Pittsburgh toilets go back to the 1880s and up to World War II. A sewage backup would hit the plumbing fixture lowest to the ground, so these toilets kept sewage overflow contained in the basement. They’re common all over the U.S., although some homeowners feel they’re a bit of an eyesore.
Why is there a random toilet in my basement?
To prevent sewage backup into the main part of the house, toilets were installed in the basement. “Sewage backs up the pipe and into the fixtures that are connected to it,” Martin told TODAY.
Why are Pittsburgh toilets a thing?
KOVASH: Most people in Pittsburgh agree that these toilets, or Pittsburgh Potties as they’re sometimes referred to, were installed for miners and mill workers to use – especially when they came home from work so that they could clean up before going into the nice part of the house.
What is it called when there is a single toilet in the basement?
Maybe you’ve seen one, or maybe there’s even one sitting – regally – center-stage in the middle of your basement. I’m talking about that lonely toilet, often smack dab in the middle of the basement of some pre-World War II homes, often with no sink or tub/shower and, often without even any walls for privacy.
Is a toilet in the basement considered a bathroom?
If it is attached to finished room in the basement it holds more value than just a bathroom in an unfinished basement. Yes although this is somewhat of a loaded question. If the basement is finished – meaning it is livable and an extension of the rest of the house then the value for this bathroom will be more.
What do you do with a Pittsburgh potty?
If leaning into the regional treasure that is the Pittsburgh Potty just isn’t your thing, upgrade the toilet by giving it a new home — at the curb. Naturally, toilet removal fees can start anywhere from a couple hundred dollars, depending on your location and the condition of your plumbing.
What does a Jack and Jill bathroom mean?
We’re talking about a full-sized bathroom located between two bedrooms that’s accessible by both – meaning the bathroom has at least two doors. Think of it as an ensuite for two bedrooms instead of one!
How do basement toilets work?
These systems work like a septic tank in the sense that they are enclosed container that sits beneath the concrete floor, they collect the bathroom waste water and then pump it up-and-out of the basement into you existing septic system.
What is Pittsburgh known for?
Pittsburgh is known both as “the Steel City” for its more than 300 steel-related businesses and as the “City of Bridges” for its 446 bridges. The city features 30 skyscrapers, two inclined railways, a pre-revolutionary fortification and the Point State Park at the confluence of the rivers.
When was the Pittsburgh toilet invented?
Cummings, who said he’s sold or helped sell more than 600 houses in his eight years as a realtor, said Pittsburgh potties tend to show up in houses built between 1880 and 1910. Some showed up in houses in the ’20s, less in the ’30s and even fewer built in the ’40s, he said, with them petering out after World War II.
Can you put toilet paper in Upflush toilet?
An Upflush Toilet Is Also Known as a Macerating Toilet
The macerating pump on less expensive models can handle human waste and toilet paper, and that’s about it, but a premium model with a grinder pump can handle larger items, such as feminine hygiene napkins.
How long does an Upflush toilet last?
about 10-15 years
While an upflush toilet includes a macerator system and pump unit, everything else looks virtually the same. Upflush Toilets Have a Long Lifespan. Upflush toilets last for about 10-15 years before any of the mechanical components need to be replaced.
Is it worth putting a bathroom in the basement?
Adding a bathroom to your basement makes it livable space, which increases the overall market value of your home. A bathroom in your basement can also be a huge selling point for buyers if you are ever looking to sell. When a basement is unfinished with no bathroom, buyers look at the basement as wasted space.
Why is there a shower in the basement That 70s Show?
But the reason for this circle is not explicitly stated within the show. Some believe that it was a sneaky way to get around the censors while others believe that it was a cheeky way for people in the know to know exactly what was going on without possibly upsetting more conservative or younger viewers.
Why is a basement called a basement?
“lowest story of a building, wholly or partly underground,” 1730, from base (v.)
How do you vent a basement toilet?
To connect the vent, first try to find a dry vent in the house plumbing and tap into that. If you have none, you take the vent outside and up along the siding. Some people terminate the pipe below the soffit, while others take it through the soffit and go above the roof.
Can I put a toilet in my basement?
If you think plumbing can be difficult above ground, then you can only imagine the challenges that arise when installing a basement toilet. But don’t give up just yet: With the right plumbing solutions for your space, you can easily install a basement toilet.
Why do older houses only have one bathroom?
Because of the plumbing involved, installing walls and such for bedrooms was significantly less expensive than constructing bathrooms. So, the most straightforward answer is that having more than one bathroom was too expensive.
How did they empty out houses?
Some had a door on the lower level to allow the pit contents to be removed, but most were built of light lumber, so they could be moved easily. Wealthy families, however, often built brick outhouses with a cupola or gingerbread trim. Cut-outs were frequently included on outhouse doors for light and ventilation.
What is a Juliet bathroom?
With Jack and Jill bathroom suites, space is shared, or at least that’s the idea behind it. A Jack and Jill Bathroom is a bathroom that has two doors and is usually accessible from two bedrooms. It’s supposed to help cut down on the problems that most families face when it comes to the bathroom; who uses it first?
What does Hollywood bath mean?
A Hollywood bath is simply a bathroom with a shower/bath, toilet and sink in one room and a seperate sink and mirror just outside.