Plumbing 1. The system of pipes and other apparatus for conveying water, liquid wastes, etc., as in a building. 2. The work or trade of a plumber.
Defined in depth by Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, (A tome-sized titan!), the word ‘plumbing’ illuminates a concept taken lightly by first-world consumers. Many of us lavish in a privileged setting, while an appreciation for societal plumbing is rushed away from us like so much waste water through a drain. In other societies without plumbing, life seems rougher in contrast, perceived from eyes accustomed to a life lived with plumbing. How often do we wake in the morning en-route to shower, marveling over water flowing from hidden pipes, spraying out of spigots by simply turning a knob? Who honestly lauds the luxury of everyday plumbing to the extent of a higher appreciation? Plumbing is a privilege, yet plumbing is highly taken for granted.
Ever recall a time of jumping into a cold pool on a frigid night? Perhaps the water was so chilled you raced off to the showers or the hot tub. In those moments, a likely result of what happened from plumbing was enjoyed –Hot water at your back. Yet in the simpler everyday needs of societal plumbing, we are generally so used to the routine ways of flowing water, it seems hardly an idea too special. That is, until its taken away…
Surely, nearly everyone has had a sink or two back up, resulting in heaps of unwashed dishes till a plumber arrived to funnel the tubes. Perhaps when moved into a new home there was an entire absence of running water for several hours, which could be the situation during a storm. Once the plumbing was back on line we praised it. The moment the privilege of modern plumbing was stricken from us, till the moment of it’s return, we yearned for it.
This miraculous system of savvy drains and tubes becomes so ingrained in our daily habits and customs, so commonplace, we might forget to consider this blessing of a service. Moments of consideration for the marvels of intricate plumbing would be fitting, not when we don’t have it, but when we do have it.