Toilet Paper Dispenser Requirements for ADA Compliance
Toilet paper dispensers need to be mounted 15” inches minimum to 48” inches maximum. If you own or manage a business with public restrooms, it is just as important to have correct toilet paper dispenser heights as it is to have things like accessible ADA ramps in order to provide access to everybody and protect your business from violations, lawsuits and fines. This requirement post is for contractors, property owners, inspectors, business owners, and anyone who is in charge of a commercial or public restroom. This helpful guide will educate you or your contractor on the ADA toilet paper dispenser heights, placements, and more.
What Do Toilet Paper Dispenser Requirements Include?
Toilet paper dispenser requirements are covered in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The requirements include the dispenser heights, positions, and distances from the toilet and more in section §604.7. In addition to measurements, the code requires the dispensers to be usable from a seared position. Also, if you are installing toilet paper dispensers, you must consider proper reach ranges and make sure your dispenser is free from obstructions like grab bars.
Toilet Paper Dispenser Height & Placement
Toilet Paper Dispenser Height:
Toilet paper dispensers shall be mounted between 15” inches and 48” inches to the operable part. This position ensures the best use for all types of people with disabilities.
ADA code requirements apply to both non-recessed and recessed toilet paper dispensers. ADA compliant reach ranges play a large part in providing an accessible bathroom and needs to be on top of mind when building or remodeling a bathroom.
Toilet Paper Dispenser Distance From Toilet
The toilet paper dispenser outlet center line must extend to be 7”-9” in front of the end of the toilet.
This applies to both recessed and non recessed toilet paper dispensers. This is the most common installation error so make sure to hire a professional ADA inspector, so you will know what is out of compliance, and how to reach compliance.
Recessed VS Non-Recessed Toilet Paper Dispenser Requirements
In bathrooms, there are typically multiple types of toilet paper dispensers. The differences between recessed and non-recessed toilet paper dispensers is important because it determines how you install or build your bathroom. Recessed toilet paper dispensers are implanted into the wall or wall surface and provide more clearance around the toilet. From our inspectors recommendation, it is easier to comply with toilet paper dispenser requirements when using recessed dispensers.
Non-recessed toilet paper dispensers protrude from the wall and make it slightly more difficult to reach ADA spacing and clearance rules. Either are ok so long as the proper ADA requirements are followed. But don’t worry, toilet paper dispenser requirements have never been easier with this guide!
Grab Bar Clearance Around Toilet Paper Dispensers
Outlets of toilet paper dispensers may be positioned underneath or above grab bars but never behind them. When the outlet is behind the grab bar, access to the toilet paper roll for individuals with disabilities is difficult and can cause unnecessary strain or even be impossible for some to access. In order to provide access to all, it is your responsibility as a business owner to correct these ADA violations and provide the necessary access.
The toilet paper dispenser outlet may be a maximum of 12” above the grab bars. Grab bars must be positioned 33”-36” above finish floor which affects placement of dispenser.
Additionally, when dispensers are installed below grab bars the maximum distance from the outlet to the bottom of the grab bar must be 1 ½” or more. In order to maintain compliance, it is important to plan the installation accordingly. Check out our guide on ADA grab bars here.
Most Overlooked Toilet Paper Dispenser Requirements:
- The toilet paper dispenser outlet is too far forward or close to the toilet.
- The outlet height exceeds 48 inches.
- Non-recessed dispensers are too close to grab bars.
- Some dispensers don’t control the paper delivery well.
Toilet Paper Dispenser Requirements: Continuous Flow
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires continuous flow of toilet paper for easy delivery of toilet paper. This just requires there is no restriction and toilet paper and all individuals can easily use the dispenser.
Who is Liable for ADA Toilet Paper Dispenser Requirements
If you own, manage, or have interest in a business or property with restrooms, you are subject to ADA bathroom requirements. Property owners, contractors, property managers, and businesses need to ensure they are compliant with ADA toilet paper dispenser requirements. Following this guide can be the difference between providing fair access to all people, and drowning in fines and legal fees. Our professional team of inspectors evaluates your property for ADA compliance and tells you exactly what needs to be done to be compliant and avoid lawsuits and fines.
Common Questions
Toilet Paper Dispenser FAQ
What is the correct height for a toilet paper dispenser?
15” minimum to 48” maximum to the dispenser outlet.
How far must a toilet paper dispenser be from the toilet?
7”–9” from the centerline of the toilet.
Can toilet paper dispensers be behind grab bars?
No, they must be accessible and easily accessible for all, which the grab bar prevents.
Are recessed toilet paper dispensers required by the ADA?
No. However, they can usually make access and compliance easier.
What type of toilet paper dispenser is not ADA compliant?
Any toilet paper dispenser that restricts flow or does not comply with the ADA standards of 604.7 are not compliant.
