ADA Compliant Toilets and Urinals

ADA is the acronym for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Act encompasses many public access items; this article will focus on ADA compliance for toilets and urinals. This article does not cover grab-bar requirements.

ADA compliance applies to all toilets and urinals in companies or businesses with public access to restroom facilities. Toilets in stalls and those in separate rooms are both covered.

Spacing and Height Compliance Requirements

• The required toilet seat height is 17 to 19 inches above the floor. Do not use risers to elevate the seat; if they become dislodged the toilet will no longer be in compliance.
• Toilet center lines must be 18 inches from the nearest sidewall, and the flush mechanism must be located on the widest side of the stall or room.
• If the nearest sidewall is less than the required spacing, consider installing an offset toilet mount that will increase the distance. If the flush control location is problematic, installing an automatic flush valve will solve the problem.

Toilets that are not contained in a stall have clear floor space requirements. These requirements vary depending on the configuration of the room. Refer to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines website for complete requirements.

ADA compliant urinals have a rim height of 17 inches or less from the floor. The urinal rim must extend 14 inches from the back wall and be elongated. The flush control height cannot be over 44 inches. Urinal shields need clear floor space of 30 inches between the sidewall and the urinal shield.

Take extra care to ensure proper installation. Improper installation will cause an ADA approved toilet or urinal to be out of compliance.