Most of us Pittsburghers already know about the Pittsburgh toilet. In fact, a lot of us probably have had or currently have one in our homes. But, ask a newcomer to the Burgh about the unique Pittsburgh amenity and you’re likely to get a raised eyebrow or a confused look. Here’s the story of the Pittsburgh toilet.
The Pittsburgh toilet, found in many pre-World War II homes in the Pittsburgh-area, is just a toilet in the basement. Nothing fancy. Just a toilet.
Flickr/Chris Winters
Originally, the toilet was placed in the basement without walls or a stall. Today, homeowners will spruce up the Pittsburgh toilet, adding walls or a bathtub and a sink to create a complete basement bathroom.
Wikipedia/Jason Pratt
One theory is the popular Pittsburgh amenity sprang from the days when the coal mines and steel mills were running fast and furious.
Wikipedia/Public Domain
Many coalminers and steel mill workers would return home after a long day’s work and change their clothes in the basement before heading upstairs with the family.
Wikipedia/Public Domain
It naturally made sense to add a toilet – now known as the Pittsburgh toilet – to the basement. Some homes even added a shower where family members could shower after work in the mines.
Flickr/mr_t_77
Of course, that’s just one theory behind the Pittsburgh toilet. Another is that the basement toilet was never meant to be used. Instead, it was installed as a sewage pipe and if it overflowed it would cause little damage to the basement.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Click here to read more about one architect’s theory about the basement toilet.
Flickr/sriram bala
Do you remember the first time you saw your first Pittsburgh toilet? Did your family members use it or was it merely used as a sewage pipe?
Flickr/Chris Winters
Wikipedia/Jason Pratt
Wikipedia/Public Domain
Flickr/mr_t_77
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Flickr/sriram bala
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