2006-11-26 12:52:53 · 8 answers · asked by 21st Century Scrooge 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Because it is a 'c--k' (another old word for valve or tap), that is controlled by a foating 'ball' , which opens and closes the tap by means of a lever and rod. This is to prevent water overflow in the container (usually a toilet tank).
The inventor was NOT someone named Ballcock or Ball or C--k,
but rather by the inventor of the modern flush toilet, Sir Thomas Crapper. No kidding ! Now you know why a toilet is called a
'crapper' !
2006-11-26 14:34:53 · answer #1 · answered by Donald G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The copper ball is the FLOAT. The TYPE of valve used is a ballcock, and is named after its inventor.
2006-11-26 13:25:53 · answer #2 · answered by f100_supersabre 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because that copper ball would "cock'' the valve closed.
Or maybe it was easier to call it that rather than thatdohickythingythatclosesoffthewatersupply?
2006-11-26 15:01:42 · answer #3 · answered by bob j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure but is does sound funny 'eh
Obviously whoever invented it has a wicked sense of humour
2006-11-26 12:54:40 · answer #4 · answered by Aussie Girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same as a gascock or sillcock, I guess if women had made them it would have been a..[use imagination]. Anyway, they are obsolete and inefficient. They should all have cups[seriously].
2006-11-26 13:07:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
for the same reason why they call some plugs female and some male.......cause men did the plumbing when the fixtures were made.
2006-11-26 12:58:01 · answer #6 · answered by sophieb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Petcock, and shuttlecock were taken.
2006-11-26 13:34:40 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do they call the "birdie" in badminton a SHUTTLECOCK?
2006-11-26 15:37:05 · answer #8 · answered by More Lies & More Smoke Screens 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