It's hard to imagine a world without showering, but it wasn't until the early 1900s that they became a common fixture in homes. Before then, people had to rely on other methods to get clean. Let's take a look at the history of showers and when they were first installed in houses.
Ancient Showers
The concept of showering can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans. They had public bathhouses where people could bathe and relax. These bathhouses had rooms with running water and a drain in the floor, which is similar to how modern-day showers work.
Early Showers
In the 1800s, people started experimenting with ways to bring running water into their homes. They would use buckets or pitchers to pour water over themselves, but this was a time-consuming and inefficient process. It wasn't until the mid-1800s that the first showers were invented.
The First Showers
The first showers were rudimentary and not very effective. They were usually just a bucket of water with a nozzle attached. The water would come out in a trickle, and people would have to move around to get wet. These early showers were mostly found in public bathhouses and hospitals.
The Rise of Indoor Plumbing
Indoor plumbing became more widespread in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This allowed for running water in homes, which made it easier to take showers. However, most people still didn't have showers in their homes. They would either take baths or use a bucket and pitcher to wash themselves.
The First Electric Shower
In 1929, the first electric shower was invented by William Steward. This shower used a heating element to heat the water, which made it more convenient and efficient. However, it was still expensive and not widely used.
The Post-War Boom
After World War II, there was a boom in home construction and renovation. This led to more people installing showers in their homes. By the 1950s, it was becoming more common for homes to have indoor plumbing and showers.
The Modern Shower
Today, showers are an essential part of modern bathrooms. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and there are many different types of showerheads to choose from. Some people even have multiple showerheads in their showers!
Conclusion
So, when were showers put in houses? It's a complicated question with a long history. Showers have been around for thousands of years, but it wasn't until the early 1900s that they became a common fixture in homes. Today, we take showers for granted, but it's important to remember how far we've come.