Guaranteed Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Sheds Light on the Evolution of the Bathroom

Here at Guaranteed Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we do much more than provide plumbing, heating, and air conditioning repair services in the Philadelphia, PA area. We also remodel bathrooms!

In today’s world, we know that many people view their bathrooms as an oasis. Modern bathrooms have even become an area in the home to showcase a variety of décor and design. However, the idea of having a room devoted to sanitation and personal hygiene is still a relatively new concept. In fact, the modern flushing toilet which most of us are now accustomed too wasn’t designed until the late 1700’s. Rolls of toilet paper were not being sold on a wide scale in the United States until the early 1930’s. It is hard to imagine, but many people in the earlier half of the twentieth century did not have bathrooms in their home. Many Americans utilized outhouses in the early 1900’s.

Taking all of this into consideration, the bathroom has come a long way in the last hundred years, and we are proud to accommodate every bathroom remodeling need of our customers. Modern bathrooms have become a focal point of many homes and remodels have become increasingly popular over the last decade. Many times, homeowners can add value to their property by updating their bathroom. Homeowners are now treating their bathrooms like a spa. A recently remodeled bathroom may feature a floating vanity or seamless glass showers. Modern double sinks and a rainfall shower head are just a few other staples in today’s bathroom.

For years, we have been able to watch the advancement of the modern bathroom first hand. However, before the modern bathroom, life was not quite as comfortable. Let’s take a quick look at the evolution of the bathroom.

Romans went to the bathroom in bunches – Romans had public restrooms, or something similar to what we call restrooms, as early as 315 A.D. However, bathrooms were almost exclusively a public function. It is believed that Romans used a sponge attached to a stick as a substitute for our modern toilet paper. Let’s all be happy we were born after the Industrial Revolution!

Chamber Pots – Many who lived through medieval times and even up until the 17^th century, utilized chamber pots. These devices were used in the home and then emptied outside into drains or cesspits. Looking at how people used to live sure makes it seem petty to complain about the paper towel dispenser being empty.

John Harrington and Thomas Crapper – In 1956, Sir John Harrington developed the first modern flushing toilet and even had one built for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I. Inevitably his toilet was called the “John.” In the late 1800’s, Thomas Crapper began promoting his company’s ability to install toilets in many homes and public areas. One look at Tom’s last name, and you’ll realize the impact he had on this industry.

If you would like to remodel your bathroom this spring, do not hesitate to reach out to us here at Guaranteed Plumbing & Heating, Inc.!