Now that you know how beautiful and durable trough sinks can be, there are some other considerations to take into account as you choose this time-tested style. Most importantly, you will want to be sure your trough sink is ADA-compliant, particularly if it will be featured in a commercial space for use by customers, clients, or employees. If you are in the business of renovating or building homes for consumers, this factor should also be a key consideration for you.
First, ADA compliance refers to guidelines laid out by the Americans With Disabilities Act, which guarantees certain protections and access for consumers and employees with recognized disabilities. To ensure accessibility for all users of your trough sinks, whether in bathrooms or kitchens, CustomCreteWerks has put together the information you will need to be ADA-compliant.
The ADA’s Specifications For Sinks
The ADA does have specific requirements for sinks specify things like maximum height and clear floor space. These guidelines are relatively uniform but do include some differences for bathroom sinks and kitchen sinks, as well as some separate specifications for ones that will be in mobility-accessible dwelling units.
Guidelines for sinks in bathrooms:
- Sink height: 34” maximum.
- Any exposed plumbing must be protected from contact.
- There also needs to be clear floor space in front of and under the sink for access by individuals in wheelchairs.
Guidelines for sinks in kitchens:
- In kitchens that do not feature a cooktop or conventional range, you can allow for either a forward or parallel approach to the sink for individuals in wheelchairs.
- Wet bars can also feature a forward or parallel approach to the sink.
- If there are multiple sinks in one space, only one needs to feature the knee and toe clearance specified for bathroom sinks above.
Additionally, the ADA has specific guidelines for sinks in mobility-accessible residential units. While most of these are relatively close to the other guidelines for sinks and lavatories, one to note is the difference in clear floor space requirements. These requirements make note of necessary space for maneuvering and suggest that clearance on the left and right sides of the sink be roughly equal and equal a total of 36” minimum.
*All information in this section is from the U.S. Access Board.
How Does ADA Compliance Affect Trough Sinks?
Trough sinks in particular have special considerations when it comes to ADA compliance. While all of the above information applies, you may need to think critically about how certain guidelines apply. For example, since trough sinks often consist of one extended bowl that shares multiple faucets, the guidelines about forward versus parallel approaches and under-sink clearance should be considered for each faucet’s area, per regulations about how many sinks need to be compliant in the room.
Additionally, you will find further specifications for sinks that will be used primarily by individuals between the ages of 6 and 12. In those cases, the ability to approach the sink from the front is a requirement and a lower knee clearance of 24” minimum is required as long as the sink top is at a 31” maximum height.
Contact CustomCreteWerks For More Information On ADA Compliant Trough Sinks
If you are uncertain if you will be able to have trough sinks installed in their intended areas without violating ADA requirements, contact CustomCreteWerks today. We will be happy to discuss these concerns with you and assess the area in question. In most cases, we can make modifications that will keep your space in compliance with ADA regulations and improve accessibility for all your customers, clients, and employees. And for more information on concrete trough sinks in commercial spaces, be sure to check out our blog, “How Concrete Trough Bathroom Sinks Can Transform Your Commercial Building.”