History of Plumbing By BearStack 2700 BCE Romans use lead pipes for plumbing Nov 11, 1596 Queen Victoria installs the first flushing toilet in England Nov 11, 1800 Local health authorities press for better plumbing Nov 11, 1804 Philadelphia become plumbing leaders after switching completely to cast iron piping. Nov 11, 1829 First indoor plumbing ever is offered in Boston's Tremont hotel Nov 11, 1869 Chicago installs first city water tower Nov 11, 1939 Single handle mixing faucet invented by Alfred M. Moen Period: Nov 11, 1960 to Nov 12, 2016 Copper piping takes over