A safe bathroom for ourselves and our loved ones is necessary. A toilet grab bar is a piece of equipment that can help provide additional stability, balance, and safety in the bathroom, but only if properly installed.
Types of Toilet Grab Bars
There are a few different types of toilet grab bars, but one of the most popular is the U-shaped bar. This type of bar goes around the toilet and provides support from both the front and the back. The close options for multiple places to grip the bar make it a popular choice.
U-shaped bars aren’t the only grab bars available.
There are also L-shaped bars, which only provide support from the back, and straight bars, which can be placed anywhere in the bathroom and aren’t as popular with most, but they offer another safety setup that can be used in a bathroom with challenging space issues.
To learn more, read our guide to the best toilet grab bars for toilets.
The Importance of Proper Grab Bar Installation
The most important thing to remember when installing toilet grab bars is that they must be properly anchored. All types of grab bars must be mounted into a solid backing, ideally into the studs in the wall. This will ensure that the bar can support the weight of whoever uses it.
Failure to properly anchor the grab bar could result in it coming loose and causing an accident, which defeats the purpose of having the grab bars installed in the first place.
There are a few different ways to install toilet grab bars, but the most important thing is to ensure they are secure. If you are unsure about your ability to install a grab bar properly, it is best to consult with a professional.
They will be able to ensure that the bar is installed correctly and will help you choose the right type of bar for your needs.
ADA Guidelines for Installing Grab Bars
There are specific guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that must be followed when installing grab bars in a bathroom. These guidelines ensure that the grab bars are correctly placed and can provide the necessary support.
The first guideline is that there must be a grab bar on both sides of the toilet. This supports someone who may need to use the toilet from either side. The grab bars must be placed 33-36 inches above the floor, and they should be at least 42 inches long when they are next to the toilet.
These guidelines exist because careful testing has been done to ensure maximum safety and support for the elderly or disabled. Following these guidelines is crucial to ensure you get the most out of the grab bars creating safety within the bathroom.
Grab bars are a vital part of making a bathroom safe for everyone. By following the ADA guidelines, you can be sure that the grab bars in your bathroom are correctly installed and will provide the additional support, balance, and safety that is necessary.
