Bathroom Safety Tips | Plumbers Arlington, Texas

According to the CDC, one out of three seniors over the age of 65 falls every year.

Furthermore, the bathroom is the most likely location for those with mobility problems to fall. If you have a loved one with mobility issues, consider the following bathroom safety tips to improve accessibility and to help prevent accidents. Benjamin Franklin’s plumbers in Arlington can assist you in achieving a safer bathroom. 

Hand Rails or Grab Bars are an easy-to-install solution that helps to prevent falls. Grab bars in the tub, shower, and toilet area make it easier for those with reduced mobility and strength to raise and lower their bodies. Furthermore, by holding on to something, they are better able to steady themselves, and are less likely to fall.  

Bathtubs can be difficult for those with impaired mobility to use, not only because they are slippery when wet, but because you have to step up and over to get in and out. Replacing a traditional bathtub with a walk-in model will reduce the incidence of falls. If the tub is never used, consider replacing it with a walk-in shower with a seat. Furthermore, showers that accommodate shower chairs are convenient for those requiring one, and pull out shower heads are especially useful.  

Furthermore, when planning a full bathroom remodel select slip-proof tile for the bathroom, especially for the shower floor to help prevent falls.

Knob-style faucets can be difficult to operate for those with arthritic hands. Replacing the faucet with a lever style makes it easier to move and adjust. Touch faucets or hands free models are also a solution. Wheelchair access to the bathroom sink, and the counter makes cleaning up easier for those confined to a wheelchair. Our experienced plumbers in Arlington, TX can install the faucet of your choice.

Slippery bathroom floors are extremely dangerous for the elderly. Use non-slip mats inside the tub or shower, and rugs with rubber backing so they do not slide, bunch up or trip unsuspecting bathers. 

The Toilet can be difficult to use even with handrails to help. A typical toilet that is set relatively low to the floor is difficult for the elderly raise themselves up or down on. Consider replacing it with a taller model or adding a seat extender to make it a lot easier for the elderly to get up and down. 

While the use of a bidet has long been mainly in Europe, its popularity is growing in the U.S. A bidet is a convenient toilet providing warm water wash-up. You can have the convenience of a bidet in the toilet seat, installed on the existing toilet. It allows you to provide good hygiene without having to replace the toilet. Benjamin Franklin’s plumbers in Arlington, Texas can provide the water line, and installation that you need.

To receive both energy savings and to prevent scalding, set the water heater thermostat at 120 degrees. However, do not go below 120 degrees to reduce the risk of bacteria growing in the water heater tank. Scalding can lead to a fall, and persons with neuropathies, such as diabetics may not realize when the water is too hot.

For plumbing installation and assistance to make your bathroom safer for those with limited mobility, call Benjamin Franklin’s plumbers in Arlington, Texas today.

Contact our plumbers in Arlington, Texas for plumbing installation, plumbing repair, and other plumbing services. After reading about suggested bathroom safety tips, give us a call for professional installation. Our dedicated licensed plumbers serve Arlington, Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.