Unraveling the Mystery of the Pittsburgh Toilet: A Dive into Architectural History

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  • čas přidán 17. 01. 2024
  • Join Jeff from LiveInMN as we explore the curious world of the Pittsburgh Toilet, a unique architectural feature found in older homes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Discover the practical reasons behind placing toilets in unfinished basements, the evolution of plumbing, and the cultural impact of this quirky relic. From factory workers' convenience to the challenges of early plumbing systems, this video unveils the hidden stories of the Pittsburgh Toilet.

Komentáře • 23

  • @waltwenzel9549
    @waltwenzel9549 Před 2 měsíci +1

    I grew up in Pittsburgh, had a grandmother that had a toilet out in the open in her basement and shower nearby, and I never understood why. My grandfather was a steelworker at one point, but I never knew this story. Makes sense. Thanks.

  • @barrymantelli8011
    @barrymantelli8011 Před 6 měsíci +1

    I've seen quite few of these in WA. Some have been remodeled so they have walls, a fan, and a few more creature comforts.

  • @jeffdowns2307
    @jeffdowns2307 Před 6 měsíci +4

    Ever see a coffin looking lead lined box in an attic . It’s an old water heater late 1800s

    • @LiveInMN
      @LiveInMN  Před 6 měsíci +1

      I don’t see a lot of plumbing in attics for Minnesota but I will keep my eye out for this relic!

  • @ThomasHallman
    @ThomasHallman Před měsícem

    Put one in the house I built 35 years ago, great for after working outside or coming in from the pool. However, this one is enclosed!! Progress I guess! lol

  • @cub1009
    @cub1009 Před 6 měsíci +3

    The house I grew up in outside of Detroit about an hour north of the city limits had a toilet and shower in the corner of the basement. It was a 1950s home. Also had a small kitchen in the basement. Very strange set up. This was back in the 1990s. All the appliances were original and still worked. My father later finished the basement.

    • @LiveInMN
      @LiveInMN  Před 6 měsíci +2

      That’s so cool to have history in your home like that. I love how those old appliances never seem to break down.

    • @cub1009
      @cub1009 Před 6 měsíci +1

      @@LiveInMN It was cool. The original stove, and fridge were 1950s in the basement. Worked fine until my family moved out over a decade ago.
      I remember when the "bathroom" down there just had half a wall with glass block and a curtain. Thee shower was just hot/cold pipe out of the wall with a floor drain. The sink was next to the washer/dryer

    • @JoeVoorhees
      @JoeVoorhees Před 6 měsíci +2

      Ah the Italian Kitchen! Many Italian families back then would install a 2nd kitchen in the basement for cooking during the hot summer months. My house had one in NJ growing up that my grandfather installed. Several of my relatives had the same and it was always amazing to have the extra cooking space for parties.

    • @cub1009
      @cub1009 Před 6 měsíci +2

      @@JoeVoorhees So that what it was called. We had many summer parties in that basement in the 2000s. It was always nice to cook or have a fridge full of drinks.

  • @A3Kr0n
    @A3Kr0n Před 6 měsíci +1

    I've always wondered why my friend's house had a naked working toilet in the basement under the stairs next to the washing machine. They bought it that way.

  • @SquidzitAce
    @SquidzitAce Před 6 měsíci +2

    They have toilets like this in Iowa too.

    • @seththomas9105
      @seththomas9105 Před 6 měsíci +1

      Yep. Got one in my laundry/shower room in the basement. Go down there after work, use the facilities, shower, dirty clothes in laundry. I would say at least half of homes in Iowa built before 1965-70 have this. Grandparents had a kitchen stove in basement too. Used for holidays and canning in the summer.

  • @ghostmost2614
    @ghostmost2614 Před 2 měsíci

    We had one

  • @jeffdowns2307
    @jeffdowns2307 Před 6 měsíci +2

    Found one in Iowa 1887 building disconnected. Would have been pumped from a sisteren to it and heated by the sun basically

  • @billcook9313
    @billcook9313 Před měsícem

    We have erie toilets, same thing

  • @jimdellavecchia4594
    @jimdellavecchia4594 Před 6 měsíci

    2 hours away is the Cleveland Steamer

  • @niteshades_promise
    @niteshades_promise Před 3 měsíci +1

    Also know as dads toilet, or the mens room.😂🍻

    • @MisterMikeTexas
      @MisterMikeTexas Před 2 měsíci

      And kids would probably know Dad was home when they heard the (loud) Dad Dump on the throne! 😅

  • @PoppoFitz
    @PoppoFitz Před 6 měsíci +1

    I doubt they had a washing machine! What year are we talking about here? Better do more research…

    • @LiveInMN
      @LiveInMN  Před 6 měsíci +1

      Good point, it wasn't until about the middle of the 20th century that more than half the homes in America had an electric washing machine.

  • @christopherwellman2364
    @christopherwellman2364 Před 6 měsíci +1

    There was a Mario Bros. ad before this video. Hmmm

  • @cmtcmt661
    @cmtcmt661 Před 6 měsíci

    Or another explanation might be. Someone placed a toilet over a clean out access that happens to be in the middle of a basement floor.