Crapper

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Crapper

Crapper is a term often associated with Thomas Crapper, a British plumber and businessman who is commonly, though incorrectly, credited with inventing the flush toilet. The term "crapper" has become a colloquial synonym for the toilet in some English-speaking countries.

Thomas Crapper[edit | edit source]

Thomas Crapper (1836–1910) was a notable figure in the history of plumbing. He founded Thomas Crapper & Co. Ltd., a plumbing equipment company, in London. Although he did not invent the flush toilet, he did contribute to the development and popularization of modern plumbing systems. Crapper held several patents for plumbing-related products, including improvements to the ballcock, a mechanism used in toilet tanks.

Flush Toilet[edit | edit source]

The flush toilet is a sanitation fixture designed to dispose of human waste by using water to flush it through a drainpipe to a sewer system or septic tank. The modern flush toilet was developed over several centuries, with significant contributions from various inventors, including Sir John Harington and Alexander Cumming.

Misconceptions[edit | edit source]

The widespread belief that Thomas Crapper invented the flush toilet is a misconception. The flush toilet's development involved many inventors and innovations over time. Crapper's contributions were primarily in the marketing and improvement of existing designs.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Despite the misconceptions, Thomas Crapper's name has become synonymous with the toilet. His company's products were known for their quality and reliability, and his name has been immortalized in popular culture.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]


This plumbing related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD