The House Isn’t Haunted – It’s Just a Water Heater That Needs Service

Deciphering the Ghostly Sounds of a Malfunctioning Water Heater

The early fall months come with an air of spookiness that’s hard to ignore. Maybe it’s because of all the Halloween decorations and the scary movies playing on televisions in the lead-up to the last day of October. This spooky atmosphere is probably to blame for many homeowners hearing things in the home. But it’s not always in the homeowner’s heads. Some sounds mean something far worse than ghosts and goblins. Some sounds mean that the water heater is on the fritz! 

Luckily, when homeowners can determine what the sound means, they can do something about it.  

Scary Screeching and Hissing

Screeching is, by definition, not a pleasant sound. It grates on the nerves and can make one think that there’s an angry spirit in the home. Usually, this sound is caused by high-pressure water pushing through a valve that is not opened all the way. This could come from a valve malfunction or a valve that hasn’t been opened after a water heater service. 

Hissing is almost as scary as screeching but doesn’t usually mean the same thing. Hissing is generally caused by a leak, especially if wet spots are present around the water heater. But hissing can also be caused by the water evaporating as it sizzles on a hot surface, such as the heating element. This generally happens when the tank is refilling. 

Spine-Chilling Rumbling, Crackling, and Poppingwater heater

Other sounds that are often confused for vengeful spirits include rumbling, crackling, and popping. These noises happen all together and indicate that there’s sediment building inside the water heater tank. All water has sediment to some degree, which means all water heaters will build up some sediment eventually. 

When sediment builds up and the water heater starts making cracking, popping, and rumbling sounds, it indicates that there’s water being trapped under the sediment and heated. As the water moves up through the layers of sediment, it makes these noises. Luckily, this one is easy to fix. The water heater just needs to be flushed of the sediment. This can be done easily by a professional. 

Frightful Humming or Tickingvalves

Humming and ticking are two other culprits that mean something’s amiss. Humming is a sound that comes from a water heater when there’s an issue with the electric heating element. On a gas water heater, humming could mean a problem with the gas line or the burner. 

Persistent ticking sounds could mean that there’s a problem with the temperature regulation. Ticking is normal when it happens occasionally, but the unit needs to be checked by a water heater repair professional if it happens often. Water heater service should be done at least once a year to prevent issues like those above. 

About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC

Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC has served Stuart, FL since 1986. Their technicians are highly skilled and trained in the latest plumbing technology. They offer 24-hour emergency service and always back their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call now for water heater services!

3 Signs You May Need To Install a Water Softener

Do You Have Hard Water In Your Home?

For many homeowners, the distinction between hard and soft water is not a familiar concept. After all, what exactly does it mean when water is “hard?” Hard water is simply water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals. While this doesn’t make much difference in terms of the water’s safety, it can significantly impact the plumbing system itself – not to mention the comfort of everyone in the home. 

One solution is to install a water softener to remove these minerals from the water supply, but many homeowners wonder if it’s really necessary. So this article will lay out the three most common signs that a home has hard water, how it can affect the home and its plumbing, and how to tell when it’s time to install a water softener.

Visual Cues

Thanks to its high mineral content, hard water tends to leave behind a residue when it dries out – the water evaporates, but the minerals stay put. It’s common for dishes washed in hard water to be covered in cloudy white spots or become slightly opaque over time. 

Over time, small mineral deposits like these may accumulate on faucets and showerheads, forming a hard white or greenish crust around the spigot or nozzle. Unusually high amounts of soap scum buildup in sink basins or on shower walls may also indicate hard water, as the dissolved minerals bind with the soap and cause it to hang around on surfaces after the water evaporates.

That Hard Water Feelingwater

Hard water can also be detected by the way it leaves skin, hair, and laundry feeling. Many people with hard water in their homes find that their skin feels very clean after bathing but then becomes dry, itchy, or irritated after they’ve dried off. This is because hard water leaves behind a mineral residue on the skin, just as it does on other surfaces.

This residue can clog pores and prevent the body’s natural oils from moisturizing the skin. It may have an even more pronounced effect on hair, leaving it flat and dry and cause the scalp to become flaky. These effects aren’t limited to the body, however – the residue of dissolved minerals can leave laundry feeling rough, stiff, or scratchy.

