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CD43 · Jun 3, 2012, 05:00 AM

I currently have a "Rain Shower" that I love, but need to add a hand held shower head for my son who is now paraplegic, due to a motorcycle accident on New Years Eve. I also enjoy Bubble Baths, so I need my Rain Shower, Hand Held and Tub Faucet to operate independently of the others! We are doing a complete remodel of the bathroom to make it ADA compliant, so all the plumbing will be replaced. What kind of "diverter" or "valve" or both, do I need to add to my shopping list? Thanks so much for this forum, and for your help!
Cindy

speedball1 · Jun 3, 2012, 06:57 AM

What you're looking for is a double shower arm, (see image). Then you can install a shower head on one side and a hand held shower on the other. Check 56them out at Dual shower heads from FAMOUS PLUMBING SUPPLY
You may also install an shut off on your shower head(see image) so it won't run while your son's showering. Sorry to hear about your son. I'm in my 80's and I still ride. Good luck, bTom

CD43 · Jun 3, 2012, 07:06 AM

Thanks so much for your reply Tom! I'm so glad I found this forum, I've been researching this for day's!
Cindy

speedball1 · Jun 3, 2012, 07:19 AM

Hey Cindy, We're just glad we could help. Tom

ma0641 · Jun 3, 2012, 09:11 AM

Hey Tom, even an OF like me learned something today, thanks, Brian

massplumber2008 · Jun 3, 2012, 10:10 AM

In a case like this I think you are better off installing a 3-port in-wall diverter valve. Here, the diverter valve will send water to the hand-held shower, the rain shower head or the tub valve individually.

Symmons makes a nice 3-port diverter (see image). You'll also need a wall elbow (see other image) so you can hook the hose up from the hand-held shower unit. Note here also, that you will most likely also need to purchase a vacuum breaker for the hand-held shower unit (prevents backflow if the hand-held shower drops in the tub).

You could also install single control diverters... basically in-wall shutoffs for each function.

Glad to discuss more if you like...

Mark

speedball1 · Jun 3, 2012, 01:58 PM

Marks correct but we're talking remodel here and I don't think that 's what Cindy had in mind. Then there's the cost to factor in. While Mark gave her the absolute best I gave her the easiest, most quick and least costly. So which one will Cindy choose? Door#1 or door#2,
Cheers, Tom

CD43 · Jun 4, 2012, 05:43 AM

Thank You Mark for your recommendations, I will consider these options as I continue researching today, to get the final touches on my material's list! Tom is right... I am working with a budget, so we'll see.
Cindy

massplumber2008 · Jun 4, 2012, 06:38 AM

We're doing a, "complete remodel of the bathroom to make it ADA compliant", right Cindy?

If so, then this is a good time to make this bathroom work for you and your son.

In this case, I'm betting your son will want to control as much of the bathing experience as possible. For that to be possible, you need to install a diverter valve at a height that allows him to shift from one shower head to the other, or from tub to hand-held shower, etc. You'll also want to install that sliding shower bar so he can reach and use the hand-held shower or simply place it at a height that he likes and wash in that manner. Having worked with the paraplegic patient population for about 12 years or so I noticed that INDEPENDENCE, or as much independence as they could have in daily activities was most important to them. I'm guessing/hoping that will be the same for your son!

You will obviously be installing grab bars for him to grab, but depending on the level of involvement here you may even want to install grab bars for you to work off (increase leverage for shifting/lifting duties), too.

Finally, be sure to check with your local building department on its ADA requirements as some towns have different ADA requirements which supersede national standards.

Best wishes to you and your family.