Park your car and your turds!
Ever heard of finding a surprise guest in the loo? Picture this — a solitary porcelain throne, standing proud in the middle of an empty basement in a San Francisco home. No walls, no nearby sink—just the toilet, waiting for your butt.
These quirky commodes are just another unique attribute in the ever-surprising world of San Francisco homes.
Known as “Pittsburgh potties,” these basement or garage bathrooms had a practical purpose, at least in the town that gave them their name. They were a godsend for blue-collar workers, offering a spot to do their business without bringing the grime of the day into the house. And if you were lucky, there might even be a sink nearby to wash up before heading indoors.
No reports on how the people of Pittsburg think of the toilet name…
In cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that have a significant working-class or “blue-collar” population, the stand-alone toilet or bathroom was and is still normal. While the name suggests a connection to Pittsburgh, similar fixtures are found in homes in other cities as well, often serving the same purpose.
Real estate agent Ciara Piron has a different take on these quirky toilets, especially the ones found in the Sunset District. She’s seen plenty of them while selling homes in the area and did some digging. Turns out, back in 1928, when speedy construction was all the rage, workers needed a place to “go” while they built the houses. And so, these toilets became a staple, with the new homeowners left to decide their fate.
Today, buyers often keep these oddities, though they’re usually left scratching their heads at first. “What is this thing?” they wonder, before deciding whether to keep it or kick it to the curb.
But why stop at basements? These rogue restrooms have been spotted in all sorts of odd spots around San Francisco homes. From exterior staircases to kitchen cabinets, they’re everywhere you least expect them.
And here’s a Poopable staff member twist; One of our writers once lived in a home with a mysterious toilet hidden away in the garage.
But for homes built before the 1920s, these toilets are more than just oddities—they’re a piece of plumbing history. Back in the day, before indoor plumbing was all the rage, most homes had outhouses. And if those outhouses managed to survive years of renovations, they became part of the house, a living reminder of days gone by.
So, the next time you stumble upon a lonely toilet in a San Francisco home, just remember, it’s not just a bathroom, it’s a piece of history.
And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself in need of a quirky commode, too!
Ever found a bathroom or toilet in an odd place? Perhaps you’d like us to do a review or you can always submit a review of your own! We’d love to hear from ya! Shoot us a note! Or drop a comment on this article or any others that flush your senses.