DRAIN POSITION VS HEIGHT OF PAN – The “normal” pan is 1-3/4” to 2”, and you may need a ramp. Those showers can have their drains on the left, right, or center.  NOTE: if you have a barrier free pan, with the threshold is less then 1 ¾” high, then you MUST have the drain in the center of the pan. 

Is there a difference between those showers that are designated “Barrier Free” and those showers that are designated “ADA Approved”?  Yes.  The ADA designation is generally for commercial applications and is much stricter and has certain standards that facilitate the movement of a wheel chair into and in a shower.  Some people want to be assured of meeting those standards and for that reason specify ADA only. For most residential needs we offer the Barrier Free line.

What is the significance of “B17” on the model number?  That means that the threshold is 1-3/4” high. There is a complete description of our numbering system in this book. 

The last letter of the code of “B17T” is the letter “T”.  What does that mean?  The last code can be either a “T” or a “B”.  These codes relate to the style of threshold.  The “T” threshold is a square threshold of the same height.  This meets the VA handicap adaptable programs.  Also it is required if people choose to recess the shower into the floor. The “B” threshold is beveled and slopes into the shower.  This is the preferred style for wheelchairs.

Is the Ramp 57” x 21” necessary for the barrier free showers? Most customers do not feel that it is necessary but some, with more limited mobility, do feel it is necessary.  You still definitely need the rubber water retainer.

What is the Gray Rubber Water Retainer?  This accessory is called the WaterStopper and is a specially molded rubber piece that is permanently adhered to the edge of low threshold showers from side to side to retain water. Because it is made of soft pliable rubber it collapse when rolled over by a wheel chair and pops back into place. When combined with a weighted shower curtain you can offer a very effective water retainment system for accessible needs.

What is the Semi-Permanent Threshold Adapter? It is generally placed over the rubber WaterStopper with silicone adhesive to offer a variety of future options to the homeowner.  It is constructed from metal and will support a shower door. It is 2-1/2” higher than the existing threshold. If, in the future a barrier free threshold is necessary, the Semi-Permanent Threshold can easily be removed making the shower barrier free once again. It can be ordered in a color that matches the shower.

What is a Modular Ramp?  It is a ramp that is put together on site.  It is very rugged and light and has a skid resistant surface.  It is appropriate for the 1-3/4” thresholds.  It can be cut on site if there’s an obstruction such as a toilet that you have to work around.

Barrier Free showers are defined as having thresholds up to 2-1/4” high.  If you order a 1” threshold which is beveled, it rises about ¼” on the inside and then it is beveled and slopes towards the back of the shower.  From the outside, it’s a straight step up between ¾” to 2-1/4”.  If they have a problem with that, they need a ramp.

When I choose a shower model, can I choose where to put the drain, left or right? Yes but only if the threshold is 1-3/4 or more.  If the threshold is lower than 1 ¾ inches the drain has to go in the middle.

Is it better to put the drain in the center if the tub is deeper than 30”?  It is not necessary to put it in the center as long as the threshold is higher than 1-3/4”.  Installation is much easier when you locate the drain to match the existing drain location in the house.

How big does a shower have to be to allow for the maneuvering of a wheel chair?  34 inches is generally considered a minimum space to maneuver a wheel chair. All ADA approved models meet this requirement. We advise you to consider the individual situation, some people transfer to a fold down shower chair, or they use a shower wheelchair, etc.  So it depends.

There is mention in the material of the “Remodeling Line” Yes, it means multi-piece which allows the units to installed one panel at a time. This is particularly useful in remodeling projects where a shower needs to be installed inside a home where a one-piece unit would not fit through the door or around corners. Taking one piece at a time upstairs is also much easier to install.