Why do we put toilets next to bathtubs?

 Why do we put toilets next to bathtubs?

I have been asking myself that question for many years now.
Mainly it boils down to tradition and most importantly cost.

What most people probably don't know is that it is easier to vent a "bathroom group" together through  what is called a "wet vent" which then turns into a "continuous dry vent".  Without getting anymore detailed, all you need to know is that for this to work the bathtub drain has to be within approximately 6 feet from the bathroom sink (8 feet in the case of most showers).  If it isn't, then either another vent has to be run or lots more drainage piping has to be installed to meet plumbing code.

So there you have it, we are still thinking in terms of a "bathroom group" which makes things traditionally easier and cheaper.  Everybody (most people anyway) knows that the longer a plumber works on your plumbing, the more money it is going to cost.

But this should not stop us from thinking "outside the bathroom."

Consider this (preferably) while you are taking a relaxing bath:

1.  That toilet bowl, where everybody in your house excretes (and nobody wants to clean), is only inches from your head (while you sit in the tub).

2.  When you get out of the tub, be sure not to step on the floor in front of the toilet (you know what I mean, eh guys, yes us guys).

***3.  If you don't close the toilet lid before flushing, little bits of bacteria (from you and others) is sprayed all over your bathroom (on your tooth brushes, in that tub you are sitting in).  If you don't believe me, google it.

Anyway, I have written quite a bit for one day.
Back to reality . . . for now.


Thank you,

Jay Bortnik
Journeyman Jay Plumbing
780-266-3939