A Brief History of Baths and Showers: From Ancient Times to Modern Convenience

Plumbers know more about bathrooms than most of us, especially when it comes to the history of bathing. While showers are now a common household necessity, they weren’t always available. In fact, showers didn’t become widespread until the 1970s. Before then, people relied on baths for hygiene, and some of these bathtubs throughout history were truly unique.

Let’s take a look back at some noteworthy baths and the evolution of showers.

Key Takeaways

• For most of history, baths were the primary way people maintained hygiene, with showers becoming common only in the 1970s.
• Ancient aristocrats had elaborate baths with features like trap doors for heating water with coals.
• The invention of the showerhead in the 1800s was inspired by natural waterfalls but didn’t become affordable until the 20th century.

Now, let’s dive into the fascinating history of baths and the emergence of showers.

A Look Back Into the Past: The Baths of Ancient Aristocrats

In ancient times, especially during the reign of the Latins, wealthy aristocrats had luxurious baths in their homes. These baths were elaborate setups with several unique features:

• Trap doors under the bathtub allowed slaves to heat coals, keeping the bathwater warm.
• Baths typically contained the same water for up to a week, which wasn’t the most sanitary practice.
• The bathing rooms often included an irrigation system to bring water into the home, as well as a special drain for emptying the tub when necessary.

Bathing was seen as a symbol of wealth and luxury, with elaborate bathhouses playing a central role in social life.

The Modern Era of Bathtubs and Showers

It wasn’t until the 1800s that the first showerhead was invented, and like many great inventions, it was inspired by nature—specifically, by the flow of a waterfall. While early showers were a marvel of engineering, they were far too expensive for most people to afford.

It took until the 1970s for showerheads to become affordable and widespread. By then, showers had evolved from a luxury into a household necessity, making daily hygiene routines quicker and more convenient.

Final Thoughts: From Baths to Showers, Plumbing Has Evolved

Throughout history, bathing has undergone major changes, from ancient aristocratic baths to the invention of the showerhead. What was once a symbol of luxury and status has become an everyday essential in homes around the world.

At Parker & Sons, we understand the importance of modern plumbing systems and the role they play in your daily life. Whether you need help with your bathroom plumbing or are looking to upgrade your shower, our expert plumbers are here to assist.