Is it OK to put towel bar over toilet?

Quick Answer

It is generally not recommended to install a towel bar directly above a toilet. The main reason for this is that the towel could fall into the toilet while in use, coming into contact with bacteria and contaminants. Additionally, the proximity of the towel bar to the toilet means that flushing can propel microbes and particles upwards via the air, contaminating the towels. While not illegal or prohibited, most experts advise against towel bars over toilets for sanitary reasons.

Should You Put a Towel Bar Above the Toilet?

Installing a towel bar, ring or rack directly over the toilet is generally not advised. Here are some key reasons why it is better to avoid placing towels bars above toilets:

Sanitation and Hygiene Concerns

– Towels hanging above the toilet can easily fall into the bowl, picking up bacteria and germs. This contaminates the towel and can spread illness and infection when used.

– Flushing the toilet releases a fine mist of water droplets that can carry microbes upwards. Hanging towels in this zone risks them becoming contaminated.

– Reaching for towels above the toilet means your hands pass directly over the toilet area, increasing the chance of hand contamination.

Inconvenient Access

– It can be awkward stretching over the toilet to reach for a towel. Installing the towel ring or bar just above the toilet may make access difficult.

– For children or people of short stature, reaching a high towel bar over the toilet may be challenging or impossible without stepping on the toilet seat.

Aesthetic Factors

– Hanging towels over the toilet can appear cluttered and unsightly. Most interior designers recommend against it for aesthetic reasons.

– Steam from the shower can gather on surfaces above the toilet, causing moisture damage, mold and peeling over time.

Safety Issues

– Reaching for towels above the toilet risks slips or falls, especially when getting out of the shower or bath. Placing towels within easy reach helps prevent accidents.

– Towel bars installed into drywall without reinforcement could pull away or detach if used for support, causing injury.

Better Positions for Towel Bars in Bathrooms

If a towel bar or ring is needed near the toilet, there are better positions that avoid the drawbacks of installing one directly above the bowl. Recommended alternatives include:

On a Side Wall

– Mounting the towel bar on a side wall close to the toilet provides convenient access while keeping towels safely away from toilet spray and steam.

– Side wall bars should be installed at least 12 inches horizontally from the toilet to maintain a sanitary distance.

Above the Toilet Tank

– While not ideal, mounting a towel ring on the wall above the toilet tank is slightly better than directly over the bowl.

– This minimizes exposure to flushing spray compared to positions centered over the bowl.

On the Back of the Door

– Hanging towels on the back of the bathroom door provides access without any sanitation issues.

– Door-mounted towel racks come in over-door and reversible styles to work on most doors.

Independent Towel Stand

– A free-standing towel valet, tree or ladder placed close to the toilet is an easy solution.

– They provide handy access without drilling into walls, and can be moved as needed.

Tips for Installation

If you do opt to install a towel bar near an existing toilet, here are some tips:

– Measure carefully to ensure the towel bar is high enough to avoid interfering with the toilet tank lid. Mark locations with a level.

– Use reinforced anchors suited for tile walls and moist environments. Avoid hollow drywall anchors prone to loosening.

– Select high quality stainless steel, brass or ceramic bars that resist corrosion and loosening. Cheap towel racks tend to fail.

– For side wall mounting near a toilet, place a minimum of 12 inches horizontally from the bowl to prevent contamination.

– Install bars into studs or use hollow wall anchors rated for at least 50 pounds to support weight.

Conclusion

While not prohibited, mounting towel bars directly over toilets is inadvisable due to sanitation concerns, limited accessibility and aesthetic issues. To avoid contaminated towels and potential safety hazards, it is smarter to install towel bars on a side wall, back of the door or standalone rack nearby. But if installing near an existing toilet, take precautions with placement, reinforcement and high quality bars. With careful planning, you can find an optimal towel bar position to conveniently access towels without the drawbacks of hanging them above the toilet itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it against building code to put a towel bar over the toilet?

No, there is no building code or regulation prohibiting installing a towel bar over the toilet. However, bathroom experts strongly advise against it for hygiene and convenience reasons.

Whatproblems can happen with towel bars over the toilet?

Potential problems include towels falling into the toilet, microbial cross-contamination, moisture damage to surfaces, limited accessibility, and safety issues from loose or poorly installed bars.

Can you get sick from touching towels above the toilet?

Yes, there is an increased risk of getting sick from contaminated towels if they are hung directly above the toilet. Bacteria and viruses from flushing can transfer to towels and spread illness.

What is the recommended minimum distance between a towel bar and toilet?

Bathroom designers recommend a minimum of 12 inches horizontal distance between a towel bar and the centerline of the toilet to minimize contamination. More distance is preferable.

