Grab Bars needed in shower.

[Carl in Tampa]

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I need to have grab bars installed in my shower and bathtub areas.

Both areas are the prefabricated vinyl insert type of installation. I've been told that they are subject to cracking and breaking if the installation is not done by someone skilled in this kind of work.

I would appreciate recommendations for a good installer to get this work done.

With my present mobility issues this is an important safety issue.

Thanks.

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[kgentile1010]

I had this done and used Abshier Shelving & Mirror. I don't remember how much the grab bars where, but the install was $125 for three items. They did a VERY good job.

[Carl in Tampa]

Thanks for the response. I've given them a call.

[Carl in Tampa]

I finally got a response from Abshier Shelving & Mirror. They do not do grab bars in vinyl showers and baths.

They recommended Mike Scott Plumbing. They were skeptical that there may not be "backing" to attach the grab bars to, but will come tomorrow to evaluate the situation and give a free estimate.

[Jim 9922]

Try Grab Bar Bob. That's all he does. He advertises in the Daily Sun. Had a small box ad in one of the last few day's edition.

[Carl in Tampa]

Thanks, Jim.

[dblwyr]

Here is info on Grab Bar Bob. Very good, that is all he does.

352. 821.6860

[sunny46]

This is a hint for all Villagers that have grab bars installed. I searched and searched for covers for them like they use on our pools. The bars get very slick when they are wet. After finding nothing available for my sizes, my husband came up with a great idea. Purchase some pipe insulation large enough to cover your bar! It comes already split and all you have to do is cut it to size. It is foam so easy to work with and:coolsmiley: a very cheap alternative. Brilliant huh???

[Carl in Tampa]

Try Grab Bar Bob. That's all he does. He advertises in the Daily Sun. Had a small box ad in one of the last few day's edition.

I talked to Bob, but do not feel his method of installation would meet my needs.

I guess I'll make another call to Mike Scott Plumbing. They came out and looked at the situation and said they would have to cut out a piece of wall on the back side in order to install board backing to anchor the grab bar to. This would be acceptable to me, but they won't repair the wall. I'll have to get someone else to do that.

They were supposed to call back with a cost estimate, but haven't done so.

I'd like to find someone who would do the entire job.

[hoseman]

Is this shower stall/bathtub against an outside or inside wall? If against an inside wall, someone could open up the backside wall and install wood blocking attached to studs (that reach out to the back of the fiberglass shower/tub wall then the grab bar can be screwed to the fiberglass wall (catching the solid wood) with minimal disruption). Fixing drywall is easy.

If against an outside wall, check out stuff like this
Install grab bars in fiberglass showers with The Solid Mount (http://www.backtobasics.net/faq.htm)

[LndLocked]

I am pretty sure that a "solid mount" type system is what Grab Bar Bob uses. Carl ... is that the impression you got?

Considering how metal studs are used in TV on non-load bearing walls ... I wonder how well a solid mount system works.

[CFrance]

Carl, have you called the Warranty Department? They have given us contractor recommendations for all sorts of tweaks to our house.