How To Install a Bathroom Safety Bar
Many falls occur when a person is getting into the bathtub or stepping out. These accidents can result in accidental deaths and other types of serious injuries. Install a bathroom safety bar in your home to help prevent falls and to keep your family safe. This is a project that you can accomplish on your own, without a professional.
- Choose the location where you are going to install the safety bar. The bar itself should be at least 24 inches in length and installed at a 45 degree angle, so that people at various heights can use it. Additionally, it should be 1 ½ inches from the wall, so that there is enough space for a hand to fit in between the wall and bar.
- Mark the nearest studs around the location you have chosen. These are usually spaced 16 inches apart from each other.
- Mark the location where the mounting holes will be. If you are using a 24 inch bar, it should fit perfectly in between two studs that are spaced 16 inches apart, as long as you position the bar at a 45 degree angle.
- Drill three pilot holes on each side of the bar with a 1/8 inch drill bit and fill the holes with a small amount of silicone caulk. Insert the wall anchors, so that the screws will hold firmly in place.
- Secure the safety bar on the wall by screwing in each side to the wall. Add more caulk over the screws and follow by covering with flange covers, if they were included in your safety bar kit. Once everything is attached, pull hard on the safety bar to ensure that it is secured.