How to Install an ADA-Compliant Under-Sink Plumbing Shield

Begin by completely clearing out the cabinet or open space beneath the sink to ensure you have unobstructed access to the plumbing. It's recommended to turn off the hot and cold water supply valves (angle stops) by turning their handles clockwise until they stop. This is a precautionary measure in case a pipe is accidentally jostled. Lay a drop cloth or an old towel on the floor of the cabinet to protect the surface and make cleanup easier. Unpack your ADA Under-Sink Shield Kit, laying out all the pieces. Carefully read the manufacturer's instructions, as they may contain specific details for your model. Finally, put on your safety glasses.

With the area clear, use a flexible tape measure to determine the dimensions of the pipes that need covering. Measure the length and approximate circumference of the P-trap assembly, the vertical tailpiece coming from the sink drain, and the hot and cold water supply lines. Pay special attention to the hot water line, as it is the primary burn risk. Compare these measurements to the pieces of the shield kit. Use a non-permanent marker or a grease pencil to mark where you will need to trim the vinyl material to fit snugly around the pipes, valves, and wall penetrations. Plan your cuts to create openings for the supply lines and drain while maximizing coverage.

Place the marked shield pieces on a stable, cut-safe surface like a piece of scrap plywood or a workbench. Using a sharp, heavy-duty utility knife, carefully cut along the lines you marked. For straight cuts, you can use a straightedge to guide the knife. For curved cutouts, make a series of small, careful cuts. It is always better to cut away less material initially; you can always trim more if needed after a test fit. Once the main cuts are made, use the utility knife, shears, or a file to smooth any sharp or rough edges. This is an important step to comply with the ADA requirement that surfaces be non-abrasive.

Take the largest piece of the trimmed shield, which is designed for the P-trap. Perform a dry fit by wrapping it around the P-trap and drain assembly to check your cuts. Once you confirm the fit, wrap it securely. Align the hook-and-loop fastener strips (e.g., Velcro®) with each other and press them firmly together along their entire length. Ensure the cover is snug and covers the entire trap assembly, from the drain tailpiece connection down through the U-bend and back to the trap arm entering the wall.

Now, take the two smaller shield pieces intended for the water supply lines. Identify the hot water line (usually on the left). Wrap one shield piece around the hot water supply pipe and the corresponding angle stop. Secure it tightly using its hook-and-loop fasteners. The cover should fully insulate the pipe and valve body but allow the handle to be turned. Repeat the exact same process for the cold water supply line on the right. Adjust the positioning of both covers to ensure there are no gaps and the coverage is complete and neat.

Conduct a thorough final inspection of your work. Tug gently on all installed shield pieces to ensure they are securely fastened. Visually confirm that all pipes and potentially abrasive or hot surfaces are covered. Run your hand over the entire installation to feel for any sharp edges you may have missed. Verify that you can still access and operate the shut-off valve handles. Once satisfied, turn the angle stops back on by turning the handles counter-clockwise. Watch the connections for a minute to ensure no leaks were created. Finally, remove the drop cloth and clean up any tools and cutting debris from the area.