Problems with the Pipespipe

Another clue that the home’s water is hard may come in the form of plumbing issues. As hard water travels through the home’s pipes, it will leave its trademark mineral scale deposits on the pipe interiors as well as the internal components of fixtures and appliances. Eventually, this scale buildup will interfere with the normal function of the plumbing system.

Mineral scale can obstruct water supply pipes and the larger drainage pipes, resulting in low water pressure or drain clogs, respectively. It can also lead to corrosion, excessive vibration, and overpressurization of copper supply lines, all of which can cause leaks or ruptures. Appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines can wear out faster, or malfunction as scale interferes with their internal components.

With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why removing these troublesome minerals with a water softener might be a good idea, not just for comfort but also for the health of the home’s plumbing and appliances. If in doubt, homeowners can contact their preferred plumber to determine whether a water softener is right for them.

About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC

Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC is an award-winning, veteran-owned local business with over 35 years of experience serving its community. They offer up-front, competitive pricing and 24/7 emergency service. Call Allore’s today for water softener services in Stuart, FL!

Back to the Basics With Water Heaters

The Basic Fundamentals of Water Heaters

There are five types of basic water heaters, with most homeowners traditionally having either a gas or electric tank or tankless system. Besides traditional storage and on-demand style water heaters, there are heat pump water heaters, solar-powered water heaters, and condensing water heaters.

Water heaters work by bringing in cold water and using electricity or gas to heat the water by passing it through heating elements. Generally, a water heater will have a dip tube, heating element, anode rod, thermostat, heat-out pipe, and valves.  

water heater Different Type of Water Heaters

Storage tank water heaters use electricity or gas consistently, come in various sizes from 20 to 80 gallons for most homes, and are modestly priced for installation or repair. There are two basic types of tank heaters: those that use electricity and those that use gas, the latter being more cost-efficient for homeowners. These water heaters can last over 10 years if properly maintained with yearly upkeep and cleaning of sediment buildup.

Tankless water heaters provide instantaneous on-demand hot and warm water. The water is heated as it passes through the pipes and past a heating element. Maintenance on these types of heaters is on an ‘as-needed basis and typically arises based on water hardness. These water heaters are more expensive than traditional water heaters but can save money in the long run due to the conservation of energy. When properly looked after and addressed for any issues, these units can last upwards of 20 years. 

5 Tips on Water Heater Maintenance 

These tips and tricks should help any homeowner looking to extend the lifespan of their water heater. Preventative maintenance can go a long way in improving performance, giving peace of mind, and keeping up-to-date with household appliance management.

  1. Getting the water heater tank flushed is an important task to be done by a professional yearly. Hard water can cause sediment buildup and prevent the heater from working properly by not working at maximum efficiency.
  2. A basic check of the pressure relief valve can go a long way in the sense of safety. If this valve were not to work, the water heater tank could explode due to increased pressure. Replacing this valve is not a huge ordeal, is easily down by a professional, and can save headaches from occurring later.
  3. Insulating the tank and the pipes is another way to keep a water heater lasting. This prevents heat from escaping allowing the water heater to work less hard, reducing energy consumption.
  4. Lowering the overall temperature of the heater can also assist in conserving the tank. This allows the tank not to stay as active trying to maintain higher temperatures that are normally unnecessary or impractical. 
  5. Getting a professional inspection is always a good call as a homeowner by allowing a skilled expert to check every part of what makes a water heater work.

Common Signs that a Water Heater Needs Repairwater heater

  1. Pooling, puddling, leaks, or dripping
  2. Age
  3. Low water pressure 
  4. Temperature of the water does not get hot enough or fluctuates 
  5. The water is brown, dirty, or has sediment
  6. Loud noises coming from the water heater

About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC

For all your local plumbing needs, Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC is a family-owned and operated business that offers 24-hour emergency help, 100% satisfaction guaranteed, and experts in the field of commercial and residential plumbing. Contact them for reliable water heater service in Stuart, FL today! 

