September 28, 2023

Do Plumbers Install Grab Bars?

Yes, plumbers might be able to install grab bars, but it depends on their experience. To ensure your grab bars are safely and properly installed, it’s important that the person installing the grab bars has experience with and understands the requirements for installing on hollow walls as well as drilling into stud walls for secure anchoring. This is a skillset that both plumbers and handymen can have.

What’s the difference between plumbers and handymen?

• Plumbers: They are experts with working with water lines and fixtures, but installing grab bars might not be part of their typical service. However, some plumbers who have experience with different wall types (studs vs. hollow walls) could be qualified to install them.
• Handymen: They often have a wider range of skills and might be a good option for grab bar installation, especially if they have experience with bathroom renovations or installing fixtures.

If you’re looking for someone to install grab bars, it’s recommended to ask about their experience with this specific task. You can also consider getting quotes from both plumbers and handymen in your area.

If you need help finding a professional to install grab bars, we’ve made it super easy for you! Just fill out this Grab Bar Installation Request Form and within a few hours one of our installers from our network of over 500 independent professional grab bar installers across the United States will get in touch with you.

How can I decide whether to hire a plumber or a handyman to install my grab bars?

Consider the Complexity of the Installation:

• Simple Installation: If the grab bar location has easy access to wall studs and requires basic drilling and anchoring, a handyman with experience in bathroom fixtures could be a good option.
• Complex Installation: For trickier situations like:
  • Walls without accessible studs (hollow walls)
  • Needing reinforcement behind the wall
  • Installing grab bars in a shower with tile (risk of hitting pipes)
  • Having specific needs for weight capacity or grab bar features, a plumber with experience in bathroom renovations or a home disability retrofit contractor might be a better choice. They’ll have the expertise to handle potential plumbing concerns and ensure secure anchoring even without traditional studs.

Think About Your Budget:

• Generally, handyman services are more affordable than plumbers or specialized contractors.

Look for Reviews and Recommendations:

• Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations on reliable handymen or plumbers in your area with experience in grab bar installation.
• Check online review platforms to see what past customers say about their experience with different service providers.

Here’s a quick decision tree to help you choose:

• Simple installation, budget is a priority: Hire a handyman with experience in bathroom fixtures.
• Complex installation, safety is paramount, or specific needs: Hire a plumber experienced in bathroom renovations or a home disability retrofit contractor.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to contact both plumbers and handymen in your area. Ask them the questions and get quotes for the job. This will give you a clearer picture of their experience, qualifications, and pricing to make an informed decision.

What questions should I ask plumbers & handymen before hiring them to install grab bars?

Experience and Qualifications:

1. Do you have experience installing grab bars? How many have you installed?
2. Are you familiar with the different types of grab bars and their weight capacities?
3. Can you explain the process of installing grab bars in both stud walls and hollow walls?

Safety and Installation:

1. How will you determine the location of studs in the wall to ensure secure anchoring of the grab bars?
2. What type of hardware will you use to mount the grab bars?
3. Are you aware of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines for grab bar placement and installation? (These guidelines are not mandatory for private homes, but they offer good recommendations for safety and usability.)
4. What is your process for minimizing damage to walls during installation?

Additional Considerations:

1. Do you carry liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance?
2. Can you provide references from past clients who have had grab bars installed?
3. What is your estimated cost for the installation, including labor and materials?
4. Do you offer a warranty on your work?
5. Would you be able to help me choose the right grab bars for my needs?

By asking these questions, you can get a good sense of the plumber or handyman’s qualifications and experience with grab bar installation. This will help you choose someone who can do the job safely and securely.

No matter which type of professional you hire to install grab bars, you should always have a safety assessment with that person first either in person or virtually to determine the type of grab bars you need and their placement on your bathroom walls. When considering the installation of grab bars, especially for seniors or individuals with mobility issues, it’s crucial to ensure that the installation is done correctly to provide the necessary safety and support. 

If you are in need of grab bars, take a look at all of our ADA-compliant grab bars here: Grab Bars

If you have any other questions about grab bars or ned help submitting the Grab Bar Installation Request Form, give us a call at 704-800-4629, live chat with us on GrabBars.com or email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help you out.