ADA pedestal sinks : A guide
A handicap or ADA pedestal sink is not just eye-catching, but is definitely a necessity for persons who use wheelchair. Similar to the ADA toilets, these sinks make it easier for individuals with disabilities to have access to suitable facilities and can practice good hygiene. This means they can perform everyday activities such as washing and shaving face, washing hands and brushing teeth without getting help from family and loved ones.
Most of the bathrooms in the United States are designed with vanity-dresser basins and these are not friendly for wheelchair users since it is impossible to slide underneath the sink. A better option for persons who want vanity sinks in the bathroom would be the wall hung models with the pipes covered.
These bathroom fixtures are very liberating and will certainly enrich the quality of life for persons in a wheelchair. But not every pedestal sinks will be designed for those who have physical disabilities. The manufacturers of these sinks have to follow guidelines provided by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and specific measurements are used during the construction and installation of the units.
Approved height for a ADA pedestal sink
In accordance with the ADA guidelines, the sinks must not be higher than 34 inches and also have a space for the knee, which is a minimum of 27 inches in height, 19 inches in depth and 30 inches in width. The sink needs to be no less than six and one half inches in depth and have about four feet allowance space for turning at the front. The pedestal must completely cover the drain pipes, sharp edges or hot surfaces underneath the sink in order to protect the user from accidents or injuries. In addition ensure that the stand is slender enough to fit in between the legs and wheelchair.
These sinks are available in a variety of colors and models which are ADA approved such as lever-operated, electronically controlled or touch or push styles.
The following are some tips to install the sinks based on the ADA complaint guidelines:
First, install the surface or rim of the sink no more than 34 inches over the floor. A clearance of about 29 inches should be given on top of the floor towards the base of the sink and 19 inches clearance underneath to comfortably fit the knee. You can use lag screws or fasteners for this process.
Next, install a push-type, lever-operated or electronically controlled fixture. In the event that you are using self-closing valves, the faucet should remain wide open for a minimum of ten seconds. Then, connect the faucets to the matching shut-off valves for the hot and cold water together with flexible hoses.
After that, insert insulation on the drain and hot water pipes underneath the sink to protect the knees. In addition, remove any abrasive or sharp surfaces from below the lavatories.
Then, attach the drain arm and P-trap unto the stub-out section of the drain and then apply some plumber’s caulk all over the bottom of the sink in between the wall and sink.
Finally, make allowance on the floor for a measurement of 30 x 48 inches at the front of the toilet. Keep in mind that the space for the ADA pedestal sink must overlap or adjoin the accessible path for the wheelchair.
