Alexander Cumming patented his design for a water-closet in 1775. However, it was found that the water could freeze in cold weather. Joseph Bramah, an installer of these flush toilets, improved the design. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that they became widely used. Here is an early advertisement.
“PRICE FIVE GUINEAS.
New Invented Water-Closet.
THO. SCOTT, Plumber, ENGINE and WATER-CLOSET maker, MARKET-HARBORO’, Leicestershire,
Begs leave to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public in general, that he makes and sells WATER-CLOSETS, upon a very simple Construction, which act without Valve, Plug, Slide, or Cock, and hold a certain Quantity of Water in the Basons; warranted to keep sweet and clean; not liable to be frozen, or out of order from Paper, which is so common in Water-closets.
N.B. Very good Allowance to Plumbers, Surveyors, Builders, &c. – All Letters duly answered.”
Stamford Mercury, 8th August, 1800.