The History of The Toilet: The Toilet’s Origins

A Relatively Old Invention Gradually Improved Over Time

Many are not sure as to which group created the first toilets. Many believe that a village in Scotland dating back to 3000 B.C. used recessed drains in the walls of stone huts as the first toilets. Medieval England created essentially the first bathrooms for the royal families which sent their excrement directly into a moat surrounding a castle. The average citizen would typically use a river in order to conduct their business.

First Toilets Built For Royals and Improved

In 1596, Sir John Harrington invented a pipe which could be “flushed” down with water after a person was done using it. This invention did not catch on by the masses, as they were still content to use chamber pots for the purpose of eliminating their waste.

Chamber pots were still seen as an improvement over using a river or a lake. The Queen promptly had this invention installed at her palace. This invention was later improved with an s-shaped pipe to ensure that some of the foul odors were not allowed to rise. This essentially worked by allowing water to rise to the top of the curvature and trapping the odors to the bottom.

Toilets Improved and Become Mainstream

It wasn’t until later on that the technology for using toilets was significantly improved. A prominent plumber in London named Thomas Crapper was hired by Prince Edward to install new toilets in royal palaces. Thomas Crapper was also the first to display his bathroom wares in a showroom, but did not actually invent the modern toilet.

He did work to improve the toilet by creating the ballcock system for filling the toilet’s tank Some of the original toilets were made of porcelain and decorated to make them more visually appealing. In 1852, the first public restroom opened which enabled ordinary individuals to use the latrine. Five years later, the first toilet paper was sold in sheets.

Toilets were still considered luxuries until the 1900s, at which point many toilets designed just for skilled workers were installed in their homes. The modern toilet was fully developed by the 1900s, as this was the point at which tanks were placed on top of the bowls and a flush handle was added.

The toilet was still being improved as late as 1994, when the US Congress passed a law which mandated that toilets use significantly less water.

If you’re having toilet troubles in your Stuart home, don’t hesitate to call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998.

5 Common Causes of Toilet Clogs and How to Prevent Them

Your toilet is going to clog up. There are quite a few things that could clog the toilet. It can be fixed. However, there are also ways to prevent toilet clogs. Most of them basically boil down to what you should not flush down the toilet.

Toiler Paper

The most clogs come from too much toilet paper. It is not just flushing too much toilet paper down the toilet. It is also how it is flushed. Some people just wad up the paper that they use before flushing it. Other ways include folding it up. Another problem could be the thickness of the paper. Thicker toilet paper will more easily clog a toilet than the thinner ones.

Diapers

Some households flush a wide variety of items in the toilet. Among the variety are diapers. Diapers could instantly clog up a toilet when flushed. This may require the work of a professional to fix.

Paper Towels

Paper towels are different material than toilet paper. They do not dissolve as easily when flushed. As a result, they could clog the toilet. They are typically not as soft as toilet paper so they should not be flushed down the toilet bowl.

Cotton Balls

Cotton Balls and similar products absorb water. If you flush cotton balls down the toilet, then you are risking a clog. It is better to dispose of cotton balls in a trash can in order to avoid clogging your toilet.

Toys and Random Objects

There are plenty of stuff that should not be flushed down the toilet. If you flush them, they will clog the bowl due to the fact that they will not dissolve. For instance, toys are not to be flushed down the toilet due to them being made of extremely solid material.

There are many ways that you can undo a clog. However, most of them depend on the cause of the clog. In many cases, you can use a plunger to get the water flowing again.

This is good for toilet paper clogs and other easily dissolved products. However, other problems might call for snaking or even taking apart the drain. This usually requires the help of a professional plumber.

Avoid the embarrassment of an untimely toilet clog, call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 to keep your Stuart throne flushing!

Plumbing Myths Debunked

As homeowners we enjoy saving money when it comes to maintaining the home. Staying away from certain plumbing myths can help to save money and maintain the home.

Debunking the Myth: Hot Water Cannot Prevent Grease Clogs

This myth has caused many homeowners to contact a plumber about a clogged drain. The truth is that there is not a temperature hot enough that can prevent grease, oils, or fats from eventually solidifying.

Once you have poured the grease, oils, and fats down the drain mixed with the hot water, it will travel down the drain and eventually cool. When these substances have cooled they will stick to the inside of your sewer pipes and over time you will develop a clog.

Myth #2 – “In tank” cleaners are a great way to keep your toilet clean.