Where is the best place to install a towel bar near the toilet?

The best positions are on a side wall at least 12 inches from toilet, on the back of the door, or a freestanding towel rack moved nearby. Above the toilet tank is slightly better than directly over the bowl if necessary.

Safety Precautions When Installing Towel Bars Near Toilets

Proper installation is key to keeping towel bars safely secured. Here are important precautions to take:

Use Suitable Wall Anchors

– For tile and masonry walls, use screw or bolt anchors rated to hold 50 lbs or more.

– For drywall, use hollow wall anchors able to hold repeated pulling weight. Avoid lightweight plastic anchors.

Reinforce Mounting Locations

– When possible, install into wall studs for maximum strength. Use a stud finder to locate them.

– If not over studs, use toggling anchors that swivel into the wall cavity for better resistance.

Check for Hidden Plumbing or Wiring

– Use an electrical or stud finder to check for pipes or wires before drilling holes. Hitting plumbing can cause a leak.

Use Corrosion Resistant Materials

– Opt for towel bars made of stainless steel, ceramic or solid brass – avoid bars with plastic or painted finishes.

Clean and Dry Surfaces

– Install bars on dry wall surfaces only. Use alcohol to clean off soap film and wipe tiles dry before applying anchors.

Allow Proper Curing Time

– For adhesive anchors, allow 24-48 hours curing time before using. Mechanical anchors gain strength more quickly.

Check Weight Ratings

– Do not exceed the weight limits of the anchors used. Heavier bars require more reinforcement.

Following these precautions will help assure towel bars are sturdy. But it’s still best to avoid the area directly over toilets when possible.

Examples of Better Positions for Towel Bars Near Toilets

On Side Wall

Mounting a towel bar on a side wall close to the toilet keeps towels easily accessible but safely away from the toilet itself. 12-24 inches of horizontal distance from the toilet is ideal.

Above Toilet Tank

If a towel bar must be installed near an existing toilet, positioning it above the tank is marginally better than directly over the bowl.

On Back of Door

Hanging towels on the back of the bathroom door provides a handy option without sanitation or accessibility issues.

Freestanding Towel Stand

A movable freestanding towel stand or valet can be positioned wherever needed, without installing into walls.

Safety Tips When Accessing Towels Near Toilets

If towels must be accessed near the toilet, keep these safety tips in mind:

– Retrieve towels prior to using the toilet to avoid reaching over unflushed bowls.

– Take care when bending down or reaching up high, especially when exiting the shower. Use grab bars for stability.

– Do not pull hard on newly installed bars for at least 24 hours to allow anchors to fully cure.

– Check bars periodically for looseness. Tighten or replace loose anchors to prevent detaching from the wall.

– Consider lowering bars for children or those needing wheelchair access so towels can be reached easily.

– Never mount bars into drywall without sufficient anchors. Use studs or hollow wall anchors made for heavy weight.

– Follow all manufacturer instructions carefully for proper installation of towel bars and anchors.

How to Fix a Loose Towel Bar Near the Toilet

Over time, towel bars may work loose near the vibration and moisture of toilets. Here’s how to fix:

Assess the Damage

– Has the anchor pulled out partially or completely? Is the wall or drywall damaged?

– Are any pieces of the bar assembly broken, rusted or corroded?

Remove the Bar

– Take down the bar safely. Wear gloves in case of rust or sharp edges.

– Clean off old caulk, adhesive or wall material thoroughly.

Install New Anchor Points

– For drywall, use new toggler style hollow wall anchors rated for 50+ lbs.

– For tile/masonry walls, install screw in wall anchors for extra strength.

– Make sure surface is clean and dry before installing anchors.

Replace Towel Bar

– A new bar may be needed if the old one is damaged or heavily corroded. Use solid brass or stainless steel.

– Carefully realign bar to desired position. Follow manufacturer instructions.

– Tighten securely but do not overtighten. Test for stability.

Seal Anchor Points

– Seal anchors with silicone caulk to prevent moisture loosening the anchors over time.

– Allow full 24 hours curing before using the bar again.

Conclusion

While legal, placing towel bars directly above toilets has enough drawbacks that most experts do not recommend it. For convenience and better hygiene, bars are best installed a safe distance away on side walls, doors or standalone racks. But if you must mount a bar near an existing toilet, take care to position above the tank, use corrosion-resistant materials, reinforced mounting techniques and follow safety advice when reaching for towels. Periodically check for looseness and promptly fix to keep towel bars secure in the humid bathroom environment. With proper installation and positioning, it is possible to provide handy towel access next to a toilet without sacrificing safety or sanitation.