Latin word for lead is plumbum, from which we derive the words plumber and plumbing. Plumbing refers to the specific water and sewage devices and systems of a building, while water and sewage systems refer to the systems that supply a group of buildings or geographic area, such as a city.

In the United States, plumbing work is regulated by state or local governments, and must comply with regulations and building codes in those areas to ensure that the work meets the standards of that area. Usually, permits are required for any large scale plumbing work, and plumbers may need special licenses.

Ancient plumbing systems used gravity for running water supplies, but modern water systems use high pressure pumps to move water and sewage through geographic areas so that a reliance on gravity is no longer necessary.

Ancient water systems cut waterways out of stone, used terra cotta pipes, or lead pipe. Today, water systems use plastics, copper, brass, bronze, or steel for water supply lines because they are not toxic, and stand up to the pressure of pumping. Lead is not used in modern water systems because of its toxicity, although it is sometimes used in venting applications.

Plumbing fixtures differ from plumbing equipment [appliances]. Fixtures include sinks, toilets, and bathtubs, while equipment includes meters, water softeners, and water heaters. Appliances are devices that use water and another source of power to perform specific tasks such as clothes washers, dishwashers, and humidifiers. Read more...

This lens presents a concise look at the history of the bicycle: how it developed, who it affected. The early bicycles bore little resemblance to today's bicycles aside from the two wheels. Women and factory workers found new freedom they had never before experienced with the development of the bicycle. I hope you'll ride along with this lens through a bit of early bicycle history. Read more...

Marshall Walter Taylor was born November 16, 1878. He won the world one mile track cycling championship three times, from 1899 through 1901. What makes this so amazing is that he was an African American athlete, at a time when that was extremely rare. His is a good story. Read more...