Have you ever wondered how all the pipes that you find in your house or in your building work? Using the bathroom is an important part in our daily routine as we need to stay clean and healthy. Plumbers play an important role in making our cleaning routine such a precious one. They have evolved over the last centuries because their dressing and the materials used have changed a lot. Today we are going to analyze their history and the evolution of their outfit .

1 - The History of Plumbing

The word plumbing or plumber is derived from the Latin term " plumbus " which means "lead" or "one who works in lead".

A plumber is a qualified person who specializes in the installation and maintenance of systems used for drinking water, waste water and drainage in plumbing systems. According to modern historians, modern plumbing and sanitation began around 10,000 years ago. At that time, humans felt the need to collect and secure drinking water .

Ancient Egyptian plumbers improved the plumbing system by working with blacksmiths to create tools and pipes as needed to create their irrigation systems.

In the Roman Empire, approximately between 500 BC and 476 AD, they introduced innovative plumbing structures by transforming basic systems into extensive systems that carried water. They are also considered models for modern sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs and drains. These works were highly sought after because they made it possible to guarantee rare comfort for all the inhabitants of a city.

2 - The Evolution of the Plumber Overalls

There was not much difference in the job responsibilities of plumbers in ancient times that are still found today. Also, they used to wear big overalls during their working hours. However, things have changed dramatically over the past two centuries.

The profession of plumbers has progressed in many ways, such as using different materials than those used in the 1800s, 1940s, and 1950s. Beyond the materials used, their work attire has also undergone great changes. Very quickly, La Salopette took a place of choice in the plumbing trade. Just as overalls were seen worn by all the workers on the construction sites that built the great cities we know today, the benefits of overalls are varied and have improved working conditions as a tool. We have seen many craftsmen appreciate the characteristic charm of this work overall, such as the Painter's Overalls where we talk about it in an article dedicated to the profession, the lumberjack's overalls, the Plumber's Overalls of course, we found it on farms and agricultural trades as well. The increase in needs in these trades with industrialization has enabled overalls to gain a reputation among workers.

Many trends and major fashion houses have paid tribute to craftsmen and offer collections featuring the famous postal workers' outfits, construction overalls , safety shoes and many others. Many of these pieces of equipment have made appearances on the catwalks of the most prestigious Fashion Weeks. One wonders why such a success for these basic garments studied and specialized for craftsmen and workers.

3 - Why The Plumber's Overalls?

Plumbers must wear work clothes commensurate with their task. Nowadays, durable suspender overalls, overalls are very popular in the plumbing industry. Because they offer comfort and lasting quality . The main purpose of using this outfit is to protect the knees as the nature of the job requires a lot of bending to fix pipes and get under sinks. The straps that rub on your shoulders are designed with a soft and resistant fabric to guarantee this comfort and which dress all this coat, as well as the seams resistant to wear over time. This garment designed for everyone's well-being.

Plumbers always wear coveralls, also called coveralls , to protect their clothes from dirt. It is an obligation for them because they must wear washable and comfortable clothes. They should also wear eye protection and gloves.

A reinforcement at the level of the knees, with a piece of added fabric, helps to avoid fatigue and joint pain . In addition to La Salopette, it is also recommended to wear safety shoes or boots, because you never know what dangers you may face during our day to day.

How can we talk about plumber's overalls without mentioning that of a famous game which we have all played at least once, it is of course Mario and Luigi , the 2 most famous plumbers. They symbolized the perfect alliance between overalls and the plumbing profession.

In conclusion :

For more than two millennia and still today plumbers and the plumbing industry have helped us to optimize our water consumption and guarantee us a comfort in our lives that we can only appreciate. They are the ones who talk about it the best, for them good equipment is essential and it seems obvious to equip themselves with the best tools, it is in this perspective of well-being at work that La Salopette have found their place in the heart plumbers .