Faucets for Homes with Disabled People

Whether replacing just a faucet, remodeling an entire bathroom or building a home from scratch to be used by a handicapped person, there are significant considerations when choosing a faucet.

Besides design factors, you must take into account the operation style of the handles and the placement of countertops and faucets.

Countertop Placement
The countertop and sink in the bathroom sink must be within a reach. They are usually installed thirty inches from the floor. The edge of the counter and sink should be no more than twenty four inches from the wall. Any plumbing underneath the sink, if exposed, should be placed or attached as close to the wall as possible, to avoid being tangled.

Handle Requirements
Faucets should require no more than five pounds of force to turn on or off if manually controlled. Manually operated faucets must have lever or push-type single hand operation, and may not require firm grasping. Faucets that are electronically controlled are required to stay on for at least ten seconds, according to the American Disability Act requirements.

Special Shower Requirements
Shower faucets should be low and spout should be detachable from the wall. Handles must meet the same handle requirements as sink faucets; single handed operation without grasping. The ADA does require that shower handles be installed on the wall opposite of the installed seat, if there is one.

There is some great news if you are shopping for a faucet to be installed in a home with a handicapped person – you don’t have to print out all of the requirements before shopping. Most small manufacturers and all the major ones that produce bathroom faucets and shower fixtures list if they are ADA approved or not right on the box.

Find the look you like then check the box. If it’s ADA approved, you shouldn’t have any problems installing it in a handicapped-friendly home.

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