3 Tips To Prevent Kitchen Sink Clogging During Summer Cookouts

Keep the Kitchen Sink Clear During Cookout Season

Summer is perhaps the most critical time of year for the kitchen plumbing to be at peak efficiency, aside from maybe the holiday season. Still, summer is the time of year when families love to have cookouts and family gatherings, including for the 4th of July! It is important to ensure that the kitchen plumbing is clean and ready for the season ahead. There are things that homeowners can do now to ensure that their kitchen plumbing can withstand the pressure of numerous cookout clean-ups. 

The below three tips are summer essentials for every homeowner to know and utilize. Continue reading to learn more!

Things To Keep Out of the Sinkdrain

Everyone knows they should keep as many foreign objects away from the kitchen sink as possible. But, what types of things are homeowners supposed to watch out for?

  1. Food scraps
  2. Coffee grounds
  3. Eggshells
  4. Produce stickers
  5. Grease 
  6. Paper towels 
  7. Kids toys

Those that live in bigger households might have more trouble monitoring what goes into their kitchen sink. The fewer items that make it down the sink, the better. So, this is one of the easiest things that homeowners can try to do to ensure their kitchen sink doesn’t get clogged during cookout season. 

Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

This item is so important to remember that it gets its own section. Grease should never make its way down the sink. When it is hot, the grease is a liquid and can seemingly flow down the drain very easily. Over time, that grease cools off and solidifies, though. 

It doesn’t matter how much hot water the homeowner lets flow down the drain afterward either. The hot water is still colder than the temperature of the grease, so it technically just cools down the grease faster. The grease has no chance to make it out of the home’s long plumbing system before it solidifies. It might not cause a clog right away when this happens, but it might trap other things that accidentally make their way down the drain. 

garbage disposal

Invest in a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are cheap and easy to install. So, investing in one is the best option for ensuring that the pipes stay clear before, during, and after cookouts. Even when homeowners have a garbage disposal installed, they should still be looking for things falling down the drain. 

While the garbage disposal does a great job shredding up food scraps, things like eggshells, coffee grounds, and grease still shouldn’t go down the drain

Regardless, garbage disposals make clean-up quick and easy. After having one installed, homeowners will be more inclined to have even more cookouts because of how beneficial they are to the overall kitchen plumbing system. 

Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC Knows What To Do!

Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC is the plumbing company that Stuart, FL residents can count on at any time of the day or night. They offer 24/7 emergency services because they understand that plumbing emergencies aren’t planned and usually happen at odd hours. It’s time to trust the trained and experienced professionals at Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC. Call today for garbage disposal plumbing!

Water Filtration Systems: Improve Health and Increase Sustainability Instantly

Take Refreshing Summer Drinks To the Next Level with Filtered Water!

Water is essential to everyday life; homeowners use water for cooking, cleaning, watering their plants, drinking, and much more. Yet, nearly 60 million Americans don’t drink their tap water. As a result, there were 50 billion water bottles in 2020. Installing a water filter will cut the number of water bottles used in half and encourage Americans to drink their tap water. 

A water filtration system is not only green and climate-friendly, but it also works to improve the health of tap-water drinkers and prevent deadly diseases.

Water Filtration – It’s for Everyone filter

Filtered water has a variety of benefits. Not only does it remove harmful chemicals, but it also is a more sustainable alternative than water bottles. Homeowners who purchase water bottles could see savings of up to $700 by installing a water filtration system. In addition to immediate cost savings, many benefits come with a water filtration system. 

Clean Water Has a Better Taste

Water filtration systems remove harmful chemicals from tap water. It is those toxic chemicals that give tap water the universally known metallic taste. A water filtration system works to remove those toxic chemicals and bacteria, which directly improves the taste of tap water. When homeowners add a water filtration system, they will notice an improved taste in food, coffee, and drinks. 

For example, an avid coffee drinker will see an immediate improvement in the taste of their coffee because the functionality of their coffee machine improved. The harmful chemicals in unfiltered tap water cause build-up inside a coffee machine. When those toxic chemicals are filtered out, there is no longer a build-up issue inside the machine, resulting in a fresher pot of coffee. 

