Choosing Universal-Design Bath Fixtures

with Plumbing and heating contractor Richard Tretheway, host Kevin O'Connor and architect Denis Pratt, This Old House television

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. Mini-threshold water dam,
used to make shower wheelchair accessible

2. Single- or double-lever faucets,
can be easily operated by

3. Universal-design pedestal sink,
features taller, but shallow basin

4. Adaptive levers,
can be added to round doorknobs for easier use

5. Grab bars, for installation to bath walls

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Drill/driver with carbide-tipped hole saw,
  used to install grab bar wall anchor
- Caulking gun with silicone sealant,
  used to install mini-threshold water dam
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Pliers
- Adjustable wrench,
  to tighten compression fittings
- Basin wrench
  to install sink faucets
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Steps:

1 Install mini-threshold water dam in shower for wheelchair access.
2 Replace twist-handle faucets with faucets that have lever handles.
3 Install shallower, but taller, pedestal sink for easier wheelchair access.
4 Replace round doorknobs with easy-to-operate lever-style door handles.
5 Attach adaptive levers to existing round doorknobs.
6 Add grab bars to bath walls using specially designed hollow-wall anchors.