Many people believe that “in tank” cleaners are a great way to reduce household chores. This is false. Although these “in-tank” cleaners leave your toilet white and smelling clean, they are simply masking. These cleaners bleach the build-up in your toilet, making them appear white. While this gives the appearance of a clean toilet, eventually this bleached white build-up can damage your toilet, causing you to have to shell out money for a plumber.

Myth #3- If you can flush it down the drain then it won’t clog

Flushing is a simple task that helps us to get rid of waste. Though flushing the toilet can be used to get rid of certain wastes it should not be used to get rid of foreign objects.

Food and hard objects may be able to disappear when you push down on the handle but these items can get stuck in the 3-inch drain pipe that eventually leads into the drain pipe for your home. Once flushed, these foreign objects can clog the toilets drain pipe and the drain pipe for your entire home.

Myth #4 – Lemons are great to use to freshen your garbage disposal.

Some homeowners may use lemons to freshen their foul smelling garbage disposal. This remedy does provide a brief encounter with a nice citrus fragrance but the smell will eventually die out and the lemon juice could cause damage to your garbage disposal.

The citric acid from the lemon can cause the metal inside your disposal to corrode.

Myth #5 – A flowing drain is a healthy drain.

Backed up drains can be caused overtime by grease buildup or foods that bloat such as flour or rice. A great way to keep your drain healthy and flowing is prevent solid objects and certain liquids from going down the drain with the help of a drain filter or screen.

Don’t be fooled by plumbing myths! Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 for great advice and service in the Stuart area. 

10 Simple Ways to Beautify Your Bathroom

The bathroom is a room in a house where many people spend a considerable amount of time in. This is why you should want your bathroom to be functional, such as when you’re bathing and grooming.

Not only do you want it to serve its purpose, you want to show it off when guests come by so it needs to be beautiful. You can do some simple upgrades and you will have the bathroom of your dreams.

Faucets and Fixtures

First, you can start with the faucets and fixtures. These are small things to change but they tend to be eye catching so it is worth getting an upgrade. It is amazing how a shower head can turn a bathroom into a luxurious place. Even more so, upgrading the bathtub or shower can change the style and look of the room.

You will also have to decide what material you want; maybe you want acrylic, stone or ceramic tile. Or maybe you want a Jacuzzi or a whirlpool. Nonetheless, this can turn your bathroom into a room you can easily relax and enjoy in.

Counters and Sinks

Sinks and countertops are also part of your bathroom that can make an impact. For instance, a bowl sink can create a more modern look if you want. Besides the variety of styles to choose from, there are different materials that will give different looks, depending on what you like.

There are many styles of toilets you can choose from also. As these upgrades come together, you will see your bathroom transform in from of your eyes.

Cabinets

You can really get creative and add a cabinet in the walls. The selection to choose from varies, like everything else. It all depends on your taste. The flooring is the last thing that can pull the entire room together.

Whether you decide to change everything or a few things, you should seek help from a professional, they do this these types of projects for a living so they know what to do. It is not a do-it-yourself job.

They will know what will and won’t work. Ask for some tips and suggestions so you get the bathroom you want.

Your Stuart home deserves a beautiful bathroom. Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 for a remodel you can be proud of!

 

What are the Top 10 Plumbing Fixture Brands Recommended by professional plumbers and Why?

When it comes to choosing plumbing fixtures, there are numerous brands out there. However, there are brands that are consistently the favorites with the professional installers. Here are ten of them.

Toilets

American Standard – A solid brand for more than a century. It offers an extensive line of high quality toilets as well as other plumbing fixtures at a price that is affordable. Toilets are well-designed and one of the best in clog-free technology.

Toto – This brand is famous around the world. Its advanced toilet technology called Double Cyclone has earned the brand tremendous success. Professionals often recommend this brand because it is one of the best in water conservation. Its bath and kitchen products are often leaders in the industry.

Briggs – famous for its durability. Its high-efficiency toilets maximize water saving.

Faucets

Delta – All of its fixtures for the bathroom and kitchen undergo rigorous testing so that they always perform at the optimal level every time. Delta is a name for quality and reliability.

Kohler – This brand has been in business for four generations. The public has come to trust the consistent quality that this company provides every time. They often come out with innovative designs in their toilets and fixtures that are perfect for the modern home.

Sterling Faucet Company – an old and established brand founded in 1907. It is now part of the Kohler family of brands, but still has retained its individual design and qualities that households have grown to rely on.

Grohe – a brand that is famous for its precision in engineering. It is the largest European brand in kitchen and bath fixtures. Its design of shower components is state of the art that lets you enjoy a perfect shower every time.

