You’ve probably noticed that many public restroom doors don’t touch the floor.
Although public amenities differ around the world, the raised gate is often a feature that confuses American tourists.
A TikToker, known for his facts and theories, claims to have solved the mystery.
In the video, titled “And Now You Know,” user MattypStories suggested three explanations to his 903,000 followers.
A TikTok user claims to have solved the mystery of why American public toilets don’t touch the floor – and came up with three interesting theories
Popular TikToker Mattypstories said there are many “logical” reasons why they don’t touch the ground, and one of them is in an emergency.
He said: “You’ve probably wondered at one time or another why bathroom doors don’t go all the way to the floor.
“But there are actually many logical reasons why they do this.”
He continued: “First of all, in an emergency it would be quite easy to see what happened and get help for the person.”
Second, he explain: “It makes them much easier to clean.
“Public toilets are used very often, which means they need to be cleaned several times during the day.
“And having space under the door makes it a little easier.”
Finally, he said: “It’s much cheaper to buy a door with part of it cut off than the whole door itself. »
Since posting, the video has garnered more than 31,000 likes and received hundreds of comments from users around the world, saying their toilet doors were touching the floor.
One person wrote: “This is truly a North American thing – just travel – full doors all over the world.” »
Meanwhile, one person suggested: “You forgot that if the door gets stuck you can crawl out.” »
Another person added: “That’s why I don’t use them, it’s weird.”
Matty’s theories are taken up by the toilet assembly company, Toilet partitions. The website suggests the design makes cleaning easier and helps determine if the booth is occupied.
It reads: “Open floor plan allows janitors to easily clean stalls. A mop or pressure washer can easily fit into stalls and between floor doors.
Adding: “Rather than having to knock on the door to see if a toilet is available, a space at the end of the stall allows you to determine whether the stall is vacant or not. »
Additionally, he suggests that they promote better air circulation through “natural airflow” and allow sufficient access for people in wheelchairs.
The website adds that it discourages inappropriate behavior and leaves room for emergencies because it provides “a quick escape.”
