Plumbing Systems

When people think of plumbing, most people do not think that interior designers have anything to do with that.  The further I read in the chapter you see how it can affect the design of a room.  We can also help choose plumbing options that are more environmentally friendly.

There are three different kinds of water that flows in the plumbing systems.  There is portable water than can be used for cooking and drinking, grey water that comes from shower, laundry, etc that can reused but not to drink, and last there is black water that could contain sewage.  Black water cannot be reused. 

What is greywater? Choosing appropriate greywater systems. 

There were many different options for designers to choose to help lower the usage of water.  For toilets there are low-flow toilets, dual-flushing toilets, waterless urinals, and many more.  Low-flow toilets hold less water in their water closets.  More and more codes are changing so that it is a requirement to install low-flow toilets.  Dual-flushing toilets have an option on how much water you should use.  There is a button to press for a full flush of water and the other button only uses half.  This can really help with  lowering the usage of water.  Another option is the waterless urinals, but the biggest disadvantage would be the smell that it gives off.

A major consideration of bathrooms is if it is ADA accessible.  In commercial uses you need enough space in a stall and in more private cases you need room for a door to open and a wheel chair enter and the door can close.  The Requirement is it should be at least 5'x 5' and the door should open out instead of in.

Accessible & Roll-in Showers Installed | Lifeway Mobility
I liked this option of showing a shower that has ADA guide bars and a seat.  You can see how spacious this bathroom is and that it allows for a wheelchair to enter and exit smoothly.

ADA Accessible Kitchen and Bathroom Products
Another great option for ADA showers is a bathtub that has a sealed door.  You have a lot of support to get you in there and the water surrounds you which helps those who can not turn around or move much. Also in this image there is a lot of space for a wheel chair to move around and wheel chairs are able to go under the sinks.
34 Wheelchair accessible bathroom ideas | accessible bathroom, handicap bathroom, bathrooms remodel
The last image I am showing you is a more expensive option for handicap accessible shower.  You can wheel the whole chair into the shower so that they do not have to get out of the chair. 

Overall, these are great options for handicap accessible showers and bathrooms.  As Interior Designers we have to think about the plumbing systems and how will affect our designs.

Comments

  1. Professor VanderNoordaaNovember 4, 2021 at 4:40 AM

    Emmaline- I enjoyed reading your summary of the chapter. You mention many attributes of an ADA accessible bathroom and give great images to support these options. 50/50 Total points.

    ReplyDelete

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