Business owners have a responsibility to their customers, employees, and tenants to design public restroom facilities that are accessible to everyone. If you manage a commercial property that was built several decades ago, it’s possible that your restrooms are not compliant with current ADA standards. So what, you may say. No one has complained or has had any issues. I’d rather spend money on improving my product line or increasing my marketing budget. Well, businesses that ignore or refuse to make updates to their bathroom facilities are sitting on a ticking time bomb that could threaten the company’s future. All it takes is one lawsuit for your entire company to go under depending on the nature of the suit. Whether you’re a small business owner or operate a multi-million dollar corporation, designing and maintaining your building’s restroom facilities is an important part of your business’s ability to operate on a daily basis.

Current ADA Guidelines

The following commercial plumbing requirements were developed in 1990 when the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted. Do your restroom facilities currently meet these standards? Sinks and Counters

• Maximum height should not exceed 34 inches
• Counters must have ample knee space for wheelchair access
• Plumbing under sinks and counters must be insulated
• All fixtures such as knobs, valves, and faucets must be able to be operated by one hand
• Pressure required to turn or twist water controls must be 5lbs or less

Toilets and Urinals

• Toilets seats must be no higher than 19 inches from the floor and flushing mechanisms no higher than 44 inches
• Elongated urinal bowls cannot have rims more than 17 inches from the floor (California requires an extended lip that measures, at a minimum, 14 inches from wall).
• Floor space in front of urinals must measure 48 inches deep and 30 inches wide
• Bathrooms with urinals must have one that can be used from a wheelchair

If you’re not sure your public restrooms meet these guidelines, call an ADA specialist to provide you with a free estimate. Rooter Hero Plumbing’s commercial plumbing services in California, Texas, and Arizona offer free, no-obligation evaluations for all commercial structures in our service areas. ADA compliance is not optional. Take the appropriate action today to protect your visitors and to safeguard your company’s financial future.