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A Pittsburgh toilet, often called a "Pittsburgh potty", is a common fixture in pre-World War II houses built in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It consists of an ordinary flush toilet installed in the basement, with no surrounding walls. As Pittsburgh was historically an industrial town, still called "The Steel City," toilets such as these could be used by workers in the steel or mining industries immediately upon entering their home and prior to bathing. Most of these toilets are paired with a crude basement shower apparatus and large sink, which often doubles as a laundry basin. Also, because western Pennsylvania is a steep topographical zone, many basements have their own entryway, allowing homeowners to enter from their yard or garage, cleanse themselves promptly in their basement, and then ascend their basement stairs refreshed.