Which president remodeled the White House to install indoor plumbing?

Answer 1

I had this same question. I found the answer on http://www.plumbingsupply.com/pmwhitehouse.html. It stated that there were plans during the Roosevelt administration for a major alteration to the White House in 1902 and that Plumbing was huge part of those plans. However the website does not specifically say whether it was altering exhisting indoor plumbing or installing completely new indoor plumbing. Here is the direct quote: "Because there was a restricted amount of money available for this renovation, as well as limited time and the crude equipment of 1902, it was impossible to do all of the work that needed to be done. Nevertheless, plumbing was a central part of the plan, as bathrooms were installed and pipes and electrical wiring replaced as part of the first floor refurbishment. In order to safeguard the attic from fire, workers installed a new standpipe with fire hose that ascended into the attic and out to a place where the city fire department could easily use it in case of fire. The ensuing report explained, "In the house proper, more than one half of the lower floors is given up to dressing rooms, with toilet rooms attached, conveniences heretofore entirely lacking. The removal of the pipes from the corridor gives a spacious passageway dignified by the fine architectural features constructed by Hoban."

Answer 2

The date at which indoor plumbing was installed in the White House is something of a mystery. In 1831 under Andrew Jackson, running water was put into a lower level room and showers and bathtubs were put in. However, this was not in the living quarters and was used only by men as a rule.

There is a legend that Millard Fillmore ordered an upstairs bathtub put in, but H.L. Mencken, noted humorist, said later that he made up the story. Abraham Lincoln was reported as enjoying a bathtub upstairs because he did not have one at home in Springfield.

Answer 3

1846