Plumbing is something that many take for granted, but there were times when water and plumbing weren’t so accessible. So, how did the profession of modern plumbers arise? The history is much more rich than many would believe. U.A. Local Union No. 1 The Plumbers of NYC takes a closer look at the history of local plumbers in their video to uncover the need and development of plumbing over the years.
The Fire of 1835 in Lower Manhattan
A massive fire in Lower Manhattan caused investors and other financial giants to take action, realizing that they needed some form of protection to prevent these major city areas from being burned down again. In response, the Croton Aqueduct was built, which was an aqueduct based on ancient Roman building practices that would bring water to the city.
This was the first milestone that started developing the plumbing profession.
The Birth of U.A. Local Union No. 1
Plumbing was revolutionary, and plumbers provided an essential service to the city to improve sanitation and access to water. Still, they needed their own protection as local plumbers worked to provide this essential service. U.A. Local Union No. 1 was formed 125 years ago and now includes several different unions to bring the community of plumbers together and ensure that they are properly taken care of and well-paid. With around 5,900 members, U.A. Local Union No. 1 is now one of the largest collections of straight-line plumbers across the world.
The History of Plumbers Is One of Innovation
As with most historical developments, the profession of plumbing grew out of a major need. From waste removal to protection from fires, local plumbers are necessary for New York. U.A. Local Union No. 1 is a union that has and will continue to provide the essential services that New York relies on!
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