Fun Facts About the Plumbing in America's House
The White House has been around for over two centuries. It is the beacon of America, the symbol of the presidency, and has therefore been at the forefront of historical preservation and futuristic innovation. The White House was one of the first buildings in America to have plumbing innovations installed, and the story of its plumbing is a fascinating tale that threads through the history of America!
Running Water Arrives at the White House
For nearly fifty years after its first cornerstone was placed, the White House was devoid of running water. The White House's first iteration was burned down in 1814 by the British during their invasion of Washington D.C.
The second iteration of the White House, built during 1815 and the years following, saw the installation of running water in 1833. An engineer named Robert Leckie designed the complex series of pipes, pumps, and reservoirs in not only the White House, but several other buildings in the capital, including the Treasury, State, and Navy buildings.
The running water pumped into the White House in 1833 was not heated or purified by any means. The East Wing of the White House established a specified bathing room, where the bath was heated using coal-fueled fires.
The First Flush of 1853
The flushing toilet was invented in the 16th century by John Harrington of England, but it was not installed in the White House until 1853. President Millard Fillmore is credited with installing the first flushing toilet in the White House, and President Franklin Pierce expanded the toilet into a full-fledged bathroom.
Since 1853, the toilets and bathrooms of the White House have been replaced and improved with technology as it evolves. Toilets are now low-flow, eco-friendly models, and more bathrooms have been installed to handle the tourists and guests that visit America's house.
Today, the White House boasts 35 bathrooms on the premises, one of which is solely reserved for the president when in the Oval Office. The bathrooms of the White House's residential areas had phones installed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who didn't like being unable to contact aides in the bathroom.
More Fascinating Facts
Gardening Brought Water Hoses To the White House
Though running water was not piped into the White House for sanitary use until 1833, President John Quincy Adams did have garden hoses installed in the White House during his presidency term of 1925-1929.
Second Floor Baths Were Chilly Until 1853
Interestingly enough, before 1853, the bathrooms on the White House's second floor did not have hot water. It was not until President Pierce took on the project that hot and cold water was piped to the White House's upper floor.
The White House Held a Record-Breaking Tub
The White House is reported to have held one of the world's largest tubs ever made for a single person. The story goes that President Taft, a gentleman boasting a weight of 350 pounds at his heaviest, could not fit into the White House bathtubs. The president reportedly had a 7-foot long bathtub made for the White House and other notable residences he stayed at during his tenure as president.
There's no doubt that the White House has been the scene of hundreds of important moments in history. The White House's plumbing has been a hidden but interesting part of American history.
About Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
The team at Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. knows that plumbing and heating emergencies can cause an enormous headache - that's why since their start, they've been offering top-notch, 24/7 care for their clients. Their emergency service is guaranteed, and so is their quality of work. Contact them to schedule Colonial Heights, VA plumbing service today!
