We’ve all used a number of nicknames when referring to the toilet.
There’s the porcelain throne, the potty, the John, and perhaps the
most beloved of them all – The Crapper. Although it’s humorous
and slightly unrefined, there’s no arguing that it’s one of
the most famous nicknames around, which begs the question: Where did it
come from?
It first started with U.S. soldiers stationed in England during WWII. At
the time, toilets in England were made by a company called “Thomas
Crapper & Co Ltd,” and the name was stamped on the toilets.
It didn’t take long before it was universally agreed amongst the
group that toilets would be known as “the crapper.”
To pay proper homage to Thomas Crapper and the impact he’s had, here
are a few fun “Crapper” facts:
- Thomas Crapper was the official plumber for the royal family during the
time, making him quite possibly the most famous plumber in history
-
January 27th is officially named Thomas Crapper Day
- Thomas Crapper’s company is still around to this day
- The manhole covers with Crapper’s company name on it is now considered
a tourist attraction in Westminster Abbey.
The Mysterious Life of Mr. Crapper
Historians and researchers have looked into the life of Thomas Crapper,
to eliminate any doubts from those who believe he never existed. Although
his actual date of birth is unknown, there is evidence of a Thomas Crapper
existing in England with a successful plumbing industry from 1861 to 1904.
It’s easy to think that Thomas Crapper was the mastermind behind
the invention of the toilet, but the truth is that the toilet was invented
nearly 200 years before Thomas Crapper came in the picture by Sir John
Harington in 1596.
If you’re in need of any plumbing repairs, call our experienced Waterbury
plumbers at Cyrious Plumbing at (203) 577-5628.