The name 'Plumber' is derived from the Latin name for lead (Plumbum), the chemical symbol being Pb. Lead has been used for many years from Roman times through to the present day. Its greatest use was probably during the 1800's and the early years of the 1900's when lead pipe was used extensively in domestic water systems. Its other use was in weather protection on roofs and guttering and also for glazing, holding the glass in window frames. It's advantages is that it does not corrode and is soft, easily worked and can be easily soldered. In fact solder itself is composed mainly of lead with additional tin.
Plumbers were expected to cover all aspects of lead use and in country areas, together with the blacksmith and carpenter repaired and maintained virtually all domestic, farming and trade equipment.
