Ever been stuck in a toilet cubicle?
It’s not fun.
One person who can relate to this is Lola Bridger, whose video of being stuck in the toilet on her first day in a new job went viral back in October.
Liked by 450,000 and with more than 3,800 comments from people relating and sharing their own toilet nightmares, it seems dodgy locks and sticking doors are something we all fear – and that too many of us have experienced!
But it shouldn’t be happening.
Stubborn locks and cubicle doors create a negative experience for users. Whether it’s fleeting panic until a good yank releases the door or an SOS call to the emergency service (over recent years the fire brigade has rescued more than 650 people from locked toilets) – it’s a poor use of resources and unnecessary distress for the individual involved.
So how do you avoid it? What can be done to make sure toilet cubicle doors open safely?
Here our team of toilet cubicle and hardware specialists investigate the problem – and how to easily solve it!
What causes toilet doors to stick?
· Wear and tear
As with everything, locks, hinges, and door frames will deteriorate over time. Constant opening, shutting, and heavy-handed use will wear away at fittings, affecting functionality and potentially causing problems over time.
· Dirt and grime
Locks that once slid effortlessly into place may become difficult to budge. This is usually down to a build-up of dust and dirt clogging the mechanisms, preventing free-flowing components.
· Rust
Toilets are typically damp environments, which can impact fixtures and fittings. Metal locks, hinges and handles will quickly rust making using them increasingly difficult to use.
· Swelling
A damp setting isn’t just the enemy of metal fittings, it can also have an impact on the cubicle door itself and surrounding panelling. Swollen frames can stick or distort – making doors stick or preventing locks from aligning.
· Human error
Sometimes it’s not the lock itself but the way it’s being handled – but that’s still no excuse! If people struggle to grip and manoeuvre the lock mechanism, then it’s not performing adequately.
How to solve the problem
For toilet cubicle doors to work effectively – and continue working – there are several things you can do:
Invest in quality
The best and easiest way to eradicate issues with toilet cubicle doors is to ensure that only high-quality fixtures and fittings are used.
Look out for ergonomic designs that allow users of all ages and abilities to easily operate them.
In terms of materials, aluminium is a great choice. Highly durable, non-porous and resistant to corrosion are just some of the many benefits.
Making smart choices, such as investing in the innovative Burstcatch lock is also a great idea. Yes, it may be a little more expensive initially, but the value and longevity soon balance this out.
With a Burstcatch lock, not only is it impossible to get locked in (the door is automatically released when subjected to a little excessive force) but this clever design also means, should emergency access ever be required, it can be gained quickly and without unnecessary damage or expense.
Keep up with maintenance
Quality fittings are all well and good but these need to be well maintained, lubricated, and kept clean to ensure mechanisms continue to work properly.
To avoid mishaps, it’s important to regularly check doors, locks, and hinges, tightening any loose fittings or screws as necessary.
If any elements become damaged, replace them immediately.
Use professional installation
Fitting a new lock isn’t rocket science but get it wrong and it can impede the functionality, making opening and closing much harder than it should be. So if DIY isn’t your thing, seek the help of a professional – you’ll be glad you did.
Prevent problems
With an extensive range of toilet cubicles right through to high-quality door locks, hinges, and handles, here at M&P Cubicle and Hardware Supplies, we have everything you need to keep toilet users safe, comfortable and secure.
Shop online now or for more help and advice on enhancing your toilet cubicles, why not get in touch with the team?