This is a plain-English summary of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design sections that cover toilet grab bars (604.5) and lavatories and sinks (606). The section numbers are included so you or your contractor can check the original text.

Toilet grab bars (604.5)

Grab bars at a toilet (the code calls it a "water closet") must meet section 609 and go on two walls: the side wall closest to the toilet and the rear wall.

When grab bars are not required

• A single-user toilet room reached only through a private office (not for common or public use), as long as the walls are reinforced so compliant grab bars can be added later.
• Toilet rooms and bathrooms in residential dwelling units, again as long as wall reinforcement is in place for future grab bars.
• Detention or correctional holding cells specially designed without protrusions.

Rear-wall exceptions

• The rear bar may be 24 in (610 mm) long minimum, centered on the toilet, where a recessed fixture next to the toilet leaves no room for 36 in.
• Where local authorities require flush controls in a spot that conflicts with the rear bar, the bar may be split or shifted to the open side of the toilet area.

Lavatories and sinks (606)

Clear floor space exceptions

• A parallel approach is allowed at a kitchen sink where no cooktop or range is provided, and at wet bars.
• A single-user lavatory reached only through a private office (not common or public use) does not need knee and toe clearance.
• In residential units, cabinetry is allowed under sinks if it can be removed without removing the fixture, the finished floor extends under it, and the walls behind and around it are finished.
• At sinks used mainly by children 6 through 12, knee clearance can be 24 in (610 mm) minimum when the rim or counter is 31 in (785 mm) maximum.
• A parallel approach is allowed at sinks used mainly by children 5 and younger.
• The dip of the overflow is not counted when measuring knee and toe clearance.
• Only one bowl of a multi-bowl sink needs knee and toe clearance.

Height exceptions

• A single-user lavatory reached only through a private office (not common or public use) does not have to meet 606.3.
• In residential kitchens, sinks adjustable from 29 in (735 mm) minimum to 36 in (915 mm) maximum are allowed when the rough-in plumbing permits connection at 29 in (735 mm).

Products that fit these requirements

Shop ADA grab bars and wall-mounted bathroom sinks, or see our ADA-compliant products.

Common questions

How long does an ADA side-wall grab bar need to be?

At least 42 inches, placed no more than 12 inches from the rear wall and extending at least 54 inches from the rear wall.

How long does the ADA rear-wall grab bar need to be?

At least 36 inches, extending at least 12 inches from the toilet centerline on one side and 24 inches on the other. It may be 24 inches where a recessed fixture leaves no room.

How high can an ADA bathroom sink be?

The front of the rim or counter can be no higher than 34 inches above the finished floor.

Do grab bars have to be installed in a home bathroom?

Not in residential dwelling units, as long as the walls are reinforced so compliant grab bars can be installed later.

Related help

• ADA grab bar guide: heights and placement
• ADA bathroom requirements: toilets, sinks and showers
• Modern grab bars for showers and tubs
• Simple bathroom safety ideas
• Shop ADA grab bars