How Professional Plumbing Became an Artform

If you are studying the Arts in a traditional setting, it is usually broken down into literature, performing arts, and visual arts. Each of these subsections can be broken down further to include poetry and prose, dance, and music, as well as ceramics and painting.

There are almost too many types of art to list here, but you may be getting the drift. Art is created by talented artists who typically spend time learning their chosen medium; it is something that adds beauty to its surroundings; it is worth so much that value cannot be determined–priceless.

Art is definitely not professional plumbing… or is it? We’re going to dig a little deeper into this question to see if the plumbing is art–keep reading for more information!

Art is Ancient, So is Plumbing

The word ‘art’ comes from the word ‘artifice.’ If you were to check the definition of the word ‘artifice,’ you would see a definition that talks about trickery.

If you were to take a bit more time and continue to read, you could deduce that the word means anything that is created or not found in nature. By this definition, simply by existing, plumbing is art.

Indoor plumbing has been around since ancient civilizations dating back to 4,000-3,000 BC in Egypt, to the Greeks and Romans. Back then it may have been created out of necessity, but it was created nonetheless.

Plumbing as Modern Art

You might be thinking, ‘okay, we get that plumbing was created, but we don’t see the beauty.’ That’s an understandable thought as most people don’t flush the toilet and watch in amazement. However, even your bathroom plumbing has a lot to do with art and design.

There are many beautiful structures that wouldn’t exist or be the same without the masterful hands of plumbers. Think of the iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome or the marvelous aqueducts throughout the world.

If you’re still unconvinced, think of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. This fountain is set up to put on entire water shows that are complete with lights and music, all set to the beat of different songs. These water features all rely on plumbing systems.

Appreciating Everyday Art

You may have never been to see any of the mentioned fountains or structures, but that doesn’t mean that plumbing as art doesn’t exist around you.

If you live in an area with designed ponds, with or without fountains this is a great example of modern plumbing art.

Sewer drains are another great example–they were created so that you can enjoy the sights and smells of your neighborhood without seeing and sniffing sewage. Also, consider your flowerbeds.

Sure, you may have planted them, but it probably doesn’t rain enough on a daily basis to keep them alive. To keep your plants looking beautiful, you must water them with a hose or by sprinklers. These outdoor plumbing systems were partially designed and made possible by plumbers.

Changing Perspectives

Hopefully, if you’ve never thought of plumbing as art, you have had a change in perspective. Even if you didn’t change your perspective, being able to appreciate your surroundings, as well as the techniques, thoughts, and efforts that went into making them beautiful, can make you a happier person.

It’s cliche, but allows you to ‘stop and smell the roses.’ If you enjoyed reading our take on plumbing as art, take a minute to share this blog post with your friends!