Filter Can Protect Against Chemicals

Water filtration systems protect against harmful diseases like rectal cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer. Water filtration systems remove the impurities in water and toxic chemicals while ensuring that the healthy minerals remain. Dangerous chemicals such as lead, chlorine, and sulfur can be lurking in unfiltered tap water. These chemicals can infiltrate tap water through ground soil leakage, pipe leakage, or any other contamination at the tap water source. 

These chemicals are harmful to everyone but, especially infants and young people. Adding a water filtration system ensures that everyone in the home is protected from accidentally ingesting toxic chemicals. A small, upfront cost now will save thousands in expensive medical expenses due to contaminated tap water.

Water Is the Best Detoxifier drinking water

Contaminated water can cause a whole host of health problems. If a homeowner is experiencing any of the following issues, it could be due to contaminated water: 

  1. Issues with digestion
  2. Fatigue
  3. Headaches and migraines
  4. Mental health issues and more

Installing a water filtration system will remove those toxic chemicals from drinking water and deliver homeowners clean, safe drinking water. Homeowners experiencing these systems may notice that the systems have dissipated after installing a water filtration system. Homeowners will no longer experience these systems because the body is no longer taking in the harmful chemicals, allowing the body to purge the chemicals from its system. 

Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC Plumbing

Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC provides residents in Stuart, FL, with top-notch water filtration installation services. Their expert plumbers can help homeowners find the ideal solution and offer expert installation services for added peace of mind. Call now for water filtration service!

Discover the Best Water Filtration Systems for the Modern Home

Breaking Down the Best In-Home Water Filtration Systems 

Plumbing has come a long way since Ancient Romans installed the first toilets. One of the most significant advancements of the last few centuries is the advent of drinkable, safe tap water. But, what qualifies as safe-to-drink in the United States may surprise many homeowners.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes 80 common contaminants found in drinkable water and regulates how much of a pollutant is allowed in water to be considered potable. Some of these contaminants include ammonia, arsenic, silver, mercury, and various strains of bacteria. These contaminants are allowed in drinking water because small doses do not cause immediate death, but the EPA recognizes that they contribute to chronic illnesses over prolonged exposure. 

There are several steps homeowners can take to reduce their exposure to these contaminants, and one of the best ones is installing an in-home water filtration system. Of course, choosing the right filtration system for the home is different for everyone.

Things To Consider With ALL Filters

When looking for a water filter, verify what it is certified to filter out of water. Check if a filter is NSF certified. The NSF develops public health standards for products, and if a product is certified through them, it must list its filtering capabilities on the NSF site. 

Additionally, keep in mind that not all filters are made equal. Filters with smaller pore sizes catch smaller contaminants, making them more efficient. Some filters handle more significant amounts of water, and others restrict the water efficiency of the home. Keep these in mind while exploring the common types of filters used for at-home drinking water.

The Affordable: Faucet-Mounted Filtersfaucet

Pros: Inexpensive; easy to install; found in most home improvement and grocery stores.

Cons: Require frequent filter replacement; detract from aesthetic; limited range of use.

Faucet-mounted filters are a budget-friendly solution for home drinking water. They easily attach to most faucets and do not require a professional installation. Most models cost under $100. However, these filters only work on the sink they are mounted to, meaning any drinking water must come from the sink it is attached to. Additionally, filter costs are increased for this model, as they usually require filter replacement every couple of months. 

The Discrete: Undersink Water Filters filter

Pros: Hidden from view; moderately priced; handles more water than faucet-mounted filters.
Cons: Takes up cabinet spaces; filters cost more to replace; limited range of use.

Undersink water filters are the middle ground when it comes to filtering model selection. These models easily hide under the sink, though they do take up storage space as a result. They can be installed by a handy DIYer, though professional installation is recommended, as they often require retrofitting of the existing sink. Keep in mind that the filters of these systems do cost more to replace than faceted mounted models, but they usually last longer, which waylays some of the cost. They only purify water coming out of the sink they are attached to, meaning that their services are limited as well.

These models typically filter water better than faucet-mounted fixtures, as they tend to have smaller pores and denser filter layers. 

The Best In Show: Whole-Home Water Filtration

Pros: Filters all the water used in the house; filters more contaminants than other models; lasts longer than other models.

