Nearly all American homes feature at least one bathtub; other homes have several. Not too long ago, it was uncommon for the average household to have an indoor bathtub and was seen as a luxury that was reserved for the middle to upper classes. In basic terms, a bathtub is simply a plumbing fixture that is designed for bathing; a method of cleaning the human body. Interestingly, plumbing systems go back to 3300 BC. The first documented evidence of a personal-sized bathtub was found on the Isle of Crete; it was made from hardened pottery. The Roman Empire is another major contributor to the world of plumbing. Sometime in 500 BC, Roman citizens often engaged in a daily public bath; private baths were uncommon. The Romans' bathtubs were composed of marble with lead and bronze for pipes. They even created a complex sewage system for sanitation. Despite the Romans' influence on cleanliness, the idea was not widely accepted and regularly practiced until the 19th and 20th centuries.
Before the 19th century, most water pipes were made from hollow trees; The National Public Health Act of 1848 created a plumbing code that halted this practice. By 1883, the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company and the Kohler Company had begun producing and marketing cast-iron bathtubs. At this time in history, many people had never bathed in a personal-sized bathtub. This invention took off because of the heightened amount of sanitation that prevented the spread of disease. Prior to World War I, bathrooms were usually made by converting bedrooms and spare rooms but they were not specially-made rooms as they are today. A bathroom that was complete with a bathtub, sink, and toilet was a feature of nearly 100% of homes by the end of the 20th century. In 1921, only 1% of homes had bathrooms such as these!
Out of all bathroom appliances, the bathtub is ranked as the most durable fixture. Most bathtubs have a lifetime of 50 years! During construction of a home, specifically during the framing stages, tubs are installed. The plumbing mechanisms must be placed in the home before it is finished to avoid hard and unnecessary work after the home is finished.
Bathtubs have many functions. They are designed for comfort, as a way to clean the body, and relaxation. Although there are so many different shapes, styles and colors of bathtubs to choose from, the most common bathtub is still the basic 5 foot, wall-to-wall built-in model in white or biscuit color. This exact design is sold by the millions each year. At the same time, unique bathtubs are making headway in American homes. Among the styles that are now available: built-in, freestanding, Jacuzzi, soaking, Whirlpool and specialty bathtubs. Bathtubs built for babies are even available! With all of these options, it is easy to find a bathtub that is perfect for your personal preferences and budget.
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