Plumbers know more about bathrooms than the average person. For example, most plumbers are aware that showers were virtually unavailable until the 1800s. It was not until the 1970s that showers became common place and earned the title of necessity. For the majority of history people used baths to maintain their hygiene and below is a brief account of some noteworthy bathtubs.
Look Back Into the Past
During earth’s happiest time in history, the reign of the Latins, every wealthy aristocrat had a bath in their home. The bathing room usually came equipped with a trap door with a space leading to the underbelly of the tub where coals could be heated to heat the bath water. Slaves of course, were commissioned with the task of keeping these coals hot and the bathtub heated. Usually, baths would contain the same water for a week’s time, so sanitation was far from ideal. Another feature involves a special drain to empty water when the time is right. Also, these baths included an irrigation channel to bring the water into the home.
Modern Era of BathTubs
Starting in the 1800s a few progressive entrepreneurs created the first showerhead. Like most great inventions, the showerhead was inspired by nature. Take a look at a water fall, do you see the similarity? But the first showers were too expensive and it was not until 1970 that showerheads gained widespread use.