A Beginner's Guide to ADA Compliant Sinks
An ADA-compliant kitchen sink has many requirements that are strict - and unfortunately one that many visitors will overlook is the location of the faucet. Many times these faucets might actually be behind cabinets, requiring creativity on your part, as well as contacting a local contractor for installation. Learn these requirements in this article to ensure your kitchen sink is approved!
What is ADA Compliant?
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is a law that was passed in 1990 to help protect those with disabilities and their rights in all public places. A way that this can be done is by making changes to the environment in order to be ADA compliant, like installing an ADA-compliant sink, toilet, or shower seats.
What Kinds of Sinks are ADA Compliant?
The ADA website, which is under the United States Department of Justice projects that 1 in 5 adults have a disability. Many of them are people who have an impaired sense of hearing, vision, dexterity, smell and taste. They need to still function effectively in everyday life and therefore ADA compliant sinks and other kitchen devices are important for people with disabilities to use in their homes.
What Should You Know about ADA Compliance?
ADA compliance regulations require all businesses to provide disabled guests with enhanced accessibility in areas, facilities, or devices that can usually be accessed after one phone call. This includes having a handicap-accessible bathtub and bathroom sink. ADA requirements differ state by state, so this guide for accessible sinks will only serve as reference for places located in the United States that are not primarily engaged in commercial activities such as restaurants, medical offices, day care centers, and hotels.
Benefits of an ADA Compliant Kitchen Sink
An ADA compliant kitchen sink comes with a number of advantages for the end user. This includes:
A) Superior flow control
B) A low-profile design that is easy to clean beneath
C) A heavy-duty, durable stainless steel construction
D) A self-rimming form that doesn't need building work before installation
E) The option for an L-shaped bend in the faucet nozzle
F) Possibilities for customization like stylish rims and finishes
G) Appliances that keep a noise level lower than other types of sinks
H) It will help most people with mobility impairment or disabilities
The last big advantage is not just potential customers but family members as well, who can enjoy the same benefits as everyone else – no matter what your daily routine looks like. You will no longer worry if you have to hit up a store or speak on the phone while you are cooking.
Tips for Buying an ADA Compliant Kitchen Sink
An ADA compliant sink is one that meets American Disability Act guidelines. There are many ways to buy a kitchen sink that complies with the ADA. The most important tip is to find out what the hardware requirements are. Most ADA compliant sinks have templates for how they are supposed to be mounted in order to provide maximum stability. Buying an ADA compatible kitchen sink can be difficult because they cost more than standard sinks, but make sure you think of your future needs and buy accordingly.
Conclusion
As you can see, finding ADA compliant sinks for a bathroom remodel isn't as complicated as it may seem. There are plenty of designs to choose from, and many styles that don't necessarily fall under the typical sink category. Moreover, there are now a number of products on the market that allow one to skip using plumbed sinks entirely.