Cons: Cost; space. 

For healthy, contaminant-free water for use in every sink and faucet in the house, a whole-home water filtration system is the way to go. These systems sit near the water heater of a home, and they filter every ounce of water that a home uses. Not only is the drinking water cleaner and tastier, but the water used for washing clothes will clean better, and the water in the shower and bath won’t dry out the skin. Whole-home water filtration systems also help prevent plumbing damage by removing hard minerals from the water, thus stopping corrosion and clogs. 

Keep in mind that whole-home water filtration systems are expensive to purchase and require professional installation. However, the cost savings over the unit’s lifetime more than makeup for the initial cost of installation. 

A local plumbing expert can help make choosing the right filtration system for a home stress-free. They’ll evaluate a home’s needs and advise on the best solution to fit demands and the homeowner’s budget. 

About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC

At Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC, Stuart, FL homeowners come first. Their focus is on providing quality, affordable plumbing solutions that make their customer’s life easier! They have over three decades of solving plumbing emergencies under their belt, meaning that they can take on any plumbing project that comes their way! Give them a call today for water filtration services!

How Can a Local Plumber Help You Conserve Water This Earth Day?

Waste Less Water With These Professional Plumbing Services!

Reducing household water waste is one of the best ways for homeowners to help preserve the planet and limit their environmental impact. For many, this means dialing back their irrigation days, turning off faucets whenever possible, and other forms of cutting down on daily water usage. While all of these measures make an enormous difference, even the most conscientious water habits won’t do much to prevent water loss caused by an aging or inefficient plumbing system. 

Whether it’s a slow underground leak or a water-guzzling toilet, a single source of unwanted water loss can cost homeowners thousands of gallons over just a few months. But with the help of a professional plumber, issues like these can be spotted, resolved, and even prevented.

Inspecting the Plumbing System

Routine plumbing inspections are a must for any homeowner looking to avoid needless water waste. They can also help prevent future plumbing disasters like burst pipes or sewer line blockages by spotting early warning signs. For most newer homes, getting a plumbing inspection every two years should be adequate, but older homes may require annual visits.

So what does a professional plumbing inspection entail? Typically, it starts with a visual examination of all accessible fixtures and pipes in the home and its surrounding areas. The plumber is primarily looking for indicators of an existing or future leak. They’ll then make sure all valves are working, all couplings and fittings are tight, and all drains and vents are clean and free of obstructions. They’ll check supply pipes for weak joints and corrosion. They’ll also usually test the home’s water pressure and observe the meter for signs of a leak.

Detecting and Repairing Leaksleak

Unless a leak is coming from a part of the plumbing system that’s easily accessible and observable, or it produces clear evidence like stains or dampness, discovering it may take more than an inspection. Even if a meter measurement reveals the existence of a leak, tracking down its precise location is a little harder. This requires special leak detection tools and methods.

Plumbers often use special acoustic audio equipment to listen for irregularities in the plumbing system. In some cases, they’ll run a fiber-optic cable along pipes in the walls or floors to seek out leaks and assess the damage. Once the leak is found, they’ll work to pinpoint the underlying cause and perform repairs and remedies as needed.

toilet Repairing or Replacing Toilets

On average, toilets use more water per day than any other type of fixture in the home. And that’s with modern toilets that don’t leak! If a toilet is leaking due to a bad floor seal or a worn tank stopper, repairs may be the way to go. But if the toilet is an older model, it may be worth replacing. 

Some older toilets use over 3 gallons of water per flush – more than today’s standard of 1.6 gallons. Low-flow and dual-flush toilets are even better, with an average flush volume of 1.28 gallons. Homeowners can ask their plumber about their current toilet’s age and flow rate to decide whether an upgrade is needed.

About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC

Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC has proudly served the Stuart, FL community for years. As a veteran-owned, award-winning, 5-star-rated local business, their commitment to honesty, professionalism, and outstanding customer service is more than just talk. Allore’s offers 24-hour emergency service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call now for expert plumbing service!

Commercial vs. Residential Plumbing

Commercial or Residential Plumbing: What’s the Difference?

