How to Install Assist Bars on a Toilet for a Disabled Person
Assist bars, also called grab bars, are metal or plastic bars that a person can hold on to in order to support himself. Disabled people sometimes need the extra support to get up and down in order to use the toilet. Assist bars should be screwed into a wall stud or wooden blocking to support the heavy pressure that will be applied to them. A physical or occupational therapist can help you choose the type of assist bars and where you should install the bars in the toilet to aid a disabled person. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Electronic stud finder
- Permanent marker
- Tape measure
- Awl
- Variable speed drill
- Silicone caulk
- Caulking gun
- Stainless steel screws
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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Find the location of the wall studs in the area of the wall where you want to install the assist bar. Place an electronic stud finder on the wall and run it slowly across the wall until it indicates where there is a stud. Make a small mark with a permanent marker on the spot where the stud is.
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2
Measure from the floor to the height you want to install the assist bar, using a tape measure. Assist bars are usually 33 to 36 inches from the floor. Place the assist bar against the wall, making sure each end of the bar is over a wall stud. Make a small mark on the wall inside the screw holes of the bar's mounting brackets.
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3
Make a starting point where you are going to drill into the wall. This is so the drill won't slip on the tile when you are drilling. Scrape a small hole into the tile using a sharp awl. Twist the awl to grind a slight indention onto the surface of the tile.
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4
Drill holes through the wall tile using a glass and tile drill bit. Start drilling at a very slow speed so you won't slip off the starting point. Drill through the tile only.
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Switch the drill bit to a wood bit. Choose a bit that is 1/16 narrower than the screws you will use to install the bar. Put the drill bit into the hole you drilled through the tile and drill holes into the studs.
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Squeeze silicone caulk into the holes to prevent water from leaking into the screw holes.
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Hold the assist bar in position, lining up the holes in the mounting bracket with the holes you drilled in the wall. Ask a friend to hold the assist bar in position. Insert stainless steel screws into the holes. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver, but not too tight. You can use #10 or #12 stainless steel pan head screws that are 2 inches long to attach the assist bar onto the wall.
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Tips & Warnings
You can buy assist bars at medical supply, plumbing fixture and hardware stores.
Never install grab bars next to the toilet at an angle.
References
- Photo Credit disables bathroom image by Wolszczak from Fotolia.com
