National Hug a Plumber Day: Date of Year and History

It’s that time of year again! We are coming up on National Hug a Plumber Day on April, 25^th.  If you are wondering what date it falls on each year it is the last Wednesday of the month. Are you wondering what National Plumber Day is and how it started? Perhaps you’ve never heard of this holiday. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Have you ever had the desire to hug your plumber? That’s what we have been hoping.

The history of plumbing dates back to 3000 to 4000 BC when the first pipes carrying water were constructed to transport water along the Indus River (India). Approximately 2500 BC the Egyptians started using copper pipes to carry water for use in bathrooms, irrigation, and sewer systems. Yes, restrooms were found in Egyptian tombs for use after death.

The National Hug a Plumber Day history is somewhat of a mystery. It likely started in the United Kingdom. As Americans, we have embraced the day to show appreciation for plumbers who ensure we have consistent access to running water for baths and showers, kitchen use, lawn watering, laundry and so much more. Not only do we count on having immediate access to water in our homes, we trust that it is clean. There are many reasons to thank our plumbers and one of the best ways is to give them a hug whether it is National Hug a Plumber Day or not.

If you are wondering if there are other days plumbers are recognized throughout the year, check out World Plumbing Day, an international day to celebrate plumbers, falling on March 11th, each year.

Benefits of Hugging Your Plumber

There is actual benefit that has been scientifically proven behind the power of a hug. In fact, a study performed shows that a 10 second hug a day can improve your all around health including fighting infections, boosting you immune system, easing depression, fighting fatigue, reducing stress and lowering your risk of heart disease.

When you hug, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin. When this is released, it causes you to feel happy and connected to others. Oxytocin has often been called the “love hormone” because of the emotions one feels when it is released. This hormone alone is responsible for helping lower the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure due to the calming effect it has. Oxytocin can also relieve pain, according to Max Planck Institute for Medical Research.

Hugging is beneficial in many ways, and starts at a young age. In fact, infants who are hugged frequently grow up to be less stressed than other adults who were not frequently hugged during infancy. Studies also show that a hug can help reduce fear. Even if it is an inanimate object, like a teddy bear, hugging can keep one calm. This could explain why children like to sleep with their stuffed animals tucked closely beside.

While the holiday is called National Hug a Plumber Day, we think you should take that opportunity and enjoy hugs from everyone, plumbers and non-plumbers alike.