The Legendary “Pittsburgh Potty”: What It Is and Why It Exists

If you’ve ever toured an older home in Pittsburgh, you might have stumbled upon something a bit… unexpected. A lone toilet, sitting proud and exposed in the middle of the basement. No walls. No privacy. No shame.

Congratulations! You’ve just met the iconic Pittsburgh Potty.

What Exactly Is a Pittsburgh Potty?

In short, it’s a bare bones toilet installed in the basement of older Pittsburgh homes usually without walls, plumbing fixtures, or even a sink nearby. Sometimes it’s paired with a crude shower drain or a utility sink, but more often, it’s just a solitary throne on concrete.

At first glance, it might seem like an unfinished renovation project or a quirky homeowner decision. But this oddball feature actually has some fascinating historical roots.

A Blue-Collar Legacy

The Pittsburgh Potty dates back to the early 20th century, when the city was booming with industry. Steelworkers, miners, and other laborers would come home filthy from a day on the job. Rather than tracking dirt and grime through the house, they’d clean up in the basement often using a basic shower and toilet setup.

This downstairs bathroom wasn’t for relaxing bubble baths or guest use. It was 100% functional. In fact, it’s often called a “basement toilet” or “workman’s toilet” for that very reason. The logic: wash off the grit, do your business, then go upstairs to join the family all cleaned up.

Still Around and Still Useful

Surprisingly, many Pittsburgh Pottys are still intact today. Some homeowners have chosen to renovate around them, adding walls or turning them into full secondary bathrooms. Others leave them as-is, enjoying the weird charm and practicality of a “bonus” toilet in the basement.

Real estate agents in the area even reference them in listings. For locals, it’s a familiar quirk. For out-of-towners, it’s a head scratcher often a great conversation starter.

Should You Keep Yours?

If you’re renovating a Pittsburgh home, don’t be too quick to yank that basement toilet. These fixtures, while humble, can actually be pretty handy:

• Useful during upstairs bathroom remodels

• Convenient for workshop or laundry areas

• Can be part of a basement guest suite or in-law setup

• Adds unexpected plumbing access that could boost property value

  
  

In Closing: The Pittsburgh Potty isn’t just a funny local tradition it’s a reminder of the region’s hardworking past and a little piece of practical home design that’s stood the test of time. Whether you turn it into a hidden gem or leave it proudly on display, one thing’s for sure: it makes your house very Pittsburgh.