Why do old houses have toilets in the 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.

Is it normal to have a toilet in the basement?

While some homes have a full basement bathroom, many have just one toilet in the basement, sometimes with no partition, privacy walls or sink nearby. While a lone basement toilet may seem puzzling, it is quite common in older homes, especially in cities.

What is a toilet in the basement called?

A Pittsburgh toilet, or Pittsburgh potty, is a common fixture in pre-World War II houses built in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States and surrounding region. It consists of an ordinary flush toilet installed in the basement, with no surrounding walls.

What was the purpose of a Pittsburgh toilet?

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.

How do toilets in basements 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.

How to Install a Toilet Below Grade | This Old House

Can you poop in an Upflush toilet?

At the end of the day, upflush toilets work almost the same way as a regular toilet. Like a traditional toilet, they attach to your sewer and flush waste out. Unlike a traditional toilet, though, they can go anywhere!

How does sewage get out of a basement bathroom?

A sewage ejector pump, also called a pump-up ejector system, is used when a bathroom, laundry room or any other type of plumbing fixture is located below the level of the main sewer or septic line flowing from the house.

Why do old houses have only 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.

When did indoor plumbing become widely available?

By the 1930s, both running water and indoor plumbing were widely available. This time also saw the expansion of these necessities to rural areas due to government programs laying more pipes. With the increase of availability, it also began the still expanding industry of plumbers.

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.

Why do old houses have sinks in bedrooms?

I lived in a large victorian home some years ago and every bedroom had a sink in the corner It was actually very useful when we only had one bathroom. It meant we could wash our faces, brush teeth etc in the privacy of our own rooms and not clog up the bathroom with people attempting to do the same.

Is there a toilet that doesn't need plumbing?

Composting Toilets

A composting toilet is the original toilet without plumbing. Designed to compost waste in a hygienic and environmentally-friendly fashion, these composting toilet systems are popular in both homes and outbuildings. They are good for the environment and they are also known as "dry toilets”.

Can you put a bathroom in an unfinished basement?

If you have chosen to add a basement bathroom, that's great. A bathroom in your basement is useful if you have guests over a lot or if you have a rental unit. Also great if your family spends a lot of time in the basement. A bathroom remodel is also a smart investment to increase the value of your home.

What is roughed in plumbing for basement?

A plumbing rough-in means that all water supply and drain pipes have been run through bored holes in the studs and other framing members and that all pipe connections have been made. No sinks, faucets, or other fixtures and end elements have yet been installed at this phase.

Why is a basement called a basement?

"lowest story of a building, wholly or partly underground," 1730, from base (v.)

Is it easy to add a toilet in the basement?

Adding a basement bathroom is a big, complicated project. But that doesn't mean you can't do it. Thousands of DIYers successfully tackle the job every year, and so can you. We will focus on installing the “DWV” system (drain, waste and vent), which is the most difficult part of plumbing a basement bathroom.

Did Downton Abbey have toilets?

So the lavatories of even the really grand country houses were as nasty and as uncomfortable as was humanly possibly. Non-absorbant toilet tissue was available, but you were just as likely to get torn up bits of newspaper. Yes, even for the bottom of the Dowager Duchess of Grantham.

When were flushing toilets common?

The flush toilet was invented in 1596 but didn't become widespread until 1851.

When did America get indoor toilets?

Until the 1840s, indoor plumbing only existed in rich people's homes. However, in 1829, Isaiah Rogers built eight water closets in the Tremont Hotel of Boston, which made it the first hotel to have indoor plumbing. In 1833, The White House became equipped with running water on the main floor.

When did outhouses stop being used?

Well into the 20th century, outhouses remained in use in cities, as well as the country.

Why do old houses last longer?

Water destroys materials that are prone to rot — increased moisture content allows bacteria, fungi, and insects to survive and to use that wood as a food source. In old houses, they used materials that were more naturally rot resistant, such as old growth pine that are full of resins and natural chemicals.

Did houses have bathrooms in 1900?

The conversion of older houses to include bathrooms did not take place until the late 1800s. It was not until the 1900s that all but the smallest houses were built with an upstairs bathroom and toilet. Bathrooms in working-class homes were not commonplace until the 1920s.

Why does my basement smell like sewage?

A strong sewer smell coming from your basement is most often caused from a dried out floor drain, a bad ejector pit seal, improperly vented appliances or fixtures, or even a damaged sewer line. Floor Drains – Rarely-used floor drains in your basement are typically the source of the sewer stench.

Why does sewage backup in basement?

Causes for a Sewage Backup in the Basement

Clogs can consist of hair, grease, or other solid materials that end up in the drains. Tree Roots – Trees can grow really long roots that intertwine with your sewer line. Roots can grow into a pipe and cause holes or crush the sewer line by growing around it.