Thomas Crapper

Thomas Crapper was an English plumber and businessman who popularized sanitary plumbing and set up the first public showrooms for displaying sanitary ware.

Have a Question? Chat with Thomas Crapper Pedia AI Character on Opedia
Profession :

Entrepreneur

Birthday :

September 28, 1836

Death Date:

January 27, 1910

Age :

73

Thomas Crapper was a prominent 19th-century English plumber and businessman who played a significant role in popularizing the flushing toilet. His company, Thomas Crapper & Co., was known for producing innovative plumbing products and receiving awards for their designs. Some of Crapper’s most renowned works include the development of the syphon flush system, the ballcock valve, and the installation of plumbing fixtures in prestigious locations such as Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Sandringham House. He was even appointed as the royal family’s plumber.

Crapper was a pioneer in advocating for sanitary plumbing and promoting the installation of plumbing systems inside people’s homes. He was the first to establish public showrooms for displaying sanitary ware and opened the world’s inaugural bathroom fixtures showroom in 1907, where patrons could test the products. Contrary to popular myths, Crapper did not invent the flush toilet, nor is there evidence that the word “crap” originated from his name or association with toilets.

Besides his contributions to plumbing, Crapper was the first plumber in England to install a hot-water heating system in the late 19th century. He also held patents for improvements to flushing toilets, manhole covers, and pipe joints. Overall, Thomas Crapper was instrumental in advancing sanitary plumbing and encouraging the adoption of modern plumbing fixtures.