What Is a Pittsburgh Potty?

You're touring an older home, and everything's going great. Then you head down to the basement, and there it is: a toilet. No walls, no door, no explanation. Just a toilet sitting out in the open next to the washing machine like it's normal.

If you've spent any time in Western PA, you probably already know what you're looking at. Local real estate listings even mention them as a feature. It's the Pittsburgh potty, one of the city's quirkiest home traditions.

At Dream Works Remodeling, we run into Pittsburgh potties all the time in older homes around the region. So let's talk about what they are, why they're there, and, if you've got one, how to make a Pittsburgh potty private.

What Is a Pittsburgh Potty?

A Pittsburgh potty is a toilet located in the basement of a home, traditionally without the privacy of being fully enclosed. These toilets are commonly associated with older homes in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania and may be found sitting in the open or alongside a utility sink or shower.

You'll also hear it called a "Pittsburgh toilet," a "Pittsburgh commode," or just "the basement toilet." Different name, same experience.

What Does a Pittsburgh Potty Look Like?

Picture a regular flush toilet with nothing around it. Sometimes it's in a corner or tucked under the basement stairs.

It's often near other basement plumbing, like a laundry tub, a floor drain, or a washer hookup. Some homes also have what locals call a "Pittsburgh shower," which is usually a bare showerhead sticking out of the wall over a drain, with no stall or curtain.

Why Do Pittsburgh Homes Have Toilets in the Basement?

Pittsburgh potties are most often in houses built from the late 1800s through the years before World War II. The city has plenty of those. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, nearly half of the City of Pittsburgh's housing units were built in 1939 or earlier.

So why are they there? It depends on who you ask.

The Popular Pittsburgh Steelworker Story

This is the version most Pittsburghers grew up hearing. Back when the city ran on steel and coal, workers came home covered in soot and grime. Instead of tracking all that through the house, they'd come in through a basement door, wash up, change clothes, use the basement toilet, and then head upstairs.

It makes a lot of sense in a city with Pittsburgh's industrial history. It's also a great story, which is probably why it has stuck around for so long.

But There's Another Explanation

In 2017, architect William Martin gave WESA, Pittsburgh's NPR station, a less romantic theory. He said these toilets had more to do with sewage than steelworkers.

As cities grew, sewer backups were common. When a sewer line backs up, the sewage comes out of the lowest fixture in the house. If a backup happened, the mess stayed on the basement's concrete floor instead of reaching the living spaces upstairs. It also let homeowners know there was a problem to report so the line could be cleared. Martin also noted that this is one reason many basements were left unfinished.

The honest answer is that both may be partly true. A toilet installed as a sewer safeguard could easily end up being used by a tired steelworker coming home from a shift.

Are Pittsburgh Potties Only Found in Pittsburgh?

Nope. Open basement toilets also turn up in older homes in Cleveland, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Oklahoma.

Pittsburgh just claimed the name. The city has a huge stock of pre-war housing, a strong industrial history that fits the steelworker story, and a lot of local pride in its oddities. We're the city of the parking chair and fries on salads, after all. Of course we named the basement toilet.

Why Would You Keep a Pittsburgh Potty?

Plenty of homeowners never touch theirs, and there are some real reasons to keep one around:

• An extra toilet when you need it. Holiday gatherings, parties, and busy mornings are a lot easier.

• A lifesaver during a bathroom remodel. If your main bathroom is torn apart, a working basement toilet can make a few weeks much easier.

• A possible head start on a basement bathroom. An existing toilet means there's already a drain line in the basement, which may help with future plans.

• Local character. Some buyers, especially Pittsburgh natives, genuinely enjoy having one.

How to Make a Pittsburgh Potty Private

To make a Pittsburgh potty private, homeowners may be able to build walls around the existing toilet and create an enclosed half bathroom. Depending on the available space, plumbing, ventilation, electrical requirements, and local building codes, a larger remodeling project could potentially turn the area into a more complete basement bathroom.

There's no single right answer. It depends on how you use your basement and how far you want to go. Here's a quick look at your options:

Ready to go past quick fixes? Our bathroom remodeling and basement finishing services cover every option below.

Option 1: Build a Simple Enclosure Around the Toilet

If you only need a little privacy right now, a folding screen or a heavy curtain can buy you some time. These fixes are fine as a stopgap, but they aren't a long-term solution.

The next step up is framing walls and hanging a door around the existing toilet. This gives you a small, private room without taking on a full bathroom project.

Don't Just Build a Box Around It

A toilet closet that's poorly planned can feel cramped, dark, and damp. Before building, think about:

• Ventilation: A basement toilet needs airflow, usually with an exhaust fan.

• Lighting: A single bare bulb won't feel inviting once walls go up.

• Door swing: Make sure the door doesn't hit the toilet or block the laundry area.

