One of the most abused areas of a restroom is the stalls or partitions. There are many ways we can deter vandalism as well as prepare ourselves for quick fixes when vandalism happens. Let’s take a look at some of the ways we can upgrade our facility.
Partition Walls
Vandals are likely to write or draw on partition walls using markers and spray paint. The content displayed can sometimes be vulgar or offensive, so it is important to remove this as soon as possible.
Having a graffiti remover on hand such as Goof Off Graffiti Remover is important to be able to quickly clean this off.
Partition Hardware
In terms of physical damage to the stall itself, it is a good idea to upgrade your hardware. Older partition hardware is likely to fail more often than newly installed upgraded hardware.
When replacing items like latches and coat hooks, a smart choice would be to use a “Fix-It Kit”. These kits come with a metal cover plate and ensure that you are not reusing the same screw holes which may become stripped or compromised over time. This plate also adds to the overall strength and durability of the hardware.
- #63648 Fit-It-Kit Inswing Latch
- #63649 Fit-It Kit Door Bumper and Coat Hook
Both of these kits come with tamperproof fasteners as well so they cannot be easily removed. Tamperproof fasteners are a great option for all of the hardware in your restroom partitions from latches and hinges to brackets and pilaster posts.
Speaking of pilasters, another product to keep in mind is pilaster support posts. These support posts not only help to stabilize partition walls when installing, but also, if left intact, can act as an additional piece of support for the wall as it gives another point of contact with the ground and increased the overall durability of your partition stalls.
Check out or selection of partition hardware here
Out-Of-Service Stalls
What about when your stalls are out of order? How are you preventing unwanted visits to the toilets and urinals that are not working properly?
You may want to look at the proper signage and barricades to insure these out-of-service fixtures are no messed with.
Best Plumbing offers a Restroom Stall Block-Aide that conveniently slides between the door and the wall of the partition, essentially blocking entry to the stall until maintenance can be done.
Check out the block-aide HERE
An alternative to the block-aide is the Jani-Wrap Cover Sheets.
These self-adhesive sheets of polyethylene plastic are an attractive solution for sealing off out-of-order urinals and toilets from unwanted use.
Now let's take a look at some ways to vandal-proof fixtures in your restrooms
Aerators
Vandal-resistant aerators are very useful as they prevent users from removing and/or damaging them. This style of aerator is specially designed to spin freely once installed and can’t be removed without a specific aerator key.
The #14710 multi-use key is an all-in-one tool that works on 5 different sizes and styles of aerators
Best Plumbing Specialties actually offers a full assortment kit of vandal-proof aerators so you can always have the size and style you need on your stockroom shelves when it comes time to maintain and replace them. This box also contains the all-in-one key.
Of course, these vandal-proof aerators can also be purchased individually. Best Plumbing Specialties has a broad selection so you can find the ones you need.
Faucets and Soap Dispensers
A general rule of thumb rule to combat vandalism in your restrooms is to switch from handled to hands-free or metering faucets.
These types of faucets have their own timing mechanism and will prevent continuous water flow which also acts as a deterrent to vandals from flooding bathrooms.
Another thing to consider with faucets is their sturdiness.
Some manufacturers design extra sturdy “heavy-duty” faucets with solid-cast brass bodies, resilient chrome finish, and Torx head screws that require special tool servicing.
With soap dispensers, using automatic options will deter overuse, just like faucets.
Also, using foam soap within the dispensers helps to minimize the volume of slippery substances that a troublemaker may use to create a headache in the restroom.
Toilets and Urinals Flush Valves
Vandalism on flushvalves usually happens by way of kicking or striking the flush handle in an attempt to damage it. When it comes to toilets and urinals, especially in public facilities, you should definitely consider having a sensor-operated flush valve to help avoid vandalism.
Also, if possible, concealed valves are the ideal choice, especially when protected by a stainless steel or metal wall plate with vandal-resistant screws for maintenance-only access.
Shower Heads
Similar to aerators, vandal-proof shower heads require a special key for removal and installation. These shower heads are great for retrofits and institutional and multi-unit housing facilities.
For instance, the Niagara Conservation vandal-proof shower head. This shower head works great for a variety of commercial or public shower applications where tampering, theft, or removal are of concern.
Drinking Fountains
There are many options for reducing vandalism on your water fountains.
A mechanical front bubbler activation button is less likely to be damaged than a knob or push bar.
Additionally, a vandal-resistant bubbler head may feature heavy-duty one-piece construction and be keyed into position to prevent unwanted rotation.
For example, Elkay vandal-resistant bubbler kit. This bubbler kit is vandal-resistant, has a one-piece chrome-plated bubbler, and works best with Elkay water coolers, bottle filling stations, and drinking fountains.
With that, Vandal Proof drinking fountains may also feature tamper-proof fastening for the bubblers, bottle fillers, and security panels.
Final Thoughts
At some point in time, most of us have had the experience of walking into a public area where fixtures have been damaged, broken, or simply just don’t work.
So, incorporating vandal and tamper-resistant measures help to reduce the risk of damage. Nonetheless, the best way to combat vandalism is by equipping your facility with the highest degree of durability and defense.
From commercial to government facilities, Best Plumbing Specialties can help with all of your vandal-proof parts and supplies.
For more information, contact a BPS sales rep today!