he dubbed the “Ajax,” featured a raised cistern that allowed water to flush waste into a cesspool.

Though it was groundbreaking, it wasn’t widely adopted, partly because plumbing systems couldn’t yet handle the influx of water. Still, Sir John Harington gave us one of the earliest glimpses into the modern flush toilet.

1775: Alexander Cumming introduces the S-bend

The 18th century brought an innovation we still rely on today: the S-bend. Invented in 1775 by Scottish watchmaker Alexander Cumming, this clever feature used a water-filled curve in the pipe to create a seal and keep odors from escaping into the bathroom. This bend became the cornerstone of modern plumbing. Suddenly, bathrooms became far more pleasant!

19^th Century: The golden age of indoor plumbing

The Victorian era saw significant progress in sanitary technology, largely driven by a need to curb diseases like cholera that spread through poor sanitation practices. By the 19th century, indoor plumbing became more common in urban homes and new buildings.

20^th Century: Toilets get a makeover

The toilet as we know it took shape in the early 1900s. Manufacturers like American Standard and Kohler started producing ceramic toilets; these were easy to clean and looked presentable enough to bring inside the home. For most of the 20th century, toilets remained relatively simple fixtures with the same basic design.

Innovations began to trickle in during the latter half of the century though. Japan, for instance, came out with high-tech toilets featuring a bidet function, heated seats, and even a blow-drying option.

21^st Century: The smart toilets

Fast forward to today and toilets have reached the digital age. Today’s smart toilets are packed with technology: touchless flushing, night lights, automatic lids, and deodorizing fans. Some even feature Bluetooth speakers and remote controls while others, like those in some luxury Japanese homes, can analyze your health based on urine and stool samples.

Toilets are not perfect. Plumbers are here to help.

Despite the long history, toilets are still far from perfect. They can succumb to a host of issues, and you might find yourself looking for toilet repair in Waco, TX more than you’d like.

Fortunately for residents in Waco, TX and surrounding cities, plumbing service is just a call away. Homeowners and businesses can call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to schedule a convenient appointment today.

If you need emergency assistance, you can message or call Mr. Rooter to request a nearby plumber at any time of the day. Our team is ready when you are.