Remodelling your bathroom or building a new one? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific requirements.

What is an ADA-Compliant Bathroom?

An ADA-compliant bathroom should allow a person using a wheelchair, or with the assistance of an aide, to use the toilet and sink effectively. Showers and tubs aren’t covered by the ADA guidelines because businesses don’t typically provide them.

What Are the ADA Bathroom Requirements?

Sinks & Faucets: To meet ADA guidelines, sinks shouldn’t be mounted higher than 34 inches from the floor. They should have a knee clearance of 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 11 to 25 inches deep. A clear floor space and insulated pipes under the sink are also needed.

Faucets should be lever-operated, whether push, touch, or electronically controlled. They should be usable with one hand, without the need to tightly grasp, pinch, or twist the wrist. Users shouldn’t have to exert more than 5 pounds of force to use the faucet to meet ADA requirements.

Stalls: ADA compliant urinals should be stall-type or wall-hung at a maximum of 17 inches from the floor. Water closets must be 17 to 19 inches from the floor (measured from the floor to the top of the toilet seat). Like faucets or flush valves shouldn’t require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Grab bars should be at least 36 inches long on the rear wall or 42 inches on the side wall and should be mounted 33-36 inches above the floor. They need a gripping surface of at least 1.25 inches and mounted at least 1.5 inches from the wall. They should be able to withstand at least 250 pounds of pressure.

Doors: To ensure compliance with ADA door clearance requirements, doors should open with minimal force and have handles that are easy to grab with one hand. Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide with the door open at 90 degrees.

Shower and Tub: Accessibility Showers and tub accessibility is likely the most challenging aspect of designing an ADA compliant bathroom. Luckily, there are many options and solutions available that can be customized for any level of need.

For instance, a rolling or fixed shower seat with a height between 17 and 19 inches can accommodate some users. Others may use a small stool or plastic chair that allows the bather to sit while showering and can easily be removed for those that do not require it.

ADA Compliant Products from Marx Medical Equipment

Marx Medical Equipment can provide a wide range of ADA-compliant sinks and faucets for bathrooms and kitchens. Call us today and we will help you with your bathroom remodelling