Toilet rooms: fixture and transfer clearances

Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities Toilet Rooms Can other elements overlap the water closet clearance? The only elements beside the water closet that can overlap the water closet clearance are: associated grab bars, dispensers, coat hooks, shelves, and sanitary napkin disposal units (§604.3.2). No other elements can overlap the water closet clearance. Can the toilet paper dispenser be mounted above the side grab bar? Toilet paper dispensers can be mounted above the side grab bar if they do not protrude into the 12” high minimum clearance above the bar and the outlet is within the maximum 48” height. With large roll dispensers, ensuring that the outlet is within the height limit can be difficult when mounted above bars unless they are recessed. How is the distance from the water closet measured for toilet paper dispensers with large or multiple rolls? The required distance of toilet paper dispensers from the front of the water closet (7” – 9”) is measured to the centerline of the dispenser, including large-roll and multiple-roll dispensers. How can conflicts between the rear grab bar and the required location of flush controls be resolved? If plumbing codes require a flush control location that conflicts with the rear grab bar, the grab bar may be split or shifted to the open side. This is permitted only where applicable codes mandate flush controls in such a location. Are automatic (motion sensor) flush controls required to be on the open side of the water closet? No. Motion activated flush controls are not required to be on the open side of the water closet. If a water closet has a manual flush control in addition to a motion activated one, it is recommended, but not required, that the manual control be located on the open side of the water closet. Manual flush controls, even those intended for custodian use, are helpful at water closets and urinals when the motion sensor fails to activate. Are flush controls located on valves, walls, or tanks that are centered on the fixture compliant (i.e., on the open side)? Manual flush controls, including push buttons, must be usable from a point between the centerline and the open side of the fixture. A portion of the control can be outside the range if it is usable without having to reach beyond the water closet centerline from the open side. Can the side and rear grab bars be continuous? Yes. The rear and side grab bar can be continuous or separate, but in either case must comply with the specified length and placement. 36