The Bathtub

The materials used in the construction of this bathtub greatly differ from those of the old (see history), however, they are much like those of today. It is of the white ceramic variety with polished steel hardware. Unlike the sink, the plumbing of the tub consists of two knobs and but one faucet. This is a curious difference because the intended purpose of two seperate faucets and knobs on the sink was to fill the basin, mixing the appropriate amount of hot and cold water. If this is the objective, then why not have one faucet on the sink as well, or two on the tub?

The contrast in faucet set-up is apparent in this picture. (Look carefully!)

A few other curious qualities of this particular bathtub are: the fact that it has no shower-head (those tubs we now know, we could not imagine without one); also, there is no soapdish; there is no caulk or protective surface on the walls surrounding the tub. These are all differences one would probably not notice upon first glance, but would require some inspection.

The tub is eighteen inches deep and five feet long. The end nearest the faucet drops almost directly down (90 degrees) about one and one half inches from the wall, while the opposite end is contoured for one to lean his/her back against when sitting in the tub (it is at about a 65 degree angle). This contoured end also provides more head-room as the back is spaced at least two and one half inches from the wall. A base drain (the one on the bottom of the tub) as well as an overflow drain are placed at the faucet-end as one might suspect. This is done not only in order to keep all the plumbing to one end, but also to maximize the comfort of the bather. The base drain would be plugged by a rubber stopper attached to the overflow drain by a chain. If the water were to rise to a level (about three inches from the top) the overflow drain takes in the water as a precaution. I also noticed that this is the only precautionary device on or around the tub.

All in all it is a very simple tub. There is one main basin, two knobs, two drains, one faucet, and one stopper. A modest part of a modest bathroom; it is not fancy, just practical.

For some info on bathtubs, click here.