The Most Bizarre Plumbing Inventions

Plumbing is an essential part of modern civilization, ensuring clean water flows into our homes and waste is efficiently carried away. Over the centuries, engineers, inventors, and tinkerers have developed innovative—and sometimes outright bizarre—plumbing-related gadgets and contraptions. Some of these inventions solved real-world problems, while others left us scratching our heads. Here, we take a look at some of the strangest plumbing inventions ever created.

1. The Fish Tank Toilet

Imagine doing your business while watching colorful fish swim around in a built-in aquarium. That’s the idea behind the fish tank toilet—a quirky invention that combines plumbing with pet-keeping. The tank is divided into two sections: one holds water for flushing, while the other is a fully functioning fish habitat. While it certainly adds a unique aesthetic to the bathroom, some question whether the fish appreciate the frequent flushing disturbances.

2. The See-Through Bathtub

For those who enjoy an unconventional bathing experience, the see-through bathtub is an eye-catching (and sometimes awkward) creation. Made from clear acrylic or glass, this tub lets you see the water—and yourself—from every angle. While it may not offer much privacy, it certainly adds a futuristic touch to any bathroom. Perfect for exhibitionists or those who simply appreciate bold interior design choices!

3. The Talking Toilet

Smart technology has made its way into toilets, with some high-end models featuring built-in voice assistants. These toilets can greet you, play music, provide weather updates, and even give you a health analysis based on your, well, deposits. Some models in Japan have even been programmed to encourage children during potty training or remind adults to drink more water. If you’ve ever wanted a chatty companion in the bathroom, this bizarre plumbing invention has got you covered. For more innovative plumbing solutions, check out hi-techplumbingandair.com/plumbing-royal-palm-beach/.

4. The Champagne Bathtub

For those who want to bathe in absolute luxury, a champagne bathtub takes indulgence to the next level. Some ultra-wealthy individuals have actually installed bathtubs designed to be filled with champagne instead of water. While it sounds extravagant, the reality is that it’s a bit sticky, and you’ll probably need a real shower afterward. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most decadent (and absurd) plumbing inventions of all time.

5. The iPotty

Potty training can be a challenge, so why not keep kids entertained while they learn? The iPotty is a training toilet with a built-in iPad stand, allowing children to watch cartoons or play games while doing their business. While some parents praise it as a way to make toilet training more engaging, others argue that it’s an unnecessary distraction that promotes excessive screen time. Either way, it’s one of the strangest bathroom-related inventions to hit the market.

6. The Urinal Gaming System

In an effort to make public restrooms more entertaining, some urinals have been equipped with interactive video game systems. These hands-free games are controlled by a stream of urine, allowing users to aim at targets or navigate through a virtual world while relieving themselves. Originally developed as a marketing tool for bars and pubs, this odd invention turns a routine bathroom break into a competitive event.

7. The No-Spill Dog Water Bowl

Anyone with a messy pet knows the struggle of water spills all over the floor. Enter the no-spill dog water bowl, a clever plumbing invention designed to prevent unnecessary messes. While this invention isn’t as bizarre as some of the others on this list, the fact that some models use complex valve systems and floating disks to regulate water flow makes it an amusingly over-engineered solution to a simple problem.

8. The Rotating Toilet Seat

Ever wished for a freshly cleaned toilet seat every time you use the bathroom? The rotating toilet seat was designed to automatically rotate and clean itself between uses. A built-in mechanism pulls a fresh plastic covering over the seat, ensuring maximum hygiene. While practical for public restrooms, it’s also undeniably odd to watch a toilet seat rotate like a conveyor belt after each flush.

9. The Golden Toilet

Luxury knows no bounds, and the golden toilet is a prime example. Some of the world’s wealthiest individuals have commissioned solid gold toilets, costing millions of dollars. The most famous of these was a fully functional gold toilet on display at the Guggenheim Museum, aptly named America. While undeniably extravagant, one can’t help but wonder if sitting on a cold, hard, solid gold toilet is actually comfortable.

10. The Water-Powered Clock Faucet

Combining plumbing with timekeeping, the water-powered clock faucet is an unusual invention that uses running water to generate energy for a small digital clock. While not the most practical way to tell time, it’s an interesting example of how plumbing can be integrated with other technologies in unexpected ways.

11. The Musical Showerhead

Ever wanted a shower concert with built-in speakers? The musical showerhead is a Bluetooth-enabled device that plays your favorite tunes while you lather up. Some models even change colors in sync with the music, creating a full sensory experience. While fun, the idea of water mixing with electronics always feels a bit risky, even when designed to be waterproof.

12. The Bathtub with a Built-in TV

If you’ve ever struggled with the dilemma of choosing between watching TV and taking a bath, fear not—someone has solved this problem. High-end bathtubs with built-in waterproof televisions allow bathers to enjoy their favorite shows while soaking in bubbles. While undeniably luxurious, one has to wonder: do we really need another screen in our lives, even in the bathroom?

13. The Toilet Paper Machine

For those who have ever faced the horror of an empty toilet paper roll, the toilet paper machine is here to help. This bizarre contraption dispenses a fresh roll at the push of a button, ensuring you never run out. Some models even cut and fold the paper for you. While innovative, a simple spare roll within arm’s reach might be just as effective.

14. The Portable Shower Suit

For those who love cleanliness on the go, the portable shower suit is a wearable contraption that allows users to shower anywhere. The suit features built-in water jets and a drainage system, enabling a full-body cleanse without stepping into a traditional shower. While it may have been designed with extreme adventurers in mind, it certainly ranks among the oddest plumbing-related inventions.

15. The Automated Bidet Toilet

Bidets are common in many parts of the world, but some models take the concept to an extreme. High-tech bidet toilets come with heated seats, adjustable water pressure, air dryers, built-in deodorizers, and even personalized settings for multiple users. Some can even analyze your waste for health tracking! While undeniably high-tech, some features might just be too much information for comfort.

Final Thoughts

Plumbing innovations have come a long way, evolving from simple pipes and drainage systems to high-tech, borderline absurd gadgets. While some of these inventions add real value to our daily lives, others exist purely for novelty or indulgence. Whether practical or peculiar, one thing is certain—people will continue to push the boundaries of plumbing creativity in the years to come.

Would you try any of these bizarre plumbing inventions, or do they seem a little too out there? Let us know in the comments!