When a homeowner needed the help of the Ask This Old House team for help with her plans for aging in place, carpenter Nathan Gilbert and heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey answered the call. After finding the home mostly suitable and ready for the homeowner’s next stages in life, they learned that the bathroom needed attention. Here’s how they made it safer for aging in place.
How to Install Shower Grab Bars
- Start by finding the appropriate height and position for your grab bars. Vertical grab bars are best for transitioning in an out of the tub, while horizontal grab bars are better for steadying yourself in the shower. Also, the Americans with Disabilities Act recommends a height for grab bars of 33 to 36 inches off the floor or the base of the tub. Find what feels comfortable for you and your height.
- Once the height and positioning are decided, Mark the locations of the grab bars on the wall. For slippery surfaces that don’t mark easily, use painter’s tape on the wall. Place the grab bar in position and trace around the base plates to mark the wall. Then, place the mounting bracket within the traced outline, marking the center with a pencil.
- Position the hole saw jig over the mark and on the wall and adhere it with the double-sided tape. Using the 1 ¼-inch hole saw, drill through the wall at this location. Clear any debris from the hole. Repeat on the other side of the grab bar.
- Place the base of the anchor into the hole. Following the direction on the anchor, place it through the hole and pull it to secure the anchor to the wall. You should hear the anchor click as it sandwiches against the wall. Repeat on the other side.
- Attach the mounting bracket to the wall with the machine screw and screwdriver, ensuring that it is snug and secure.
- Attach the grab bars to the mounting brackets by placing the base plates over the mounting brackets and securing them with the included screws and screwdriver.
- Snap the cover plates into place by aligning them and tapping them with the soft mallet.
Steps for Installing a New Shower Head
- Start by removing the old shower head. In most cases, all this takes is an adjustable wrench to loosen the head from the shower arm or nipple.
- Remove the old plumber’s tape from the arm or nipple with the small wire brush. Ensure that the old rubber washer is not still on the pipe.
- Wrap the threads with three wraps of plumber’s tape.
- Attach the new shower head tightening the mounting nuts with the adjustable wrench.
Note: This often involves placing a small screen, strainer, or rubber washer into the inlet of the showerhead, but check the kit’s instructions. - Connect the hose and wand to the showerhead following the instructions.
- Test to ensure there aren’t any leaks.