• Access: Keep cleanouts and shutoff valves reachable. You don't want to open up a wall to reach them later.

• Clearance: There are minimum space requirements around a toilet, and a good contractor will plan the enclosure to meet them.

Option 2: Turn Your Pittsburgh Potty Into a Half Bathroom

A half bathroom (a toilet plus a sink) is where a Pittsburgh potty really starts to feel like a part of the house.

Add a Sink

Adding a sink means running a water supply and connecting a drain. A compact vanity or a wall-mounted sink can save floor space in a tight basement. For layout ideas, check out our guide to small bathroom remodel ideas that make a big difference.

Add Finished Walls and Flooring

Basements deal with more moisture than the rest of the house, so material choices matter. Moisture-resistant wall materials and flooring built for below-grade spaces will hold up much better than standard options.

Make It Feel Intentional

The goal is a bathroom that looks like it was always meant to be there. Good lighting, a mirror, a quiet exhaust fan, and finishes go a long way.

Option 3: Convert It Into a Full Basement Bathroom

If your basement has a guest room, a home gym, or a family space, a full bathroom may be worth considering.

Can You Add a Shower to a Pittsburgh Potty?

Often, yes. The details matter, though. A shower needs a drain with proper slope, which can mean opening up the concrete floor. If the new fixtures sit below the level of your sewer line, you may need a pump system to move wastewater up and out. You'll also need solid ventilation to handle all that shower steam in a space that already tends to be damp.

Option 4: Incorporate the Pittsburgh Potty Into a Full Basement Remodel

If you're thinking about finishing the whole basement, that's the perfect time to deal with the Pittsburgh potty.

Plan the Bathroom Alongside the Basement Layout

Think about how you'll actually use the space. A bathroom near a basement entertainment area is handy for guests. A bathroom near a guest bedroom makes the space feel like a real suite. Planning everything together also helps you avoid awkward layouts.

We've built basement bars and entertainment spaces for Pittsburgh homeowners. Take a look at some of our basement renovation projects for inspiration.

Can You Move a Pittsburgh Potty?

In many cases, yes. Moving a toilet usually means rerouting the drain line, and in a basement that often means cutting into the concrete slab.

It's worth being clear about one thing: having an existing toilet doesn't automatically make adding or moving a basement bathroom inexpensive. Basement plumbing can vary significantly from house to house. Pipe age, pipe material, drain depth, and where your sewer line leaves the house all affect what's possible and what it will cost.

Should You Remove a Pittsburgh Potty?

If you never use it and it's taking up space you need, removing it is a reasonable choice. But think about why it might be there first.

If your basement toilet was installed as an early warning for sewer backups, taking it out doesn't make the backup risk go away. Allegheny County's plumbing code requires provisions to prevent sewage backflow where a drainage system is subject to it. Before you remove it, talk with a licensed plumber about your home's backflow protection and how the line should be capped.

What Should You Check Before Remodeling a Pittsburgh Potty?

A little homework up front can save you a lot of headaches later.

Existing Plumbing

Find out the age and material of your pipes, where the cleanout is, and what condition the drain line is in. A camera inspection is a smart move in an older home. And remember, altering plumbing in Allegheny County means a permit and an inspection.

Basement Moisture

A bathroom won't fix a damp basement. It'll just trap the moisture behind new walls. The EPA's guide to mold and moisture recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60% (ideally between 30% and 50%) and drying wet areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Water can also seep in through basement floors, and showers add even more moisture to the air.

Don't forget to look up, too. Roof leaks and overflowing gutters are common reasons for water ending up in a basement. If you've noticed any of the signs you need roof replacement, fix them before finishing the space below. As remodelers and roofing contractors, we can look at the whole picture.

Electrical and Lighting

Many older basements have limited wiring. Plan for proper lighting, an exhaust fan, and moisture-safe outlets in the bathroom area.

Available Space

Check your ceiling height, where ductwork and beams run, and how far your ideal bathroom location is from the existing drain. These factors often decide what's realistic.

Is a Pittsburgh Potty Worth Remodeling?

It depends on how you use your basement. If it's mainly for laundry and storage, a simple enclosure might be all you need. If you're turning it into living space, a half or full bathroom can make the whole basement more comfortable and more useful.

It also depends on your plans for the house. If you're staying for years, the day-to-day convenience matters most. If you're selling soon, think about what buyers in your area expect. Either way, a Pittsburgh potty gives you a starting point worth considering.

Ready to Rethink Your Pittsburgh Potty?

Your Pittsburgh potty has character, but it could probably use some walls. If you're ready to turn an exposed basement toilet into a private bathroom or rethink your basement altogether, Dream Works Remodeling can help you explore the possibilities. Contact our team to start planning a basement remodel that makes better use of your Pittsburgh home's space.