Most homeowners don’t give much thought to the specific type of plumber in their home fixing their plumbing issues. After all, a plumber is a plumber, or so one might think. The truth is that residential plumbers face a different set of problems than commercial plumbers do. Each is equally important to their clients, and both require education and specialization to do their jobs. But, in general terms, commercial plumbing systems are larger and more complex than residential systems. Here are some major differences between commercial and residential plumbing. 

Scale and Size

scale

Anyone can see that commercial buildings are much larger than an average residence. But, like a house, the commercial building must have plumbing running through the entire building for bathrooms, break rooms, water fountains, and even fire suppression systems. Whereas a house is two or three floors, a commercial building can be 10, 20, or even 30 times as big. This makes the overall size of the interconnected plumbing system much larger, which means that the scale is larger too. 

Some commercial plumbing systems are even more complex, like places where large amounts of water flow through large copper pipes, like industrial operations. The greater the size and scale of the system, the more can go wrong if there’s an emergency. 

Complexity and Building Structure

Along with the size and scale of the system comes complexity, which depends on the building structure and the type of enterprise. For example, a large apartment complex or condo is likely to have more fixtures and a more complex system than a purely commercial building with only businesses. 

Not only that, but the actual plumbing itself needs to be different for each type of building. The pipes and fixtures of commercial systems need to be tougher than those of residential homes. This is because the pipes of commercial buildings get more use than the pipes in residential homes. More wear and tear can cause the breakdown of plumbing, so the systems are designed to take more damage. 

More Risk for a Bigger and More Complicated System

Since the systems are more complicated and complex, there’s a bigger risk inherent when something goes wrong. When a plumbing emergency happens in a commercial building, it can affect more than one business or floor. If the building is big enough, a single emergency in one area of the building can affect nearly every other business’s ability to use their water. 

letters

Since some commercial buildings operate at all times of day, it becomes imperative for commercial plumbers to perform repairs under a strict time frame. If there is a burst pipe or other emergency, the plumber has to fix it within a certain time frame so it doesn’t start to cost businesses money if they can’t operate. After all, certain laws and regulations must be followed regarding commercial plumbing systems for the safety of the people working in that building. Commercial plumbers also deal more with sewer lines.

The overall concepts of each plumbing system are the same, but there are some major differences to note between commercial and residential plumbing. 

About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC

Allore’s Plumbing Services has been serving Stuart, FL with pride since 1986. Their highly-trained technicians are well-versed in both commercial and residential plumbing systems. Plus, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all repairs. Contact them for reliable commercial plumbing service today! 

A Brief History of Plumbing in the White House

Fascinating Historical Facts About the Plumbing System in America’s House

Like any other home, the White House would be a pretty unpleasant place without indoor plumbing – it certainly wouldn’t be a suitable environment for the business of running a country. But it took several decades from its construction for running water to be installed in the President’s House. The statesmen of the time (not to mention the First Ladies) were brave souls indeed. But from its humble beginnings to today, the White House’s plumbing system has a rich history full of numerous overhauls, setbacks, advancements, and presidential foibles.

The White House Gets Running Water

Though many upscale establishments and residences in the nation’s capital had been using running water to some degree since around 1810, the White House didn’t have the capability until the late 1820s. This came in the form of water pumped from a well near the Treasury building over to President John Quincy Adams’s garden. 

Finally, in 1833, with Andrew Jackson in office, running water was piped into the White House residence. Shortly after, a designated bathing room was created in the East Wing. In 1853, President Franklin Pierce facilitated huge improvements to the plumbing system, including more hygienic toilet facilities, a highly effective hot-water furnace, and second-floor bathroom plumbing – a major advancement at the time.

The Presidential Throne – First Flush

toilet

While Franklin Pierce is often remembered for bringing the first modern-style bathroom to the White House – meaning a toilet and tub in one room with running water – that’s not the full story. Pierce’s predecessor, Millard Fillmore, is credited with installing the first flushable toilet in the President’s House, just before he left office in 1853.

