If you’ve ever walked into a Pittsburgh home and found the only shower in the basement, you're not alone—and no, it's not a design mistake. This unique layout has deep roots in the city’s industrial and immigrant history.
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The Origins: The Pittsburgh Basement Shower
Pittsburgh was once a booming steel and coal town, with thousands of blue-collar workers coming home filthy after long shifts at the mills or mines. To keep the living areas clean, many homes were built (or retrofitted) with “Pittsburgh toilets” and basement showers.
Here's how THESE BATHROOMS worked:
Workers entered through the basement, stripped down, and cleaned off before heading upstairs.
These bathrooms were usually unfinished, with just a toilet, utility sink, and basic shower.
It kept soot, grime, and coal dust out of the main house—a practical solution for a hard-working city.
What’s a "Pittsburgh Potty"?
Many older Pittsburgh homes still have what locals call a "Pittsburgh potty" — an isolated toilet in the basement, often sitting alone in the corner. No walls, no sink—just a toilet. Crazy?
What these basement bathrooms were meant for:
- Quick use by workers before cleaning up
- Emergency use during flooding or sewer backups
- In some cases, it was part of combined laundry/bath areas
Why This Still Matters Today
Bathroom remodeling for modern homeowners:
- These basement bathrooms are often converted into full guest suites or laundry room bathrooms.
- Some people choose to move the main shower upstairs to improve comfort, accessibility, and home value.
- If the basement is unfinished, it’s a great opportunity for budget-friendly remodels—perfect for guest use, rentals, or teens.
Pittsburgh Tub and Shower Can Help
If you're tired of showering in the basement or want to update an old "Pittsburgh potty" into something you’re not embarrassed to show guests, we’ve got you covered.
Services we offer:
- Basement bathroom upgrades
- Upstairs bathroom conversions
- Tub-to-shower installations for accessibility
- Mold-resistant wall surrounds perfect for damp basement conditions
- Conversion of small rooms or closets into bathroom / powder rooms
- ADA compliant bathrooms
- Complete bathroom remodeling
- Bathroom renovations
- We offer the finest bathroom remodeling with great pricing and financing available.
