bathrooms

A bathroom is a room in a building equipped for personal hygiene. In most homes, it contains a toilet, a sink, and one or more bathing facilities, such as a shower or bathtub. Some bathrooms are en suites, adjoining a bedroom; others are half-baths (powder rooms) with a toilet and sink only. Public buildings provide restrooms for use by occupants and visitors, often with separate facilities by sex.

Key components include plumbing supply and waste systems, water heaters, ventilation, lighting, and durable waterproof finishes. Typical fixtures are the toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub, and may also include bidets, urinals, or bidet seats in some regions. Surfaces are selected for moisture resistance and ease of cleaning, with materials such as ceramic tile, porcelain, acrylic, or cultured stone.

Design considerations focus on space planning, accessibility, and safety. Fixture placement must respect plumbing and load constraints while providing comfortable movement. Accessibility guidelines often require grab bars, reachable controls, and spaces for wheelchair access. Safety features include slip-resistant flooring, adequate ventilation, proper sealing, and temperature controls to reduce scalding risk.

Maintenance and efficiency emphasize regular cleaning, leak detection, mold prevention, and energy- and water-saving practices. Low-flow toilets and faucets, efficient heaters, and proper insulation reduce resource use. In public facilities, sanitation protocols, maintenance schedules, and compliance with local codes govern operation and accessibility standards.