Before that time, indoor toilets were essentially privies with removable waste buckets underneath a wooden seat. Toilets or “water closets” that used running water to flush waste into septic fields were a big step forward in hygiene, convenience, and comfort. This wooden design was later deemed unsanitary, and easy-to-clean porcelain models were introduced to the White House in the 1880s.

More Fun and Surprising Facts letters

The White House plumbing system was added to and refurbished at various intervals for decades after the first bathing rooms were created. The most notable of the changes took place during Harry S. Truman’s presidency in a massive reconstruction project that cost $5.7 million and lasted from 1948 until 1952 – nearly the entire length of Truman’s second term. The antiquated and out-of-code plumbing was replaced with elegant fixtures and durable copper and cast iron piping – not to mention quieter toilets.

Other presidents had some less significant – yet entertaining – customizations made during their time in office. William Taft reportedly had a bathtub made to accommodate his considerable bulk. There’s a famous photo of the tub with four men sitting comfortably inside it. Lyndon Johnson had telephones installed in his staffers’ lavatories – as well as one in his private bathroom – to ensure he could reach them at all times for urgent matters. Since plumbing innovations are constantly made in plumbing, each new administration tends to make a few changes, be it for comfort, style, or water conservation purposes.

About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC

Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC has been serving Stuart, FL with pride since 1986. As a veteran-owned and operated local business, their reputation for outstanding service and workmanship is reflected in their numerous awards and 5-star reviews. Allore’s provides convenient scheduling, 24/7 emergency assistance, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call now for plumbing services!

How To Ensure Healthier Plumbing in the New Year

New Year Resolutions for Your Home’s Plumbing System

The plumbing inside people’s homes rarely is given a thought unless it’s causing issues. Odd noises and soaked floors are guaranteed to bring up the topic. Things don’t have to reach this point if proper maintenance is done. There are a few things homeowners can do to prevent inconveniences caused by clogs or leaks in the plumbing system. In this article, plumbers share helpful tips homeowners can implement to maintain their plumbing system in the new year.

Don’t Ignore Drain Cleaningcalendar

Drain cleaning is a reliable and efficient way to prevent costly repairs in the future. A professional drain cleaning will open a drainage system up like new. Any accumulated debris and solids will be removed and flushed from the system. 

This can include:

  1. Cooking scraps
  2. Excess hair
  3. Hardened grease
  4. Tree roots
  5. Any repairs that need to be addressed will likely be uncovered as well, keeping a simple repair just that – a simple repair. The money spent on drain cleaning is guaranteed to save money down the road. 

    Watch What Goes in the Toilet

    Foreign objects entering the plumbing system can wreak havoc and flood a bathroom. Even if the object manages to get through the toilet itself, it would be very easy to get lodged in a tee fitting or elbow further down the drainage system. 

    Depending on where the object gets lodged, other fixtures like sinks and bathtubs can back up because the water can’t pass the clog. From kids’ toys to wash-towels and soap dispensers, there are infinite possibilities. A simple way to keep them out of the toilet is to place a wastebasket nearby so guests know where to dispose of larger materials. 

    Look and Listen for Possible Leaks

    ear

    Water damage is no joke. Over time, moisture can cause mold to grow, including black mold. This can make anyone in the household quite ill if not addressed promptly. From time-to-time, homeowners should check all exposed plumbing fixtures and drains for leaks. Homeowners should inspect the connections and feel them for wetness. One should check under the connections for dried-up stains if leaking occurs when a fixture is turned on. Even a small leak can cause big problems if left unattended long enough. 

    Not all of a home’s plumbing system is visible. One should walk around and listen for odd sounds that could point towards a possible leak. They should also keep a mindful ear for hissing or sounds of dripping. These could indicate a small leak within a wall, floor, or ceiling. A discolored stain on a home’s ceiling indicates a water leak from above. 

    If this occurs on a home’s upper-level, this could point to a roof leak and not a plumbing issue. If homeowners can’t see a small leak, the damage over time could be disastrous. Looking and listening for leaks is a good practice to start. 

    About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC

    Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC is a family-owned company providing plumbing services to residents and businesses since 1986. Allore’s specializes in service and remodels while priding themselves on safety and their loyal customers’ needs. Contact them to schedule expert plumbing service in Stuart, FL!