Short answer: The most useful bathroom safety upgrades are grab bars anchored into solid backing, a curbless or low threshold shower, non slip flooring, a shower bench and handheld shower head, a comfort height toilet, good lighting and a pressure balanced or thermostatic valve that prevents scalding.
The bathroom is one of the most common places for falls at home. A few upgrades make it safer for everyone, from young children to older family members and anyone recovering from an injury. This guide covers the bathroom safety upgrades that make the biggest difference.
Upgrades that prevent falls
- Grab bars: beside the toilet and in the shower, anchored into studs or solid blocking, never just drywall
- Curbless or low threshold shower: removes the step that causes many trips
- Non slip flooring: textured tile or slip resistant finishes, especially in the shower
- Shower bench: built in or fold down seating
- Handheld shower head: on a slide bar, usable while seated
Upgrades that prevent burns
- A pressure balanced or thermostatic shower valve that keeps temperature steady
- A water heater set to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Anti scald devices on sinks where children use them
Comfort and access
- Comfort height toilet: easier to sit and stand
- Lever handles: easier than knobs for weak or arthritic hands
- Wider doorway: about 32 to 36 inches clear for walkers and wheelchairs
- Open space under the sink: for seated use
- Rocker light switches and night lights: for safe night trips
Plan ahead during any remodel
Even if no one needs grab bars today, ask your remodeler to add solid blocking in the walls during the remodel. It costs little while walls are open and lets you add grab bars later without tearing out tile. A curbless shower is also easiest to build during a full remodel.
Signs a bathroom needs safety updates
- Someone at home has had a slip or near fall
- Getting in and out of the tub is difficult
- People hold on to towel bars or the sink for balance
- Water temperature swings when someone flushes
- The bathroom is dim, especially at night
Night safety
Many bathroom falls happen at night. Motion activated night lights along the route from the bedroom, light switches at the doorway and a clear, uncluttered floor make night trips safer.
Choosing products
- Grab bars rated for the load, installed to manufacturer instructions
- Shower seats and benches designed for wet areas
- Slip resistant tile with a suitable rating for wet floors
- Shower glass that leaves enough room to get in and out
Read about walk in showers, tub to shower conversion and our small bathroom remodel ideas.
Quick answers: bathroom safety upgrades
What are the best bathroom safety upgrades?
Grab bars in solid backing, a curbless shower, non slip flooring, a shower bench, a handheld shower head and an anti scald valve.
Can grab bars be installed on drywall alone?
No. They must be anchored into studs or solid blocking, or use anchors rated for the purpose.
What is a curbless shower?
A shower with no step at the entrance, so the bathroom floor flows into the shower.
How do I prevent scalding in the shower?
Use a pressure balanced or thermostatic valve and set the water heater to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Who installs bathroom safety features?
A bathroom remodeling contractor. Sifixit can connect you with a local remodeler.
Related
This guide covered bathroom safety upgrades. For more background, see the FTC’s advice on hiring a contractor and avoiding home improvement scams, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.
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