If you want to be kind to a back that just can't bend without pain, one of the most
effective ways is to get the plumbing environment in harmony with the needs
of that back. And the first and second places to look for the culprits that are
keeping that back sore or worse are the bathroom and the kitchen.
The
next time you use either—coming away hurting—ask yourself what the least stressful
arrangement would be. You'll find that the sinks are way too low and the
faucet apparatus is too low and far back. I raised my bathroom sink 14 inches
(which forced me to raise a towel rack) and my kitchen sink 8 inches.
With
the kitchen sink, I had a box made for the raised sink; the box measurements
are 39 inches by 24.75 inches by 8 inches tall. Our handyman installed in
the back of this sink box, from left to right: the air button garbage disposal
control, the faucet pipe, the hot-and-cold valve handle, the sprayer, and the filtered
water faucet.
In both the hall bathroom and kitchen, I tossed
the current faucets and got ones whose handles stuck out several inches for easier
use and whose faucet pipes extend forward 10 inches and upward 9 inches.
They're called the Moen Monticello Inspirations (in the Kitchen I had the Swing & Spray added on) and for the valve handle that
sticks out forward, I got the Side Valve single handle control. The Moen site did
not show the faucet with this side valve handle, but the plumber can do it for
you so no sweat.
My bedroom's bathroom sink was too much trouble
for anyone to raise, but I had the crummy faucet fixture replaced with a neat looking
gold one that extends forward 5 inches and upward 7 inches. It's called
the American Standard Amaralis Gooseneck widespread, and I got what they call Cross handles. The American Standard company also has
wrist blade handles and others that may be easier for folks with hand coordination
control.
I no longer have fixtures in my environment that are out
to get me (was that too paranoid?).
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