Moen – probably the most popular brand in North America. Its line of kitchen and bath faucets is distinctive and innovative. Often the line of choice with designers and plumbing installers alike.

Big Appliances and Fixtures

Whirlpool – Who has not heard of this brand? It has enjoyed solid success for over a century. Whether it is a washer/dryer combo or a refrigerator, the brand has earned the trust of consumers and professionals by its reliability and innovative technology that have become a household standard.

General Electric – GE is another brand that has been around for more than 100 years. It enjoys a solid reputation with appliances like water heaters, waste disposal, filtration systems, and other household appliances.

If you’re in need of plumbing fixtures in your Stuart home, these are the recommended best! Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 for installation.

Too Much Iron in Your Water Can Ruin Your Health! 

Water is the basis of many of the vital functions of the body, and it is required for proper cell life, chemical and metabolic reactions, the transport of nutrients, and so much more. Not to mention we also need it to cook, bathe, and clean our dishes and clothes. Given that this liquid is so essential in life, it only stands to reason that you want to ensure your water is pure and healthful.

What many don’t realize, though, is that hundreds of people have too much iron in their water. This can result in the buildup of harmful bacteria. Furthermore, it can create brown slime which can clog your pipes. As a homeowner, it’s up to you to understand this issue and make sure you and your loved ones are safe from harm’s way.

Signs of Excess Iron

If you have excess iron in your water, there will be signs you can look for. Just as you cough or sniffle at the onset of a cold, there are a few tell-tale signs to look for that should be of alarm including:

-Itchy, dry skin

-Dullness of the hair

-A worn appearance in your clothes

-Development of lime surrounding your drains and faucets

-Unusually long time spans to lather up soap in the shower or at the sink

-Rust-colored stains at water sources

-Dangers of Iron

Aside from the danger of clogs and bacterial buildup, there are other areas of concern when excess iron is present. For example, a new study is indicating that excess iron is capable of causing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Not to mention the toll this situation can take on your clothing and dishes. You can lose hundreds of dollars worth of clothing due to the red, yellow, and brown stains that often result, and these stains often prove impossible to remove.

Knowledge is Key

Even if you have noticed a few signs that are worrisome, the best way to confirm you have excess iron in your water is to have a professional analysis. If present, experienced technicians can guide you through water filtration options. With their help, you can determine the proper system sizing as well as the best system for your unique situation. These filters are capable of providing you clean water throughout your home and give you the peace-of-mind you deserve.

Don’t get mixed up in a serious plumbing issue in your Stuart home. Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998, and have the professionals clean up that mess. 

Water Treatment: Explain Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration

It does not matter where a home or business is located when it comes to imperfect water. Unless you have access to a natural spring, your water is contaminated with bacteria, minerals, or chemicals.

This does not mean that you are being poisoned from public water or well water. It simply means that small amounts of impurities are present in your tap water.

The Discovery of Reverse Osmosis

Jean-Antoine Nollet discovered reverse osmosis in 1748. Osmosis is a process where a solvent is passed through a membrane whereas the strain on the solvent forces out miniscule particles. While Nollet was not fully aware of the future of this achievement, the demonstration opened doors to other scientists that were curious about creating cleaner water.

Is Reverse Osmosis Really Necessary?

Think about all of the water that surrounds the continents. Then tell yourself that we have no worry of running out of water. The first real test of using an external type of pressure to get above the osmotic pressure and remove the salt content of sea water, was in 1949.

Since this date, reverse osmosis have evolved into a unique water filtration process for eliminating scores of different ingredients in sea water, river water, and plain old tap water that could be laced with chemicals.

Reverse Osmosis in Everyday Life

While desalinating sea water may sound great, you are probably content with the water that flows from your faucet. However, few people take the time to get a sample of their tap water and have it tested for impurities.

Fluoride, rust, salt, or other unknown and unseen particles could be slowly affecting your health without your knowledge. Pipes and fixtures are also prone to your water’s imperfections. Notice the build-up of minerals in a replaced pipe or just around your sink’s faucets.

Since first introduced, osmosis, and reverse osmosis, has given us the benefit of better health, provides clean water in unsanitary regions of the world, and even makes sea water safe to drink.

A reverse osmosis water filtration system can also eliminate the worry of sanitary drinking water during water processing plant problems, exposure to heavy rains or flooding, or contaminated ground water. It makes you wonder why anyone would question the installation of a full house, under sink unit, or portable reverse osmosis water filtration system.

Interested in cleaner water? Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 to make your Stuart home a healthier place to live.

Top 5 Tips for Cleaning Your Plumbing This Spring

Spring Cleaning

With the arrival of warmer weather, many home owners conduct a Spring Cleaning to refurbish the premises after a long winter. Here are five useful tips for caring for pipes during this process and ascertaining when, and if, calling a plumber remains a wise idea:

1. Water Treatment:

Most people don’t think about the mineral deposits in their water. Treating these chemical build ups is vital to the cleanliness of not only your pipes and dishes, but to the purity of your own body! This should always be a priority in your home.

If you haven’t had water treatment services yet, call today!

2. Drains:

Check drains to make certain that kitchen, bathroom and basement drains are emptying as rapidly as usual. If you experience slower than normal draining, then contacting a licensed plumber to inspect and clean out drains remains a helpful process in keeping everything working in tip top condition.

3. Shower Head Check:

Wipe down the exterior of shower heads with a damp cloth. Then turn on the shower and carefully observe the flow as you increase the level of water exiting from the shower head.

Should any problems with the flow or spray appear, report problems to your plumber. You may require a replacement shower head, or possibly a plumbing visit.

4. Check Outdoor Faucets:

Sometimes damage occurs to outdoor faucets during winter freezes. Certified Master Inspector Dwight Barnett from the American Society of Home Inspectors recommends that property owners carefully examine the exterior of the faucet at the beginning of the spring.

Also, turn on each exterior faucet and place a thumb and finger over the opening; if you can stop the flow yourself easily, he notes, then a pipe may require attention and it is time to contact a plumber.

5. Kitchen Appliance Check:

Cleaning and checking the proper functioning of kitchen appliances remains a helpful idea at this time, too. Many experts recommend using natural cleaners, and avoiding caustic chemicals, as much as possible for safety reasons.

Three helpful substances that can greatly assist in cleaning appliances when used separately according to Laura Newcomer are: lemon juice extract, vinegar and baking soda.

Baking soda and water can form a paste that can remove grime from sinks. Vinegar mixed with water makes a great cleaning solution for some types of counter tops.

Lemon juice extract can help remove grease deposits. If you observe leaking appliances connected to water pipes, contact your plumber.

Spring is upon us, which means it’s time to freshen up your Stuart home. Give Allore’s Plumbing a call at (772) 288-0998 for all your plumbing needs.

Don’t Poison Your Pipes with Drain Cleaning Chemicals

 

Many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaners when they’re drains are clogged. Not only are these cleaners readily available and easily accessible, a lot of brands claim to work quickly too. With this information taking the forefront, what you may not realize are that there are also some dangers associated with them as well. For this reason, most professionals don’t recommend the use of such cleaning solutions. Here are some of the reasons why.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Corrosive

Chemical drain cleaners contain a lot of volatile substances that make them both corrosive and poisonous too. While this works to remove clogs, they don’t stop with clearing up hair, grease and junk. They are also threatening to your plumbing and to your skin as well. In fact, some chemicals are known to eat through both things.

These cleaners are prone to splattering when they’re going down your drains or on your skin, possibly even into your eyes. This is very dangerous, which is why the directions say that you should wear goggles when using them. Even when you have protective gear on, it’s still possible for these chemicals to make their way on to another surface where they can pose a safety hazard.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Very Toxic

The problems with these chemicals don’t stop with their corrosiveness. They are also hazardous to your health if they’re ingested, or they come into contact with your skin. Have you ever noticed how many hazards each label warns you about? Just having these chemicals in your home exposes you to such dangers.

Furthermore, such chemicals are also very reactive to other substances that you may have in your home. One example is that when these chemicals are combined with other common household items (e.g. bleach), a very poisonous and toxic chlorine gas may form. Not only could this cause an explosion or a fire, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) it can also cause any of the following health problems

• Eye and nose irritation
• A sore throat
• Coughing
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Pulmonary edema (accumulation of fluid in the lungs)
• A choking sensation
• Burning eyes
• Spasmodic blinking (blepharospasm)
• Involuntary closing of the eyelids
• Conjunctivitis (redness and inflammation of the eyes’ membranes)
• Chemical burns
• Lung injury

 

Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Fixtures

Not only are chemical drain cleaning solutions a health hazard, but they may eat through your plumbing fixtures too. They can also leave a pit mark in your sink basin and tarnish your faucets.

Are the pipes clogged up in your Stuart home? If you’re having trouble, give Allores Plumbing a call at (772) 288-0998 , so we can get down to the root of the problem.

Water Filtration